SACRAMENTO, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Solar projects on track for approval by California will double the state's ability to generate electricity from solar power, state officials say.
Since August, four major solar projects including a 7,000-acre solar farm billed as the world's largest have won approval from the California Energy Commission, which is expected to OK two more this week, USA Today reported Wednesday.
The solar farms, which use mirrors to concentrate the sun's power to produce heat and generate electricity, could eventually produce enough electricity to power 675,000 homes, the newspaper said.
California has ample sunshine and will need it to meet its big renewable-energy goals. Last week state regulators passed measures requiring one-third of electricity sold in California to come from renewable sources by 2020.
The size of the projects shows how aggressively the state is embracing solar power.
"These are the first projects of this size in the U.S.," Rhone Resch, CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, says. "They're a sign to the rest of the country that solar is here, not a technology of the future."
California's aggressive push for solar is also being driven by an approaching federal deadline for stimulus funds.
Renewable-energy projects must be started by Dec. 31 to get federal cash grants in lieu of tax credits equal to 30 percent of the projects' costs, USA Today reported.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Solar Roof Tiles
"SRS Energy has received tremendous response from homeowners around the globe that have chosen not to invest in a solar power system due to the unsightly aesthetics associated with conventional solar panels," said JD Albert, CEO of SRS Energy. "We are excited to partner with This New House and support their effort in educating homeowners about cutting-edge technology and products."
The SRS Energy Sole Power Tile™ is the first curved solar power product to obtain UL certification and a listing on the California Energy Commission's list of approved solar modules. In July, Sole was installed on the Sunset Magazine Dream Remodel home in Los Gatos, California. SRS Energy began commercial shipments in August and is featured on the ELLE DECOR magazine 2010 Showcase Home in San Francisco, California.
This New House is a new magazine-style series on DIY Network, where co-hosts Amy Matthews and This Old House's Kevin O'Connor bring viewers inside homes that feature innovative building materials. Matthews explores a Sole Power Tile installation in Northern California as part of episode 'Big Heat From Deep Cold.' In addition to the superior aesthetics achieved by preserving the timeless roofline, Matthews highlights the vastly improved and simplified installation. "It's just so complicated to install solar panels on barrel tile roofs," states Matthews. "Up till now, you had to drill through the tile which is brittle and prone to cracking, in order to mount the racks for traditional solar panels. Plus they wreck the roofline, which is a big reason why homeowners go clay barrel in the first place." The segment initially aired on September 16th, and will run again September 29th, October 2nd, October 28th, and October 29th. For show times and more information on This New House, visit http://www.diynetwork.com/this-new-house/show/index.html.
About SRS Energy
SRS Energy develops, manufactures, and markets building integrated photovoltaic ("BIPV") roofing tiles that look, install, and perform like premium steep sloped roofing products. SRS Energy is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit www.srsenergy.com
Contact: Abby Nessa Feinstein
267-515-5895 x102
afeinstein@srsenergy.com
The SRS Energy Sole Power Tile™ is the first curved solar power product to obtain UL certification and a listing on the California Energy Commission's list of approved solar modules. In July, Sole was installed on the Sunset Magazine Dream Remodel home in Los Gatos, California. SRS Energy began commercial shipments in August and is featured on the ELLE DECOR magazine 2010 Showcase Home in San Francisco, California.
This New House is a new magazine-style series on DIY Network, where co-hosts Amy Matthews and This Old House's Kevin O'Connor bring viewers inside homes that feature innovative building materials. Matthews explores a Sole Power Tile installation in Northern California as part of episode 'Big Heat From Deep Cold.' In addition to the superior aesthetics achieved by preserving the timeless roofline, Matthews highlights the vastly improved and simplified installation. "It's just so complicated to install solar panels on barrel tile roofs," states Matthews. "Up till now, you had to drill through the tile which is brittle and prone to cracking, in order to mount the racks for traditional solar panels. Plus they wreck the roofline, which is a big reason why homeowners go clay barrel in the first place." The segment initially aired on September 16th, and will run again September 29th, October 2nd, October 28th, and October 29th. For show times and more information on This New House, visit http://www.diynetwork.com/this-new-house/show/index.html.
About SRS Energy
SRS Energy develops, manufactures, and markets building integrated photovoltaic ("BIPV") roofing tiles that look, install, and perform like premium steep sloped roofing products. SRS Energy is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit www.srsenergy.com
Contact: Abby Nessa Feinstein
267-515-5895 x102
afeinstein@srsenergy.com
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sharp Gets Another Solar Supply Contract
Sharp Electronics Corporation, a subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a World Leader in Solar Electricity, announced a supply agreement for the 58 MW (DC) (45 MW ac) Avenal photovoltaic solar power facility. When completed, Avenal will be among the largest of its kind in the world.
Avenal consists of three adjacent projects, all located on agricultural land near the city of Avenal in Kings County, Central California. The Avenal Solar Power Facility was developed by Eurus Energy, a global renewable energy development company and is jointly owned by Eurus and NRG Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy (NRG 20.70, -0.05, -0.24%) . All three projects will utilize thin film solar modules from Sharp, a global leader in solar electricity. Ryan Company, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services (PWR 19.30, -0.08, -0.41%) , will perform engineering, procurement and construction for the project.
The power produced by Avenal, enough to power approximately thirty six thousand homes when operating at peak capacity, will be purchased by PG&E under 20-year power purchase agreements approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Construction on the first two projects, Sun City (25 MW DC) and Sand Drag (24 MW DC) will begin immediately and a third, Avenal Park (8 MW DC), is expected to begin construction soon thereafter. When all three are commissioned in mid 2011, they will displace over 225,000 pounds of NOx, 630,000 pounds of SOx and 70,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent of removing nearly 20,000 cars from the road. It's expected the project will create up to 200 total jobs during construction and up to 5 permanent jobs.
"This project is one of the largest solar power installations in the world, and one of the largest Sharp has supplied to date. It also marks a significant step forward for California's renewable energy efforts and we are proud that our cutting edge thin-film modules will help deliver clean power to the residents of California," said Eric Hafter, senior vice president for the Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. "Together with Eurus Energy America and NRG Solar, we are turning land that once used photosynthesis to convert the sun's rays to produce food for our communities into a farm that uses photovoltaics to convert the sun's rays into clean energy for the same communities."
The Sharp thin-film solar panels utilized for the project feature Sharp's tandem-junction design that captures a wider part of the solar spectrum. The panels will be manufactured in the Sharp plant in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. This plant is one of the greenest manufacturing sites in the entire world. Thin-film solar cells have a structure in which thin layers of silicon are deposited onto a glass substrate, enabling a dramatic reduction in the amount of silicon used. The production processes are simpler, thereby lowering production costs.
"Eurus Energy America is excited to team with Sharp on this historic solar installation," said Mark Anderson, president & CEO, Eurus Energy America. "We look forward to growing our portfolio of renewable generation assets and furthering our strong relationship with Sharp, a highly reliable partner with a high quality line of thin-film products."
"With nearly 50 years in the solar electricity business and a commitment to the industry that is supported by one of the world's most advanced solar panel manufacturing facilities, Sharp stands ready to supply the growing market for large scale solar installations," said Kozo Takahashi, CEO and Chairman, Sharp Electronics Corporation.
"Sharp's expertise and experience will be an important contribution to the success of Avenal in adding zero-emission solar power in California and in helping the state meet its ambitious renewable portfolio standard by the end of the decade," said Tom Doyle, President of NRG Solar. "As the current owners of the largest PV site in the state, we are looking forward to joining with our partners on Avenal, Eurus, Sharp and Quanta and the state of California to develop a site that adds more than twice that solar capacity to the state's portfolio."
About Sharp Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(R) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Notevision(R) multimedia projectors, Insight(R) Microwave Drawer appliances, SuperSteam(TM) ovens, Plasmacluster(R) air purifiers and the OnEnergy(TM) solar system. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at www.sharpusa.com.
About Eurus Energy America Eurus Energy America (www.eurusenergy.com) is the wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eurus Energy Holdings and is responsible for North American renewable energy development and investment, currently comprising approximately 600 megawatts in wind power generation. Eurus Energy Holdings, owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, is a global developer, owner and operator of renewable energy facilities, including both wind and solar, with more than 1,900 megawatts worldwide. Eurus Energy America, headquartered in San Diego, California, has been active in the renewable energy sector in the United States for over twenty years, beginning operations of its first renewable power projects in California in 1987.
About NRG and NRG Solar NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, owns and operates one of the country's largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company's power plants provide more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity -- enough to supply more than 20 million homes. NRG's retail business, Reliant Energy, serves 1.6 million residential, business, commercial and industrial customers in Texas.
NRG Solar is responsible for developing, constructing, financing and operating a multi-technology portfolio of solar power assets in North America. NRG owns the largest operating photovoltaic solar project in California, a 21 MW facility in Blythe. The solar power generated at Blythe alone will displace approximately 27,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually -- the equivalent of taking over 4,800 cars off the road.
A past recipient of the energy industry's highest honors -- Platts Industry Leadership and Energy Company of the Year awards, NRG is a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of business and environmental organizations calling for mandatory legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.
Avenal consists of three adjacent projects, all located on agricultural land near the city of Avenal in Kings County, Central California. The Avenal Solar Power Facility was developed by Eurus Energy, a global renewable energy development company and is jointly owned by Eurus and NRG Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy (NRG 20.70, -0.05, -0.24%) . All three projects will utilize thin film solar modules from Sharp, a global leader in solar electricity. Ryan Company, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services (PWR 19.30, -0.08, -0.41%) , will perform engineering, procurement and construction for the project.
The power produced by Avenal, enough to power approximately thirty six thousand homes when operating at peak capacity, will be purchased by PG&E under 20-year power purchase agreements approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Construction on the first two projects, Sun City (25 MW DC) and Sand Drag (24 MW DC) will begin immediately and a third, Avenal Park (8 MW DC), is expected to begin construction soon thereafter. When all three are commissioned in mid 2011, they will displace over 225,000 pounds of NOx, 630,000 pounds of SOx and 70,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent of removing nearly 20,000 cars from the road. It's expected the project will create up to 200 total jobs during construction and up to 5 permanent jobs.
"This project is one of the largest solar power installations in the world, and one of the largest Sharp has supplied to date. It also marks a significant step forward for California's renewable energy efforts and we are proud that our cutting edge thin-film modules will help deliver clean power to the residents of California," said Eric Hafter, senior vice president for the Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. "Together with Eurus Energy America and NRG Solar, we are turning land that once used photosynthesis to convert the sun's rays to produce food for our communities into a farm that uses photovoltaics to convert the sun's rays into clean energy for the same communities."
The Sharp thin-film solar panels utilized for the project feature Sharp's tandem-junction design that captures a wider part of the solar spectrum. The panels will be manufactured in the Sharp plant in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. This plant is one of the greenest manufacturing sites in the entire world. Thin-film solar cells have a structure in which thin layers of silicon are deposited onto a glass substrate, enabling a dramatic reduction in the amount of silicon used. The production processes are simpler, thereby lowering production costs.
"Eurus Energy America is excited to team with Sharp on this historic solar installation," said Mark Anderson, president & CEO, Eurus Energy America. "We look forward to growing our portfolio of renewable generation assets and furthering our strong relationship with Sharp, a highly reliable partner with a high quality line of thin-film products."
"With nearly 50 years in the solar electricity business and a commitment to the industry that is supported by one of the world's most advanced solar panel manufacturing facilities, Sharp stands ready to supply the growing market for large scale solar installations," said Kozo Takahashi, CEO and Chairman, Sharp Electronics Corporation.
"Sharp's expertise and experience will be an important contribution to the success of Avenal in adding zero-emission solar power in California and in helping the state meet its ambitious renewable portfolio standard by the end of the decade," said Tom Doyle, President of NRG Solar. "As the current owners of the largest PV site in the state, we are looking forward to joining with our partners on Avenal, Eurus, Sharp and Quanta and the state of California to develop a site that adds more than twice that solar capacity to the state's portfolio."
About Sharp Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(R) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Notevision(R) multimedia projectors, Insight(R) Microwave Drawer appliances, SuperSteam(TM) ovens, Plasmacluster(R) air purifiers and the OnEnergy(TM) solar system. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at www.sharpusa.com.
About Eurus Energy America Eurus Energy America (www.eurusenergy.com) is the wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eurus Energy Holdings and is responsible for North American renewable energy development and investment, currently comprising approximately 600 megawatts in wind power generation. Eurus Energy Holdings, owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, is a global developer, owner and operator of renewable energy facilities, including both wind and solar, with more than 1,900 megawatts worldwide. Eurus Energy America, headquartered in San Diego, California, has been active in the renewable energy sector in the United States for over twenty years, beginning operations of its first renewable power projects in California in 1987.
About NRG and NRG Solar NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, owns and operates one of the country's largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company's power plants provide more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity -- enough to supply more than 20 million homes. NRG's retail business, Reliant Energy, serves 1.6 million residential, business, commercial and industrial customers in Texas.
NRG Solar is responsible for developing, constructing, financing and operating a multi-technology portfolio of solar power assets in North America. NRG owns the largest operating photovoltaic solar project in California, a 21 MW facility in Blythe. The solar power generated at Blythe alone will displace approximately 27,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually -- the equivalent of taking over 4,800 cars off the road.
A past recipient of the energy industry's highest honors -- Platts Industry Leadership and Energy Company of the Year awards, NRG is a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of business and environmental organizations calling for mandatory legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Solar is Getting Popular
Across the nation, businesses and homeowners are adopting solar power to reduce their carbon footprint and help the environment.
In California, for example, hundreds of businesses have adopted solar power. California is one of the country's hottest solar markets, thanks to a bevy of rebates and incentives. A guideline requiring that utilities in the state buy 33 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2020 has contributed to California's solar build-up, too - and the California Air Resources Board made that guideline an official rule this week.
The new rule, ARB chairman Mary D. Nichols said, "will help clean our air and bring new solar and wind energy facilities to California with thousands of jobs in construction, operation and spin-off industries."
Just this week, Frito-Lay North America announced that it would install even more solar capacity at its manufacturing plant in Modesto, California.
The plant has used solar thermal collectors since 2008 to heat cooking oil - and now, it's installing a 1-megawatt solar photovoltaic system, as well. The array will reduce the facility's use of grid-sourced energy by as much as 25 percent.
Frito-Lay's Modesto plant is already LEED Gold-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. The building, Frito-Lay Modesto technical manager Thomas Melead said, is using "innovative technologies and renewable energy such as solar power to helpminimize [its] impact on the environment."
It's not just companies that are looking to reduce their impact on the environment, though.
In California and elsewhere, homeowners are installing solar power systems to reduce their fossil-fuel consumption and help make the world a little greener.
One such homeowner is Robert Stonerock, an Orlando-area physician who moonlights as the president of the Florida Renewable Energy Association. The Orlando Sentinel recently profiled Stonerock, who went 100 percent solar at his 6,930-square-foot home.
His house has a solar pool heater, two solar water heaters and a 20.8-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array. By using only solar power, Stonerock saves between $300 and $350 per month on energy. He estimates that his solar equipment will one day pay for itself - but that's not the reason he adopted it.
"I want to be able to say, 'I did my part to protect the environment by using renewable resources,'" Stonerock said to the Sentinel.
For companies and individuals alike, going solar can help the environment - and maybe save some money in the process.
In California, for example, hundreds of businesses have adopted solar power. California is one of the country's hottest solar markets, thanks to a bevy of rebates and incentives. A guideline requiring that utilities in the state buy 33 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2020 has contributed to California's solar build-up, too - and the California Air Resources Board made that guideline an official rule this week.
The new rule, ARB chairman Mary D. Nichols said, "will help clean our air and bring new solar and wind energy facilities to California with thousands of jobs in construction, operation and spin-off industries."
Just this week, Frito-Lay North America announced that it would install even more solar capacity at its manufacturing plant in Modesto, California.
The plant has used solar thermal collectors since 2008 to heat cooking oil - and now, it's installing a 1-megawatt solar photovoltaic system, as well. The array will reduce the facility's use of grid-sourced energy by as much as 25 percent.
Frito-Lay's Modesto plant is already LEED Gold-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. The building, Frito-Lay Modesto technical manager Thomas Melead said, is using "innovative technologies and renewable energy such as solar power to helpminimize [its] impact on the environment."
It's not just companies that are looking to reduce their impact on the environment, though.
In California and elsewhere, homeowners are installing solar power systems to reduce their fossil-fuel consumption and help make the world a little greener.
One such homeowner is Robert Stonerock, an Orlando-area physician who moonlights as the president of the Florida Renewable Energy Association. The Orlando Sentinel recently profiled Stonerock, who went 100 percent solar at his 6,930-square-foot home.
His house has a solar pool heater, two solar water heaters and a 20.8-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array. By using only solar power, Stonerock saves between $300 and $350 per month on energy. He estimates that his solar equipment will one day pay for itself - but that's not the reason he adopted it.
"I want to be able to say, 'I did my part to protect the environment by using renewable resources,'" Stonerock said to the Sentinel.
For companies and individuals alike, going solar can help the environment - and maybe save some money in the process.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Another Solar Project to Benefit Kids
The project is expected to cut energy costs 30 percent and will be used to teach school children and the public about generating power in ways less harmful to the environment.
"This solar project used products made in Michigan, employed Michigan workers, and we will reduce our electrical costs and greenhouse gas emissions," said Kip Miller, chief naturalist at the popular park in Berrien Township.
The 9.5-kilowatt system is photovoltaic, which means it converts solar radiation into direct-current electricity. The direct-current power is converted to alternating current, which is required for most purposes.
The system does not use batteries but is connected to the power grid. Any power it generates that is not used goes into the grid and earns credits.
A kiosk inside the nature center demonstrates real-time energy data on a flat-screen TV. The public and students can see how much power is being generated at a particular time.
The system has been in operation for several weeks. On Friday, second-graders on a field trip from Mars Elementary School in Berrien Springs got a lesson in solar power and renewable energy.
Miller said that while the system is expected to generate 30 percent of the center's power overall, the actual amount produced hits 50 percent at times. Berrien County officials estimate that the system will cut energy costs $1,500 to $2,000 a year.
General contractor was Turtle Island Wind and Solar, a Cassopolis-based renewable energy company. The solar panels blend in with the nature center's metal roof and are barely noticeable. They were made by Uni-Solar, of Greenville.
Michael Topash, owner of Turtle Island Wind and Solar, said the silicon that makes up the solar cells in the roof panels is flexible, lightweight and long-lasting.
Money for the project came from the state's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The program, which aims to create and retain jobs, save energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions, is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the so-called stimulus bill.
Amy Butler, director of the state Bureau of Energy Systems, part of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, said the state has obligated $17.6 million to 128 energy grant programs.
The projects provide "a great opportunity" for the bureau to work with counties, townships and other local governments to cut energy costs and create jobs, she said.
The awards generally range from $50,000 to $140,000 for individual cities, townships or villages, and up to $650,000 for single counties and multi-jurisdictional units.
The state requires grant winners to collect, track and report data on energy savings, cost savings and job creation.
"This solar project used products made in Michigan, employed Michigan workers, and we will reduce our electrical costs and greenhouse gas emissions," said Kip Miller, chief naturalist at the popular park in Berrien Township.
The 9.5-kilowatt system is photovoltaic, which means it converts solar radiation into direct-current electricity. The direct-current power is converted to alternating current, which is required for most purposes.
The system does not use batteries but is connected to the power grid. Any power it generates that is not used goes into the grid and earns credits.
A kiosk inside the nature center demonstrates real-time energy data on a flat-screen TV. The public and students can see how much power is being generated at a particular time.
The system has been in operation for several weeks. On Friday, second-graders on a field trip from Mars Elementary School in Berrien Springs got a lesson in solar power and renewable energy.
Miller said that while the system is expected to generate 30 percent of the center's power overall, the actual amount produced hits 50 percent at times. Berrien County officials estimate that the system will cut energy costs $1,500 to $2,000 a year.
General contractor was Turtle Island Wind and Solar, a Cassopolis-based renewable energy company. The solar panels blend in with the nature center's metal roof and are barely noticeable. They were made by Uni-Solar, of Greenville.
Michael Topash, owner of Turtle Island Wind and Solar, said the silicon that makes up the solar cells in the roof panels is flexible, lightweight and long-lasting.
Money for the project came from the state's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The program, which aims to create and retain jobs, save energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions, is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the so-called stimulus bill.
Amy Butler, director of the state Bureau of Energy Systems, part of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, said the state has obligated $17.6 million to 128 energy grant programs.
The projects provide "a great opportunity" for the bureau to work with counties, townships and other local governments to cut energy costs and create jobs, she said.
The awards generally range from $50,000 to $140,000 for individual cities, townships or villages, and up to $650,000 for single counties and multi-jurisdictional units.
The state requires grant winners to collect, track and report data on energy savings, cost savings and job creation.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Solar Homes Open House
Visitors can see high and low-tech energy-savings ideas installed and in use
Lafayette — Three local homes will be open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s (NESEA) annual “Green Buildings Open House.”
The homes are located at 19 Fox Hill Road and 40 Pelletown Road in Lafayette and at 15 Price Road in Augusta.
Many homes across New Jersey are open to the public that day, free of charge, so the public can talk with homeowners who have made a commitment to reduce their use of fossil fuels and discover the ways people are conserving energy, saving money and protecting the environment.
This event is also part of the American Solar Energy Society’s annual National Solar Tour and is an opportunity for the public to learn first-hand how incorporating green building design and equipment can help to dramatically reduce electrical and heating costs, increase energy conservation and generate surplus clean energy.
About the homes
A contemporary solar home will be on view at 19 Fox Hill Road in Lafayette. This home features a 5 KW solar electric system, a solar hot water system, passive solar space heating, earth sheltering and a two story sun space, which result in energy savings of 80 percent compared with a conventional home.
Nearby, at 40 Pelletown Road, the public can visit a newly installed 7.3 KW solar electric system, which is mounted on a new energy saving metal roofing.
A few minutes away at 15 Price Road in Augusta, visitors can see a dramatic 10 KW wind turbine and 10 KW ground mounted solar electric system which provide almost all of the electricity needed for this home.
Tours are popular
Last year, thousands of people toured over 600 energy-efficient buildings from Pennsylvania to Maine to experience the variety of ways that are being used to conserve energy, save money on energy bills and help reduce the carbon footprint of their homes or other buildings.
A complete list of Green Buildings Open House sites and events is available at www.nesea.org/openhouse/listings/.
Examples of green features that are used in homes and buildings that will be open during this event include passive solar heating (advantageous placement of windows); solar hot water collection and storage; radiant floor heating; the generation of electricity by using photovoltaics (solar panels) or wind turbines; use of energy-saving appliances and techniques (super-insulation and sealing air spaces); use of sustainable and healthy building materials, and the use of water-saving fixtures.
Available at each host site will be NESEA’s Sustainable Green Pages, which lists organizations and individuals that offer sustainable products and services in the Northeast that include quality building practices, energy services and transportation. In addition, state and federal incentives (tax credits, grants, rebates and discount utility rates) are available at www.dsireusa.org for renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies. Check www.EnergyStar.gov for Federal tax-credit information on qualified appliances and products.
Lafayette — Three local homes will be open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s (NESEA) annual “Green Buildings Open House.”
The homes are located at 19 Fox Hill Road and 40 Pelletown Road in Lafayette and at 15 Price Road in Augusta.
Many homes across New Jersey are open to the public that day, free of charge, so the public can talk with homeowners who have made a commitment to reduce their use of fossil fuels and discover the ways people are conserving energy, saving money and protecting the environment.
This event is also part of the American Solar Energy Society’s annual National Solar Tour and is an opportunity for the public to learn first-hand how incorporating green building design and equipment can help to dramatically reduce electrical and heating costs, increase energy conservation and generate surplus clean energy.
About the homes
A contemporary solar home will be on view at 19 Fox Hill Road in Lafayette. This home features a 5 KW solar electric system, a solar hot water system, passive solar space heating, earth sheltering and a two story sun space, which result in energy savings of 80 percent compared with a conventional home.
Nearby, at 40 Pelletown Road, the public can visit a newly installed 7.3 KW solar electric system, which is mounted on a new energy saving metal roofing.
A few minutes away at 15 Price Road in Augusta, visitors can see a dramatic 10 KW wind turbine and 10 KW ground mounted solar electric system which provide almost all of the electricity needed for this home.
Tours are popular
Last year, thousands of people toured over 600 energy-efficient buildings from Pennsylvania to Maine to experience the variety of ways that are being used to conserve energy, save money on energy bills and help reduce the carbon footprint of their homes or other buildings.
A complete list of Green Buildings Open House sites and events is available at www.nesea.org/openhouse/listings/.
Examples of green features that are used in homes and buildings that will be open during this event include passive solar heating (advantageous placement of windows); solar hot water collection and storage; radiant floor heating; the generation of electricity by using photovoltaics (solar panels) or wind turbines; use of energy-saving appliances and techniques (super-insulation and sealing air spaces); use of sustainable and healthy building materials, and the use of water-saving fixtures.
Available at each host site will be NESEA’s Sustainable Green Pages, which lists organizations and individuals that offer sustainable products and services in the Northeast that include quality building practices, energy services and transportation. In addition, state and federal incentives (tax credits, grants, rebates and discount utility rates) are available at www.dsireusa.org for renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies. Check www.EnergyStar.gov for Federal tax-credit information on qualified appliances and products.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
California Says Yes to Solar Power
SACRAMENTO - A 370-megawatt solar field in rural northeast San Bernardino County unanimously cleared the California Energy Commission on Wednesday, the latest in a string of projects on a fast track to qualify for federal stimulus money by the end of the year.
Unlike the others, the development involves environmentally sensitive land and would displace a protected species, the desert tortoise, which is threatened with extinction.
The $2 billion project, located in the Ivanpah Valley near Primm, Nev., was approved over the objections of environmental groups and others, who contend that allowing energy development on undisturbed wildlife habitat is unnecessary, because other land is available that has equal solar potential. Oakland-based BrightSource Energy, the project's developer, should be required to build elsewhere, several speakers told the energy panel.
But all five commissioners embraced the project, citing the prospect of generating clean energy and hundreds of construction jobs.
"I believe it's a very good day for California. The benefits far outweigh the impacts," Commissioner Jeffrey D. Byron said.
Commissioner Robert B. Weisenmiller said the project will help California meet a state target of getting 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources.
"It is critical for us to reduce our fossil fuel dependence," Weisenmiller said. "It's also important not to just deal with the environmental issues, but we must deal with the California economy. When you look at San Bernardino (County), unemployment there is at least 15 percent, and that's ignoring people who've stopped looking for jobs."
BrightSource plans to build three fields of solar panels that will produce heat to generate steam and create electricity for consumers in Southern and Central California. Construction is anticipated to start this year.
The plan still needs approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management; the agency is expected to decide by mid-October.
BrightSource officials say their project would create almost 1,000 jobs at the peak of a 48-month construction process. Ninety workers would be needed to run the operation once all three phases are completed.
Despite the location's proximity to Nevada -- Las Vegas is about 40 miles away -- workers will be from California, BrightSource officials say. The company signed labor agreements with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Riverside and San Bernardino counties and its statewide counterpart.
Project critics said Wednesday's vote opens the door for more industrial-level development in undisturbed desert areas.
David Lamfrom, California desert field representative for the National Parks Conservation Association, said it will harm desert tortoises and encroach on the neighboring Mojave National Preserve with glare and other spillover effects.
"Pristine, tortoise-rich habitat ... is not the right place for this project," he said in an e-mail Wednesday afternoon. "What message are we sending if we sacrifice lands and species we have legally committed to protect when we all know a better alternative exists?"
That alternative, he said, is "hundreds of thousands of acres of disturbed lands prime for renewable energy development, close to communities that use the energy and desperately need the jobs."
The company has said that trying to find the 5.6 square miles needed for the project on disturbed lands isn't realistic because such properties are scattered and privately owned, meaning that potentially several owners would have to be persuaded to sell.
BrightSource officials said they have taken care in the project's design to reduce harm to the environment. The company scaled down the arrays' footprint and eliminated four of the seven 450-foot heating towers initially planned.
Contrary to environmentalist claims, only a small part of the project area will be bulldozed, company spokesman Keely Wachs said last week.
Posts that support the mirrors will be pounded into the ground with pile drivers, leaving much of the native plant life intact, he said.
Tom Hurshman, a BLM staff member who is overseeing the project, said the construction and maintenance on the BrightSource site will leave it unsuitable as habitat for wildlife.
According to an environmental report posted by the Energy Commission earlier this year, 91 percent of the project's footprint would have "long-term disturbance."
The project calls for 173,500 "heliostats," each consisting of a post with two 7.2-by-10.5-foot mirrors, the report said. The mirrors would be arranged in circular arrays to focus heat on towers where electricity is generated.
Some of the land within the arrays would have to be cleared for a network of maintenance roads.
The plant life below the mirrors would be regularly mowed to a height of 12 to 18 inches, which probably would kill most of the creosote bushes in the area, Hurshman said.
The company will have to control any invasive weeds, the report said.
The commission, which approved solar developments near Blythe and Barstow earlier this month, is scheduled to vote on five more large projects by the end of the year.
The 250-megawatt Genesis Solar Energy project west of Blythe and the 709-megawatt Imperial Valley Solar project near Calexico are on next week's agenda.
Unlike the others, the development involves environmentally sensitive land and would displace a protected species, the desert tortoise, which is threatened with extinction.
The $2 billion project, located in the Ivanpah Valley near Primm, Nev., was approved over the objections of environmental groups and others, who contend that allowing energy development on undisturbed wildlife habitat is unnecessary, because other land is available that has equal solar potential. Oakland-based BrightSource Energy, the project's developer, should be required to build elsewhere, several speakers told the energy panel.
But all five commissioners embraced the project, citing the prospect of generating clean energy and hundreds of construction jobs.
"I believe it's a very good day for California. The benefits far outweigh the impacts," Commissioner Jeffrey D. Byron said.
Commissioner Robert B. Weisenmiller said the project will help California meet a state target of getting 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources.
"It is critical for us to reduce our fossil fuel dependence," Weisenmiller said. "It's also important not to just deal with the environmental issues, but we must deal with the California economy. When you look at San Bernardino (County), unemployment there is at least 15 percent, and that's ignoring people who've stopped looking for jobs."
BrightSource plans to build three fields of solar panels that will produce heat to generate steam and create electricity for consumers in Southern and Central California. Construction is anticipated to start this year.
The plan still needs approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management; the agency is expected to decide by mid-October.
BrightSource officials say their project would create almost 1,000 jobs at the peak of a 48-month construction process. Ninety workers would be needed to run the operation once all three phases are completed.
Despite the location's proximity to Nevada -- Las Vegas is about 40 miles away -- workers will be from California, BrightSource officials say. The company signed labor agreements with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Riverside and San Bernardino counties and its statewide counterpart.
Project critics said Wednesday's vote opens the door for more industrial-level development in undisturbed desert areas.
David Lamfrom, California desert field representative for the National Parks Conservation Association, said it will harm desert tortoises and encroach on the neighboring Mojave National Preserve with glare and other spillover effects.
"Pristine, tortoise-rich habitat ... is not the right place for this project," he said in an e-mail Wednesday afternoon. "What message are we sending if we sacrifice lands and species we have legally committed to protect when we all know a better alternative exists?"
That alternative, he said, is "hundreds of thousands of acres of disturbed lands prime for renewable energy development, close to communities that use the energy and desperately need the jobs."
The company has said that trying to find the 5.6 square miles needed for the project on disturbed lands isn't realistic because such properties are scattered and privately owned, meaning that potentially several owners would have to be persuaded to sell.
BrightSource officials said they have taken care in the project's design to reduce harm to the environment. The company scaled down the arrays' footprint and eliminated four of the seven 450-foot heating towers initially planned.
Contrary to environmentalist claims, only a small part of the project area will be bulldozed, company spokesman Keely Wachs said last week.
Posts that support the mirrors will be pounded into the ground with pile drivers, leaving much of the native plant life intact, he said.
Tom Hurshman, a BLM staff member who is overseeing the project, said the construction and maintenance on the BrightSource site will leave it unsuitable as habitat for wildlife.
According to an environmental report posted by the Energy Commission earlier this year, 91 percent of the project's footprint would have "long-term disturbance."
The project calls for 173,500 "heliostats," each consisting of a post with two 7.2-by-10.5-foot mirrors, the report said. The mirrors would be arranged in circular arrays to focus heat on towers where electricity is generated.
Some of the land within the arrays would have to be cleared for a network of maintenance roads.
The plant life below the mirrors would be regularly mowed to a height of 12 to 18 inches, which probably would kill most of the creosote bushes in the area, Hurshman said.
The company will have to control any invasive weeds, the report said.
The commission, which approved solar developments near Blythe and Barstow earlier this month, is scheduled to vote on five more large projects by the end of the year.
The 250-megawatt Genesis Solar Energy project west of Blythe and the 709-megawatt Imperial Valley Solar project near Calexico are on next week's agenda.
SunPower Building Again
SunPower today announced that the company has been selected to design, build, operate, and maintain the 10-megawatt Dover SUN Park, in Dover, Del. for White Oak Solar Energy, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of LS Power Group. The solar park, which is expected to be operational next summer, will deliver emission-free solar power to the regional utility grid operated by the city of Dover.
SunPower will install SunPower(R) Tracker(R) systems at the 103-acre site, with SunPower E19 solar panels, the most efficient solar panels on the market today. The Tracker follows the sun's movement during the day, increasing sunlight capture by up to 25 percent over conventional fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land use requirements.
"SunPower sun-tracking technology is fast to install and reliably delivers clean power during peak demand periods, making solar a competitively-priced choice for power plant applications," said Steve Vavrik, managing director at SunPower. "Forward-thinking organizations such as LS Power and their local partners are maximizing their long-term production of clean, renewable solar power with SunPower's high-efficiency, high-performance power plants."
White Oak is selling the energy and environmental attributes from the Dover SUN Park through long-term agreements with the City of Dover, Delmarva Power and Light, Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation and the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility.
About SunPower
Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. (SPWRA 12.60, -0.02, -0.16%) (SPWRB 12.27, +0.04, +0.33%) designs, manufactures and delivers the planet's most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts and may be based on underlying assumptions. The company uses words and phrases such as "expected" to identify forward-looking statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements regarding the expected commencement of operation of the Dover SUN Park. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some beyond the company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties such as: (i) construction difficulties or potential delays in the project implementation process; (ii) unanticipated delays or difficulties securing necessary permits, licenses or other governmental approvals; (iii) the risk of continuation of supply of products and components from suppliers; (iv) unanticipated problems with deploying the system on the site; and (v) other risks described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2010 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2010, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company's views as of any subsequent date, and the company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any responsibility to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SunPower(R) is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE SunPower Corp.
SunPower will install SunPower(R) Tracker(R) systems at the 103-acre site, with SunPower E19 solar panels, the most efficient solar panels on the market today. The Tracker follows the sun's movement during the day, increasing sunlight capture by up to 25 percent over conventional fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land use requirements.
"SunPower sun-tracking technology is fast to install and reliably delivers clean power during peak demand periods, making solar a competitively-priced choice for power plant applications," said Steve Vavrik, managing director at SunPower. "Forward-thinking organizations such as LS Power and their local partners are maximizing their long-term production of clean, renewable solar power with SunPower's high-efficiency, high-performance power plants."
White Oak is selling the energy and environmental attributes from the Dover SUN Park through long-term agreements with the City of Dover, Delmarva Power and Light, Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation and the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility.
About SunPower
Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. (SPWRA 12.60, -0.02, -0.16%) (SPWRB 12.27, +0.04, +0.33%) designs, manufactures and delivers the planet's most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts and may be based on underlying assumptions. The company uses words and phrases such as "expected" to identify forward-looking statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements regarding the expected commencement of operation of the Dover SUN Park. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some beyond the company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties such as: (i) construction difficulties or potential delays in the project implementation process; (ii) unanticipated delays or difficulties securing necessary permits, licenses or other governmental approvals; (iii) the risk of continuation of supply of products and components from suppliers; (iv) unanticipated problems with deploying the system on the site; and (v) other risks described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2010 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2010, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company's views as of any subsequent date, and the company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any responsibility to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SunPower(R) is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE SunPower Corp.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Japan's Sharp to Buy San Francisco's Recurrent Energy, Inc.
Sharp Corp. said on Tuesday it will pay $305 million for San Francisco-based Recurrent Energy Inc., which develops solar projects.
Osaka-based Sharp makes solar panels and other electronics. Sharp was the world’s third-largest producer of solar panels in 2009, according to Photon International. The firm employs 65,000 people.
Buying Recurrent’s pipeline means Sharp will move into project development just like its solar panel competitors San Jose-based SunPower Corp. and San Francisco-based Suntech, among others.
Among Silicon Valley projects Recurrent has been involved in include systems installed at 15 Kaiser Permanente facilities, including its Santa Clara medical center.
Recurrent CEO Arno Harris said Recurrent will continue to operate under its own name as a subsidiary of Sharp and that all of Recurrent's employees will remain with the company.
Harris said the company needed to seek a partner with a deep balance sheet that could provide the capital to develop such a huge project pipeline. Recurrent sought the advice of Morgan Stanley.
"We decided a strategic sales made the most sense," Harris said.
Recurrent has 1.3 gigawatts of solar projects in its pipeline with only a few megawatts actually installed and producing power. Large solar projects can take years to plan, develop and get to bid and acquiring Recurrent’s pipeline is a good way for Sharp to get a jump on the development business.
Harris started the company in 2006 and landed its first highly visible project, 5 megawatts on San Francisco’s Sunset Reservoir and on the roof of Pier 96 in 2008. That project took several years to get final approvals and is nearly finished.
Meanwhile, Harris and Recurrent amassed tons of other projects, including buying a pipeline of up to 350 megawatts that the company purchased from UPC Solar. Recently it landed winning bids to develop 60 megawatts of solar for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
The company found its niche in commercial projects averaging 2 to 20 megawatt near power lines. The strategy means Recurrent can build projects in about 18 months to 2 years, shorter than many large scale projects that have to site transmission lines and may be delayed by inadequate panel supply.
Recurrent has a suppply agreement with Yingli Solar and Harris said that agreement would not be affected by the acquisition.
"We're not obligated to purchase Sharp products for our projects," said Harris.
Read more: Sharp buys Recurrent for $305 million - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal
Osaka-based Sharp makes solar panels and other electronics. Sharp was the world’s third-largest producer of solar panels in 2009, according to Photon International. The firm employs 65,000 people.
Buying Recurrent’s pipeline means Sharp will move into project development just like its solar panel competitors San Jose-based SunPower Corp. and San Francisco-based Suntech, among others.
Among Silicon Valley projects Recurrent has been involved in include systems installed at 15 Kaiser Permanente facilities, including its Santa Clara medical center.
Recurrent CEO Arno Harris said Recurrent will continue to operate under its own name as a subsidiary of Sharp and that all of Recurrent's employees will remain with the company.
Harris said the company needed to seek a partner with a deep balance sheet that could provide the capital to develop such a huge project pipeline. Recurrent sought the advice of Morgan Stanley.
"We decided a strategic sales made the most sense," Harris said.
Recurrent has 1.3 gigawatts of solar projects in its pipeline with only a few megawatts actually installed and producing power. Large solar projects can take years to plan, develop and get to bid and acquiring Recurrent’s pipeline is a good way for Sharp to get a jump on the development business.
Harris started the company in 2006 and landed its first highly visible project, 5 megawatts on San Francisco’s Sunset Reservoir and on the roof of Pier 96 in 2008. That project took several years to get final approvals and is nearly finished.
Meanwhile, Harris and Recurrent amassed tons of other projects, including buying a pipeline of up to 350 megawatts that the company purchased from UPC Solar. Recently it landed winning bids to develop 60 megawatts of solar for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
The company found its niche in commercial projects averaging 2 to 20 megawatt near power lines. The strategy means Recurrent can build projects in about 18 months to 2 years, shorter than many large scale projects that have to site transmission lines and may be delayed by inadequate panel supply.
Recurrent has a suppply agreement with Yingli Solar and Harris said that agreement would not be affected by the acquisition.
"We're not obligated to purchase Sharp products for our projects," said Harris.
Read more: Sharp buys Recurrent for $305 million - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Ultimate Solar Spy Plane
Boeing is developing a solar-powered unmanned aircraft that will be able to fly non-stop for more than five years.
The SolarEagle is designed to soar in the upper atmosphere for years on end, constantly sending surveillance and intelligence information back to the ground.
Darpa, the US military’s has given Boeing an $89 million contract to develop a Solar Eagle demonstaror vehicle which will make its first flight in 2014.During testing, the SolarEagle demonstrator will remain in the upper atmosphere for 30 days, harvesting solar energy during the day that will be stored in fuel cells and used to provide power through the night.
The aircraft will have highly efficient electric motors and propellers and a 400-foot wing for increased solar power and aerodynamic performance.
‘SolarEagle is a uniquely configured, large unmanned aircraft designed to eventually remain on station at stratospheric altitudes for at least five years,’ said Pat O'Neil, Boeing Phantom Works program manager for Vulture II.
‘That's a daunting task, but Boeing has a highly reliable solar-electric design that will meet the challenge in order to perform persistent communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions from altitudes above 60,000 feet.’
SolarEagle is being developed by Phantom Works, Boeing’s research and development arm.
Phantom Works is also working on a fighter-sized, unmanned, advanced technology demonstrator called Phantom Ray, scheduled to make its first flight in early 2011.
And it is working on a hydrogen-powered demonstrator called Phantom Eye, a High Altitude Long Endurance aircraft designed to stay aloft for up to four days, also scheduled to make its first flight in 2011.
In July a British-designed, solar-powered aircraft to managed to shatter the endurance record for an unmanned plane.
The Zephyr, designed by British defence firm QinetiQ, completed two weeks of non-stop flight above a US Army range in Arizona before finally coming in to land.
The SolarEagle is designed to soar in the upper atmosphere for years on end, constantly sending surveillance and intelligence information back to the ground.
Darpa, the US military’s has given Boeing an $89 million contract to develop a Solar Eagle demonstaror vehicle which will make its first flight in 2014.During testing, the SolarEagle demonstrator will remain in the upper atmosphere for 30 days, harvesting solar energy during the day that will be stored in fuel cells and used to provide power through the night.
The aircraft will have highly efficient electric motors and propellers and a 400-foot wing for increased solar power and aerodynamic performance.
‘SolarEagle is a uniquely configured, large unmanned aircraft designed to eventually remain on station at stratospheric altitudes for at least five years,’ said Pat O'Neil, Boeing Phantom Works program manager for Vulture II.
‘That's a daunting task, but Boeing has a highly reliable solar-electric design that will meet the challenge in order to perform persistent communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions from altitudes above 60,000 feet.’
SolarEagle is being developed by Phantom Works, Boeing’s research and development arm.
Phantom Works is also working on a fighter-sized, unmanned, advanced technology demonstrator called Phantom Ray, scheduled to make its first flight in early 2011.
And it is working on a hydrogen-powered demonstrator called Phantom Eye, a High Altitude Long Endurance aircraft designed to stay aloft for up to four days, also scheduled to make its first flight in 2011.
In July a British-designed, solar-powered aircraft to managed to shatter the endurance record for an unmanned plane.
The Zephyr, designed by British defence firm QinetiQ, completed two weeks of non-stop flight above a US Army range in Arizona before finally coming in to land.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Electric Companies Like Solar Money
Sachs Electric, St. Louis’ largest electrical contractor, is looking to shore up $100 million in revenue through the launch of a new subsidiary, Sachs Alternative Energy Inc., that caters to the renewable energy market, specifically the $3 billion solar market.
The new company, which launched in June, will debut at the Solar Power International trade show in October in Los Angeles.
“Given how quickly this industry is growing, we felt it was imperative that a new company was formed that could solely focus on this new market,” said Steve Gorman, president of Sachs Alternative Energy.
“It couldn’t be a be better time to go solar,” said Monique Hanis, spokeswoman for Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a nonprofit trade group in Washington, D.C. “It’s been growing consistently over the last five years, and industry revenue last year grew 36 percent despite the recession.”
Read more: Sachs Electric goes with solar to energize revenue - St. Louis Business Journal
The new company, which launched in June, will debut at the Solar Power International trade show in October in Los Angeles.
“Given how quickly this industry is growing, we felt it was imperative that a new company was formed that could solely focus on this new market,” said Steve Gorman, president of Sachs Alternative Energy.
“It couldn’t be a be better time to go solar,” said Monique Hanis, spokeswoman for Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a nonprofit trade group in Washington, D.C. “It’s been growing consistently over the last five years, and industry revenue last year grew 36 percent despite the recession.”
Read more: Sachs Electric goes with solar to energize revenue - St. Louis Business Journal
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Local Community Installing Solar
Towering cedar, fir and maple trees leave the southeast Olympia home of Dan and Barb Scavezze in the shade much of the day, making their roof a poor candidate for an array of solar panels.
That didn’t stop them this summer from joining a growing number of South Sound residents who have turned to the power of the sun to help power their homes.
Working with contractor Kirk Haffner of South Sound Solar, the Scavezzes built a pergola in their backyard and equipped it with 12 solar panels that have the potential to provide about 50 percent of their electricity.
Solar-power installations detached from the roof are growing in popularity, Haffner noted. Some are driven by lack of sun exposure for the home, and some are driven by roof designs that can’t support the weight of the solar panels.
The Scavezze solar system and 18 others will be on display during the 2010 South Sound Solar Tour, set for Sept. 25.
The Scavezze family is no stranger to green living. Members said they were among the first to buy a hybrid Prius when Toyota rolled the model out. Barb is the co-chairwoman of the Olympia Climate Action Group and outreach manager for Thurston Energy, a nonprofit organization helping homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient.
“It’s something I’m passionate about,” she said of renewable energy and sustainable living.
“She kind of drags me along,” joked Dan Scavezze, an information technologist for the state Department of Ecology.
The Scavezzes invested $25,000 in their solar system, including the pergola. They expect the energy savings and the power they sell back to Puget Sound Energy that they don’t use – along with a state sales tax exemption for the system and a federal tax credit for investing in solar – will pay for the project in about 10 years.
“So far, we’ve put more power back into the grid than we’ve used,” Dan Scavezze said. The utility credits them 15 cents per kilowatt-hour when the system is producing more electricity than the house is using.
Through 2009, 35 PSE customers in Thurston County were signed up for the utility renewable-energy credit, according to a report by the state Department of Revenue. The number now stands at 62, according to PSE officials.
“The number of solar installations is definitely growing,” Haffner said. “Olympia is a unique area with a strong environmental consciousness; even in an economic recession, people are still willing to invest in solar.”
The Scavezzes can track their solar system’s performance online. The hourly, daily, weekly and monthly graphs are like a weather report. As expected, on sunny days, production jumps. But even on the rainy, cloudy days this week, the system was cranking out enough electricity to run some of the appliances and lights in the home.
The modified pergola – part of the roof is covered – replaced a gazebo that used to adorn their backyard.
“The neighbors think the pergola is beautiful, and it’s really pleasant to look at from the house,” Barb Scavezze said.
Also on next Saturday’s solar tour is the residence of Dennis and Anne Mills on Olympia’s west side.
For nearly a year, the Millses have produced some of their own energy from six solar panels mounted on a 500-pound steel pole situated in a sunny spot on their 1-acre, richly landscaped property. Some 16 feet off the ground, the solar rack automatically moves from east to west during the day, tracking the sun.
It will take 20 or more years for the $15,500 system to pay for itself. But that’s not the point, Dennis Mills said.
“Payback time didn’t figure into my value system,” the 66-year-old college professor said. “Ann and I wanted sustainable, renewable energy. This is clean, quiet and contributing to the grid, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”
The Millses installed a solar hot-water system in 2008 but had to postpone plans for the solar electric system to pay for replacement of a failed septic system.
Those on the tour who stop by the Mills residence will hear this advice:
“Start with solar hot water; you’ll immediately see a difference in your utility bill,” Dennis Mills said. “The nice thing about solar is you can take it one step at a time.”
John Dodge: 360-754-5444 jdodge@theolympian.com
That didn’t stop them this summer from joining a growing number of South Sound residents who have turned to the power of the sun to help power their homes.
Working with contractor Kirk Haffner of South Sound Solar, the Scavezzes built a pergola in their backyard and equipped it with 12 solar panels that have the potential to provide about 50 percent of their electricity.
Solar-power installations detached from the roof are growing in popularity, Haffner noted. Some are driven by lack of sun exposure for the home, and some are driven by roof designs that can’t support the weight of the solar panels.
The Scavezze solar system and 18 others will be on display during the 2010 South Sound Solar Tour, set for Sept. 25.
The Scavezze family is no stranger to green living. Members said they were among the first to buy a hybrid Prius when Toyota rolled the model out. Barb is the co-chairwoman of the Olympia Climate Action Group and outreach manager for Thurston Energy, a nonprofit organization helping homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient.
“It’s something I’m passionate about,” she said of renewable energy and sustainable living.
“She kind of drags me along,” joked Dan Scavezze, an information technologist for the state Department of Ecology.
The Scavezzes invested $25,000 in their solar system, including the pergola. They expect the energy savings and the power they sell back to Puget Sound Energy that they don’t use – along with a state sales tax exemption for the system and a federal tax credit for investing in solar – will pay for the project in about 10 years.
“So far, we’ve put more power back into the grid than we’ve used,” Dan Scavezze said. The utility credits them 15 cents per kilowatt-hour when the system is producing more electricity than the house is using.
Through 2009, 35 PSE customers in Thurston County were signed up for the utility renewable-energy credit, according to a report by the state Department of Revenue. The number now stands at 62, according to PSE officials.
“The number of solar installations is definitely growing,” Haffner said. “Olympia is a unique area with a strong environmental consciousness; even in an economic recession, people are still willing to invest in solar.”
The Scavezzes can track their solar system’s performance online. The hourly, daily, weekly and monthly graphs are like a weather report. As expected, on sunny days, production jumps. But even on the rainy, cloudy days this week, the system was cranking out enough electricity to run some of the appliances and lights in the home.
The modified pergola – part of the roof is covered – replaced a gazebo that used to adorn their backyard.
“The neighbors think the pergola is beautiful, and it’s really pleasant to look at from the house,” Barb Scavezze said.
Also on next Saturday’s solar tour is the residence of Dennis and Anne Mills on Olympia’s west side.
For nearly a year, the Millses have produced some of their own energy from six solar panels mounted on a 500-pound steel pole situated in a sunny spot on their 1-acre, richly landscaped property. Some 16 feet off the ground, the solar rack automatically moves from east to west during the day, tracking the sun.
It will take 20 or more years for the $15,500 system to pay for itself. But that’s not the point, Dennis Mills said.
“Payback time didn’t figure into my value system,” the 66-year-old college professor said. “Ann and I wanted sustainable, renewable energy. This is clean, quiet and contributing to the grid, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”
The Millses installed a solar hot-water system in 2008 but had to postpone plans for the solar electric system to pay for replacement of a failed septic system.
Those on the tour who stop by the Mills residence will hear this advice:
“Start with solar hot water; you’ll immediately see a difference in your utility bill,” Dennis Mills said. “The nice thing about solar is you can take it one step at a time.”
John Dodge: 360-754-5444 jdodge@theolympian.com
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Solar Projects Help the Economy
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Sustained growth and declining costs are driving Pennsylvania’s solar market to generate an ever-increasing amount of clean, renewable energy, which is saving consumers money, according to Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger.
The secretary said that in 2009, the share of solar energy generation among Pennsylvania’s power pool increased by 350 percent, attracting $1.4 billion into state’s economy last year alone.
“The cost of solar power is plummeting, making solar power increasingly a sound alternative for businesses and families that seek to stabilize and control their electricity costs,” said Hanger. “Right now, thanks to sharply lower solar power prices, it is a great time to consider solar power for a home or business.”
The median installed costs for small business and residential photovoltaic (PV) projects in the state dropped from about $9 per watt in 2008 to as low as $6 per watt in August; the lowest-cost projects are as much as $1 per watt less than this most recent figure.
Rebate
Large solar projects of one megawatt or more now cost about $4.50 per watt. The lower costs can be attributed in part to the PA Sunshine Solar Rebate Program, which reimburses up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs for residential and small business PV and solar hot water systems.
Since the program’s opening in May 2009, more than 2,000 projects have been installed, representing nearly 20 megawatts of new capacity. An additional 2,300 projects, representing 53 megawatts of capacity, have been applied for or are under construction.
“Since energy from the sun is free, lower equipment costs lead to lower electricity costs,” said Hanger. “The cost of electricity from the latest generation of projects in Pennsylvania is between 12 to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour, and that price is locked in for the 25-year life of the panels.
“Today the cost of electricity from a utility company to a small business or home ranges between 10 and 14 cents per kilowatt-hour. But how much will electricity cost two years from now? How about five, 10 or 25 years from now? For families and businesses using solar power, they know their electricity will not be more than what they are paying for solar today. For those businesses and families not using solar, most likely prices for electricity will go up and possibly by a substantial amount.”
Pollution
Hanger also noted that solar power emits zero air pollution, which cuts soot, smog, mercury and heat-trapping pollution that can sicken and kill Pennsylvanians.
Power grid
In addition, solar power helps to keep the power grid reliable by providing more power on the hottest days of the year when very high demand can cause brownouts and blackouts.
For more information, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us, or call DEP’s Office of Energy Technology and Deployment at 717-783-8411.
The secretary said that in 2009, the share of solar energy generation among Pennsylvania’s power pool increased by 350 percent, attracting $1.4 billion into state’s economy last year alone.
“The cost of solar power is plummeting, making solar power increasingly a sound alternative for businesses and families that seek to stabilize and control their electricity costs,” said Hanger. “Right now, thanks to sharply lower solar power prices, it is a great time to consider solar power for a home or business.”
The median installed costs for small business and residential photovoltaic (PV) projects in the state dropped from about $9 per watt in 2008 to as low as $6 per watt in August; the lowest-cost projects are as much as $1 per watt less than this most recent figure.
Rebate
Large solar projects of one megawatt or more now cost about $4.50 per watt. The lower costs can be attributed in part to the PA Sunshine Solar Rebate Program, which reimburses up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs for residential and small business PV and solar hot water systems.
Since the program’s opening in May 2009, more than 2,000 projects have been installed, representing nearly 20 megawatts of new capacity. An additional 2,300 projects, representing 53 megawatts of capacity, have been applied for or are under construction.
“Since energy from the sun is free, lower equipment costs lead to lower electricity costs,” said Hanger. “The cost of electricity from the latest generation of projects in Pennsylvania is between 12 to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour, and that price is locked in for the 25-year life of the panels.
“Today the cost of electricity from a utility company to a small business or home ranges between 10 and 14 cents per kilowatt-hour. But how much will electricity cost two years from now? How about five, 10 or 25 years from now? For families and businesses using solar power, they know their electricity will not be more than what they are paying for solar today. For those businesses and families not using solar, most likely prices for electricity will go up and possibly by a substantial amount.”
Pollution
Hanger also noted that solar power emits zero air pollution, which cuts soot, smog, mercury and heat-trapping pollution that can sicken and kill Pennsylvanians.
Power grid
In addition, solar power helps to keep the power grid reliable by providing more power on the hottest days of the year when very high demand can cause brownouts and blackouts.
For more information, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us, or call DEP’s Office of Energy Technology and Deployment at 717-783-8411.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Kohl's More Solar Stores
Kohl's Department Stores (KSS 50.19, -0.45, -0.89%) today announced that the company reached a new milestone in its industry-leading solar program by activating the solar panels at its 100th solar location in Mays Landing, N.J. earlier this month. Kohl's also announced plans to expand its solar program into Pennsylvania. The company currently has solar panels at select stores and distribution centers in California, Wisconsin, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Oregon and Colorado.Solar is an integral component of the company's energy management efforts and commitment to be carbon neutral by the end of 2010. The company estimates that energy management programs have helped prevent nearly $50 million in electricity costs. Over the last four years, accounting for rate variations, proactive energy management initiatives have translated into an improvement in energy efficiency of more than 20 percent, primarily in stores.
"We are pleased to have reached this milestone within three years of activating our first solar powered location in 2007," said Ken Bonning, Kohl's executive vice president of store planning and logistics. "Our 100 solar locations, commitment to build 73 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified locations and 500 ENERGY STAR stores demonstrate our ongoing commitment to sustainability with meaningful results. We will continue to strive toward advancing environmental solutions that will lead to a cleaner, healthier environment for our communities and ensure we are doing business in a way that makes sense for our associates and customers."
Kohl's Expands Solar Program into Pennsylvania
Construction of solar arrays on the rooftops of seven Pennsylvania stores began in August and is expected to be completed by March 2011. The eight locations combined are expected to generate more than 2.3 megawatts of power annually. On average, the 1,400 panels per location will supply nearly half of each store's energy, supply enough energy to power 36 homes annually and prevent the emissions of more than 9 million pounds of carbon dioxide over 20 years.
Kohl's commitment to renewable energy has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with Green Power Leadership awards for the last three years, including 2009 Green Power Partner of the Year and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. The company also ranks first in retail, second overall and second among Fortune 500 companies on EPA's quarterly listings of top green power purchasers.
For additional information about Kohl's environmental initiatives, including geographic listings of solar, ENERGY STAR and LEED-certified stores, visit www.kohlsgreenscene.com.
About Kohl's Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl's (KSS 50.19, -0.45, -0.89%) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. By the end of September, Kohl's will operate 1,089 stores in 49 states with a commitment to environmental leadership. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl's has raised more than $150 million for children's initiatives nationwide through its Kohl's Cares(R) cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.
"We are pleased to have reached this milestone within three years of activating our first solar powered location in 2007," said Ken Bonning, Kohl's executive vice president of store planning and logistics. "Our 100 solar locations, commitment to build 73 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified locations and 500 ENERGY STAR stores demonstrate our ongoing commitment to sustainability with meaningful results. We will continue to strive toward advancing environmental solutions that will lead to a cleaner, healthier environment for our communities and ensure we are doing business in a way that makes sense for our associates and customers."
Kohl's Expands Solar Program into Pennsylvania
Construction of solar arrays on the rooftops of seven Pennsylvania stores began in August and is expected to be completed by March 2011. The eight locations combined are expected to generate more than 2.3 megawatts of power annually. On average, the 1,400 panels per location will supply nearly half of each store's energy, supply enough energy to power 36 homes annually and prevent the emissions of more than 9 million pounds of carbon dioxide over 20 years.
Kohl's commitment to renewable energy has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with Green Power Leadership awards for the last three years, including 2009 Green Power Partner of the Year and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. The company also ranks first in retail, second overall and second among Fortune 500 companies on EPA's quarterly listings of top green power purchasers.
For additional information about Kohl's environmental initiatives, including geographic listings of solar, ENERGY STAR and LEED-certified stores, visit www.kohlsgreenscene.com.
About Kohl's Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl's (KSS 50.19, -0.45, -0.89%) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. By the end of September, Kohl's will operate 1,089 stores in 49 states with a commitment to environmental leadership. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl's has raised more than $150 million for children's initiatives nationwide through its Kohl's Cares(R) cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
More Solar for California Desert
LOS ANGELES, Sept 15 (Reuters) - The world's largest solar
power plant cleared an important hurdle on Wednesday, laying
the groundwork for a dramatic expansion in solar energy
generation in the United States and around the world.
The proposed $6 billion-plus plant in Blythe, California,
being developed jointly by Chevron Corp. (CVX.N) and Solar
Millennium AG (S2MG.DE), won clearance for construction by the
California Energy Commission.
The plant would generate up to 1,000 megawatts of energy
daily.
By comparison, for all of last year, the United States
installed about 481 megawatts of solar energy, according to the
Solar Energy Industry Association. The largest solar plants to
date are in the 200 to 350 megawatt range.
The Blythe plant essentially groups four 250-MW plants,
with the first slated to start generating electricity in 2013.
The total pricetag is estimated at above $6 billion.
power plant cleared an important hurdle on Wednesday, laying
the groundwork for a dramatic expansion in solar energy
generation in the United States and around the world.
The proposed $6 billion-plus plant in Blythe, California,
being developed jointly by Chevron Corp. (CVX.N) and Solar
Millennium AG (S2MG.DE), won clearance for construction by the
California Energy Commission.
The plant would generate up to 1,000 megawatts of energy
daily.
By comparison, for all of last year, the United States
installed about 481 megawatts of solar energy, according to the
Solar Energy Industry Association. The largest solar plants to
date are in the 200 to 350 megawatt range.
The Blythe plant essentially groups four 250-MW plants,
with the first slated to start generating electricity in 2013.
The total pricetag is estimated at above $6 billion.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Arizona Schools Going Solar
PRINCETON, N.J. & PHOENIX, Sep 14, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As students attend classes in several Arizona school districts this fall, the schools will be featuring on-campus solar arrays specially designed to meet their own electricity needs while providing the school's faculty with new teaching tools. This clean solar energy program has been conceived by Arizona's Kennedy Partners, LLC and co-developed by Kennedy, NRG Solar, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG 21.64, -0.01, -0.05%) , and in conjunction with Pinnacle West, APS and public officials across the state.
As a first stage of the program, NRG Solar and Kennedy Partners are building 12 large solar pavilions at schools which are part of the Continental Elementary School District in Green Valley, south of Tucson and the Gila Bend Unified School District, southwest of Phoenix. Additionally, NRG and Kennedy Partners are currently working on similar large scale projects at Payson Unified School District, northeast of Phoenix, and Arlington Elementary School District, west of Phoenix. This unique public/private partnership allows the schools to benefit not only from available utility incentives but also from the federal and state tax benefits.
The solar cells on these pavilions will collectively generate more than 2.5 megawatts (MW) of power for the schools, roughly the same amount of power consumed by more than 2,000 homes. In reducing greenhouse gases, this is the equivalent of taking more than 550 passenger vehicles off Arizona's roads.
In addition to providing electricity for the schools, the solar pavilions and their solar panels will give students the opportunity to learn about emission-free solar power generation and participate in the development of America's clean energy future. NRG and Kennedy Partners will construct the solar pavilions as carports adjacent to the school buildings. Future installations could also supply shade for playgrounds, sidewalks or whatever best fits the needs of the individual school.
"With this project, we're not only creating clean, renewable solar energy, we're investing in the imagination of youths across Arizona," said David Crane, President and CEO of NRG Energy. "The solar pavilions, which can be sized to provide customized clean energy solutions for each school, give students a dynamic, new learning experience while helping Arizona to meet its growing energy needs cleanly and sustainably."
"To Help Arizona school districts control energy costs, I directed $20 million of the State Energy Program monies be dedicated to upgrade energy efficiencies and add renewable energy programs," said Jan Brewer, Governor of Arizona. "An important aspect of these school projects is that they will be designed and constructed by Arizona companies and built by Arizona workers. These projects are good for Arizona school districts and they are good for the State of Arizona."
This is NRG Solar's first venture into distributed generation and builds on the Company's growing portfolio of utility-scale solar developments across the U.S. Southwest.
Under the terms of the agreement, NRG will support the project development and provide investment capital for the installation and operation of the solar pavilions. NRG Solar will continue to work with Kennedy Partners under a joint development agreement on similar solar-powered projects within Kennedy's substantial portfolio of school and government projects as well as commercial and institutional entities throughout the Southwest.
"Our School District and Government clients are very excited about developing these capital improvement projects on their sites with no capital cost," said John Kennedy, Managing Principal of Kennedy Partners, a project management firm in Phoenix, Arizona specializing in the development of renewable energy projects for schools, governments and not-for-profit entities. Kennedy's unique approach establishes an ownership path with no capital expense for their clients.
These partnerships are part of a growing presence for NRG in Arizona. NRG has signed a power purchase agreement with Tucson Electric Power for a 25 megawatts (MW) photovoltaic field to provide natural peaking power across Arizona, and recently acquired one of the newest district cooling systems in the U.S., providing chilled water to commercial buildings, office complexes, municipalities, universities and sport complexes in the Phoenix central business district. The Company has also recently announced the acquisition from US Solar of a portfolio of solar development projects on nine sites in California and Arizona ranging in size from 20 MW to 99 MW with the potential to be operational between 2011 and 2013.
"NRG Solar's increasing focus on Arizona is a natural evolution for the Company," said Tom Doyle, President of NRG Solar. "Few states have the incredible solar potential that Arizona does and we will continue to look for partnerships that help make solar generation more and more integral to meeting the growing need for clean energy."
Solar projects support NRG's commitment to increase its portfolio of low and no carbon generation assets with diverse technologies including new nuclear generation, onshore and offshore wind, biomass projects and a commercial-scale carbon capture project for fossil-fueled generation.
NRG Solar is responsible for developing, constructing, financing and operating a multi-technology portfolio of solar power assets in North America. The Company has more than 1,150 MW of projects under development with strong solar resources, potential for long-term power off take agreements with load-serving entities and established easily accessible connections to power grids.
"Adding these schools as well as future distributed generation projects to NRG Solar's growing portfolio of utility-scale solar projects will further establish NRG's position as a leading developer of solar generation capacity, large and small," said Doyle.
About NRG
NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, owns and operates one of the country's largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company's power plants provide more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity--enough to supply more than 20 million homes. NRG's retail business, Reliant Energy, serves 1.6 million residential, business, commercial and industrial customers in Texas. A past recipient of the energy industry's highest honors--Platts Industry Leadership and Energy Company of the Year awards, NRG is a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of business and environmental organizations calling for mandatory legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.
About Kennedy Partners
Kennedy Partners is a Program and Project Management firm with offices in Phoenix, Arizona. Kennedy has worked with dozens of Arizona School Districts and Governments in the planning, design and construction of their major capital projects. Currently, the Kennedy Partners team is working to develop solar renewable energy projects on over 50 School and Government sites across Arizona which will result in approximately 30MW of distributed generation. These projects are all capital neutral to the host site and to the greatest extent possible, are placed on elevated pavilions so as to provide shade as well as electricity.
Safe Harbor Disclosure
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and include NRG's expectations regarding NRG's solar development initiatives and forward-looking statements typically can be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expect," "believe," and similar terms. Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, among others, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, weather conditions, competition in solar power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, inability to maintain partnering relationships, and changes in the wholesale power markets, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions.
NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG's future results included in NRG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.
SOURCE: NRG Energy, Inc.
For NRG Energy:
Media:
Meredith Moore, 609-524-4522
David Knox, 713-795-6106
Lori Neuman, 609-524-4525
or
Investors:
Nahla Azmy, 609-524-4526
Stefan Kimball, 609-524-4527
Erin Gilli, 609-524-4528
or
For Kennedy Partners:
Mark Rafferty, 623-374-2478
John Kennedy, 623-374-2478
As a first stage of the program, NRG Solar and Kennedy Partners are building 12 large solar pavilions at schools which are part of the Continental Elementary School District in Green Valley, south of Tucson and the Gila Bend Unified School District, southwest of Phoenix. Additionally, NRG and Kennedy Partners are currently working on similar large scale projects at Payson Unified School District, northeast of Phoenix, and Arlington Elementary School District, west of Phoenix. This unique public/private partnership allows the schools to benefit not only from available utility incentives but also from the federal and state tax benefits.
The solar cells on these pavilions will collectively generate more than 2.5 megawatts (MW) of power for the schools, roughly the same amount of power consumed by more than 2,000 homes. In reducing greenhouse gases, this is the equivalent of taking more than 550 passenger vehicles off Arizona's roads.
In addition to providing electricity for the schools, the solar pavilions and their solar panels will give students the opportunity to learn about emission-free solar power generation and participate in the development of America's clean energy future. NRG and Kennedy Partners will construct the solar pavilions as carports adjacent to the school buildings. Future installations could also supply shade for playgrounds, sidewalks or whatever best fits the needs of the individual school.
"With this project, we're not only creating clean, renewable solar energy, we're investing in the imagination of youths across Arizona," said David Crane, President and CEO of NRG Energy. "The solar pavilions, which can be sized to provide customized clean energy solutions for each school, give students a dynamic, new learning experience while helping Arizona to meet its growing energy needs cleanly and sustainably."
"To Help Arizona school districts control energy costs, I directed $20 million of the State Energy Program monies be dedicated to upgrade energy efficiencies and add renewable energy programs," said Jan Brewer, Governor of Arizona. "An important aspect of these school projects is that they will be designed and constructed by Arizona companies and built by Arizona workers. These projects are good for Arizona school districts and they are good for the State of Arizona."
This is NRG Solar's first venture into distributed generation and builds on the Company's growing portfolio of utility-scale solar developments across the U.S. Southwest.
Under the terms of the agreement, NRG will support the project development and provide investment capital for the installation and operation of the solar pavilions. NRG Solar will continue to work with Kennedy Partners under a joint development agreement on similar solar-powered projects within Kennedy's substantial portfolio of school and government projects as well as commercial and institutional entities throughout the Southwest.
"Our School District and Government clients are very excited about developing these capital improvement projects on their sites with no capital cost," said John Kennedy, Managing Principal of Kennedy Partners, a project management firm in Phoenix, Arizona specializing in the development of renewable energy projects for schools, governments and not-for-profit entities. Kennedy's unique approach establishes an ownership path with no capital expense for their clients.
These partnerships are part of a growing presence for NRG in Arizona. NRG has signed a power purchase agreement with Tucson Electric Power for a 25 megawatts (MW) photovoltaic field to provide natural peaking power across Arizona, and recently acquired one of the newest district cooling systems in the U.S., providing chilled water to commercial buildings, office complexes, municipalities, universities and sport complexes in the Phoenix central business district. The Company has also recently announced the acquisition from US Solar of a portfolio of solar development projects on nine sites in California and Arizona ranging in size from 20 MW to 99 MW with the potential to be operational between 2011 and 2013.
"NRG Solar's increasing focus on Arizona is a natural evolution for the Company," said Tom Doyle, President of NRG Solar. "Few states have the incredible solar potential that Arizona does and we will continue to look for partnerships that help make solar generation more and more integral to meeting the growing need for clean energy."
Solar projects support NRG's commitment to increase its portfolio of low and no carbon generation assets with diverse technologies including new nuclear generation, onshore and offshore wind, biomass projects and a commercial-scale carbon capture project for fossil-fueled generation.
NRG Solar is responsible for developing, constructing, financing and operating a multi-technology portfolio of solar power assets in North America. The Company has more than 1,150 MW of projects under development with strong solar resources, potential for long-term power off take agreements with load-serving entities and established easily accessible connections to power grids.
"Adding these schools as well as future distributed generation projects to NRG Solar's growing portfolio of utility-scale solar projects will further establish NRG's position as a leading developer of solar generation capacity, large and small," said Doyle.
About NRG
NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, owns and operates one of the country's largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company's power plants provide more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity--enough to supply more than 20 million homes. NRG's retail business, Reliant Energy, serves 1.6 million residential, business, commercial and industrial customers in Texas. A past recipient of the energy industry's highest honors--Platts Industry Leadership and Energy Company of the Year awards, NRG is a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of business and environmental organizations calling for mandatory legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com.
About Kennedy Partners
Kennedy Partners is a Program and Project Management firm with offices in Phoenix, Arizona. Kennedy has worked with dozens of Arizona School Districts and Governments in the planning, design and construction of their major capital projects. Currently, the Kennedy Partners team is working to develop solar renewable energy projects on over 50 School and Government sites across Arizona which will result in approximately 30MW of distributed generation. These projects are all capital neutral to the host site and to the greatest extent possible, are placed on elevated pavilions so as to provide shade as well as electricity.
Safe Harbor Disclosure
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and include NRG's expectations regarding NRG's solar development initiatives and forward-looking statements typically can be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expect," "believe," and similar terms. Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, among others, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, weather conditions, competition in solar power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, inability to maintain partnering relationships, and changes in the wholesale power markets, changes in government regulation of markets and of environmental emissions.
NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this news release should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG's future results included in NRG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.
SOURCE: NRG Energy, Inc.
For NRG Energy:
Media:
Meredith Moore, 609-524-4522
David Knox, 713-795-6106
Lori Neuman, 609-524-4525
or
Investors:
Nahla Azmy, 609-524-4526
Stefan Kimball, 609-524-4527
Erin Gilli, 609-524-4528
or
For Kennedy Partners:
Mark Rafferty, 623-374-2478
John Kennedy, 623-374-2478
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
California Wine Expanding Solar Energy
GEYSERVILLE, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellation Wines U.S., the country's leading premium wine company, announced today a major expansion of its solar energy initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The company plans to invest in three new solar energy installations across California at its Clos du Bois winery in Geyserville; Ravenswood winery in Sonoma; and Estancia winery in Monterey County. The projects build on the company's solar initiative which began in 2009 with the inaugural installation at the Gonzales winery in Gonzales, Calif. Approximately 17,000 solar panels will be installed at the four wineries by the end of 2010, making the initiative the largest solar footprint in the U.S. wine industry.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Solar Technology Continues to get Better
Germany is hardly the world’s sunniest country. Yet for the past decade, its homeowners have put so many photovoltaic panels on their roofs, that last year they accounted for more than half of installations worldwide.
The German example demonstrates the power of policy, since a range of generous subsidies has driven the market. However, other factors lie behind the rise of solar power as a competitive form of energy.
First, the cost of the technology has fallen, partly because of increased production in China, where the price of photovoltaic equipment has dropped sharply.
But in addition, manufacturing techniques have improved and volumes have increased to meet growing demand, with European companies establishing large facilities in Singapore and Malaysia.
“Once prices go down, they stick,” says Jonathan Johns, director of Climate Change Matters. “And it’s easier technologically to reduce prices in solar than in other technologies. With wind, you have more conventional mechanical moving parts, as well as steel and other inputs.”
Solar power’s advantage is not limited to the cost of the equipment, however. The localised nature of solar power generation – on rooftops and in back yards – allows for the use of net metering, a system that lets consumers feed excess energy back into the electricity grid.
Innovative payment mechanisms have also helped increase the uptake of solar power by the commercial sector. In the US, this has been facilitated by the power purchase agreement model developed by SunEdison, an energy services company.
Under power purchase agreements, energy services companies install solar panels on the roofs of large factories or big-box retail stores such as Walmart and own and operate the technology, selling electricity to the building owner at prices that are lower than those offered by the utility.
The building owner has no capital investment or maintenance costs and can lock in rates for a certain period of time.
“It allows companies to go solar – which looks great on their annual report – and to save money,” says Rhone Resch, president and chief executive of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “And best of all, it becomes a physical hedge against rising electricity prices.”
These kinds of deals – as well as the introduction of smart grids and net metering – have helped solar power become more competitive in the US, which has until recently lagged behind Europe in fostering this energy source.
“In states that are employing smart-grid technology and structured pricing, solar is cost-effective,” says Mr Resch. “And in places such as California you see solar already being cost-effective on the commercial side, too.”
Of course, talk of solar power’s grid parity refers to its competitiveness against retail rather than wholesale prices.
For while a rooftop solar panel is relatively cheap to install and can immediately generate power for the building owner, other forms of renewable energy such as wind require transporting power from locations that are often far from where the energy will be used.
The same applies to fossil fuel sources. “With coal-fired and gas-fired power, it has to go into the grid, be transported around with losses and then be bought with a mark-up to cover the cost of capital of all that grid equipment,” says Michael Liebreich, chief executive of Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
“With a panel, you stick it on the roof and then you don’t buy retail power.”
Gil Forer, global cleantech leader at Ernst & Young, agrees. “When you talk about grid parity, it matters where you look – do you look at the point of sale or the point of generation?”
“At point of generation, it’s still difficult to compete with coal. But from the point of sale, which is the customer perspective, we are in a very competitive position between solar and fossil fuel sources.”
However, despite these advantages, a critical element underpinning solar power’s competitiveness is regulatory support in terms of subsidies.
These kinds of certainties have fostered investment. As a result, the more mature markets for solar power tend to be found where subsidies have been most generous – in US states such as California and countries such as Germany and Spain and parts of Japan.
Mr Resch cites the US example as demonstrating the power of policy to drive markets.
Following an uncertain regime of tax credits for many years, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act guaranteed a federal tax credit for solar power until 2016.
“That resulted in an increase of more than 100 per cent in the residential solar market in 2009 despite the recession,” he says.
Given the power of policy, the question for governments is how and when to reduce subsidies, which are costly. Spain’s reduction of its solar power subsidy in 2008 dented the industry. And the crisis in public finances has prompted renewed discussions of a reduction.
Meanwhile, Germany has made subsidy cuts for solar power, albeit smaller ones than originally proposed. “The challenge for regulators will be managing the transition,” says Mr Johns.
But while experts and analysts acknowledge the importance of policy decisions on energy, most agree that solar power is likely to continue to increase its market share.
The International Energy Agency estimates solar electricity could represent 20 to 25 per cent of global electricity production by 2050.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2010. You may share using our article tools. Please don't cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web.
The German example demonstrates the power of policy, since a range of generous subsidies has driven the market. However, other factors lie behind the rise of solar power as a competitive form of energy.
First, the cost of the technology has fallen, partly because of increased production in China, where the price of photovoltaic equipment has dropped sharply.
But in addition, manufacturing techniques have improved and volumes have increased to meet growing demand, with European companies establishing large facilities in Singapore and Malaysia.
“Once prices go down, they stick,” says Jonathan Johns, director of Climate Change Matters. “And it’s easier technologically to reduce prices in solar than in other technologies. With wind, you have more conventional mechanical moving parts, as well as steel and other inputs.”
Solar power’s advantage is not limited to the cost of the equipment, however. The localised nature of solar power generation – on rooftops and in back yards – allows for the use of net metering, a system that lets consumers feed excess energy back into the electricity grid.
Innovative payment mechanisms have also helped increase the uptake of solar power by the commercial sector. In the US, this has been facilitated by the power purchase agreement model developed by SunEdison, an energy services company.
Under power purchase agreements, energy services companies install solar panels on the roofs of large factories or big-box retail stores such as Walmart and own and operate the technology, selling electricity to the building owner at prices that are lower than those offered by the utility.
The building owner has no capital investment or maintenance costs and can lock in rates for a certain period of time.
“It allows companies to go solar – which looks great on their annual report – and to save money,” says Rhone Resch, president and chief executive of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “And best of all, it becomes a physical hedge against rising electricity prices.”
These kinds of deals – as well as the introduction of smart grids and net metering – have helped solar power become more competitive in the US, which has until recently lagged behind Europe in fostering this energy source.
“In states that are employing smart-grid technology and structured pricing, solar is cost-effective,” says Mr Resch. “And in places such as California you see solar already being cost-effective on the commercial side, too.”
Of course, talk of solar power’s grid parity refers to its competitiveness against retail rather than wholesale prices.
For while a rooftop solar panel is relatively cheap to install and can immediately generate power for the building owner, other forms of renewable energy such as wind require transporting power from locations that are often far from where the energy will be used.
The same applies to fossil fuel sources. “With coal-fired and gas-fired power, it has to go into the grid, be transported around with losses and then be bought with a mark-up to cover the cost of capital of all that grid equipment,” says Michael Liebreich, chief executive of Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
“With a panel, you stick it on the roof and then you don’t buy retail power.”
Gil Forer, global cleantech leader at Ernst & Young, agrees. “When you talk about grid parity, it matters where you look – do you look at the point of sale or the point of generation?”
“At point of generation, it’s still difficult to compete with coal. But from the point of sale, which is the customer perspective, we are in a very competitive position between solar and fossil fuel sources.”
However, despite these advantages, a critical element underpinning solar power’s competitiveness is regulatory support in terms of subsidies.
These kinds of certainties have fostered investment. As a result, the more mature markets for solar power tend to be found where subsidies have been most generous – in US states such as California and countries such as Germany and Spain and parts of Japan.
Mr Resch cites the US example as demonstrating the power of policy to drive markets.
Following an uncertain regime of tax credits for many years, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act guaranteed a federal tax credit for solar power until 2016.
“That resulted in an increase of more than 100 per cent in the residential solar market in 2009 despite the recession,” he says.
Given the power of policy, the question for governments is how and when to reduce subsidies, which are costly. Spain’s reduction of its solar power subsidy in 2008 dented the industry. And the crisis in public finances has prompted renewed discussions of a reduction.
Meanwhile, Germany has made subsidy cuts for solar power, albeit smaller ones than originally proposed. “The challenge for regulators will be managing the transition,” says Mr Johns.
But while experts and analysts acknowledge the importance of policy decisions on energy, most agree that solar power is likely to continue to increase its market share.
The International Energy Agency estimates solar electricity could represent 20 to 25 per cent of global electricity production by 2050.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2010. You may share using our article tools. Please don't cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Solar Power on Telecom Towers
Solar-power company Azure Power aims to build a 100-megawatt (Mw) solar power capacity in the next three-five years and is in initial discussions with mobile phone operators and other industrial houses to offer commercial solar power.
The company plans to invest about Rs 1500 crore in the project, Chief Executive Officer Inderpreet S Wadhwa told Business Standard.“Currently, we are generating 1 Mw of solar power from our Punjab plant. Another 1 Mw will come up in a month. Apart from this, we are already in the process of adding 25-30 mw of solar power in other states,” he said.
Currently, Azure has agreements with state-power utilities for solar power supply. To move beyond this, the company has also started preliminary discussions with one of the telecom player and industrial houses for providing solar power.
If the agreement goes through, the company would install solar panels on the telecom towers, which would enable mobile firms to save costs, especially in rural areas.
“We are working on the business model for selling solar power commercially. We expect to bag a deal by next year,” Wadhwa added.
The company, which had raised $10 million (Rs 46.47 crore) from World Bank arm International Finance Corp in March. The company is also part-funded by venture capitalists Helion Venture Partners and Foundation Capital, Wadhwa said without giving out details.
Apart from 2 Mw plant in Punjab, the company is setting up a 10-Mw plant in Gujarat, another 10 Mw in Karnataka and Rajasthan each and 2 Mw in Haryana.
The government has recently announced National Solar Mission, which aims at setting up over 20,000 mw of solar power generation capacity in three stages by the end of the thirteenth Plan period ending 2022. Currently, the solar power capacity of the nation stands at 4 mw.
“To generate 1 mw of solar power, it costs about Rs 17 crore, but we expect the prices to decrease in the future and by 2017, solar power would be able to compete with retail thermal selling prices,” he said.
The company plans to invest about Rs 1500 crore in the project, Chief Executive Officer Inderpreet S Wadhwa told Business Standard.“Currently, we are generating 1 Mw of solar power from our Punjab plant. Another 1 Mw will come up in a month. Apart from this, we are already in the process of adding 25-30 mw of solar power in other states,” he said.
Currently, Azure has agreements with state-power utilities for solar power supply. To move beyond this, the company has also started preliminary discussions with one of the telecom player and industrial houses for providing solar power.
If the agreement goes through, the company would install solar panels on the telecom towers, which would enable mobile firms to save costs, especially in rural areas.
“We are working on the business model for selling solar power commercially. We expect to bag a deal by next year,” Wadhwa added.
The company, which had raised $10 million (Rs 46.47 crore) from World Bank arm International Finance Corp in March. The company is also part-funded by venture capitalists Helion Venture Partners and Foundation Capital, Wadhwa said without giving out details.
Apart from 2 Mw plant in Punjab, the company is setting up a 10-Mw plant in Gujarat, another 10 Mw in Karnataka and Rajasthan each and 2 Mw in Haryana.
The government has recently announced National Solar Mission, which aims at setting up over 20,000 mw of solar power generation capacity in three stages by the end of the thirteenth Plan period ending 2022. Currently, the solar power capacity of the nation stands at 4 mw.
“To generate 1 mw of solar power, it costs about Rs 17 crore, but we expect the prices to decrease in the future and by 2017, solar power would be able to compete with retail thermal selling prices,” he said.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
More Solar for California
WALNUT, Calif., Sept 10, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Sunvalley Solar, Inc. , a leading solar power technology and solar system integration company, announces the completion and full operation of a 20,520W solar system in Arcadia, California.
The solar system, designed and installed by Sunvalley, provides approximately 20,520W of clean electric power to the commercial end user. The array consists of 72 pieces of SST285-72M CEEG SST mono-crystalline PV modules mounted on racks and four PV Powered 3 phase inverters, and a PV Powered data-monitoring package. The data, displayed on a large LCD monitor, allows the general public to view solar energy being generated and consumed.
"Sunvalley, in promoting its Green Community Program across the greater Los Angeles area, helps clients decrease both their cost for electricity and their carbon footprint. This project represents an excellent start for our Green Community Program. We believe that making energy choices that are good for the environment goes hand-in-hand with improving the lives of those living in our communities," said James Zhang, CEO of Sunvalley Solar, Inc.
About Sunvalley Solar, Inc.
Sunvalley Solar, Inc. is a leading solar system solution provider that offers comprehensive solar energy technology, system design, installation, equipments, and technical support for electrical contractors, builders, homeowners, businesses/commercial buildings, and government entities that assist them in the lowering of utility bills, reducing environmental impacts, and increasing energy reliability and independence through solar energy. Located in Los Angeles, California, Sunvalley Solar, Inc. is committed to reducing the world's carbon foot print from traditional energy sources to make renewable sources, such as solar, the nation's mainstream source of power.
To learn more, visit www.sunvalleysolarinc.com.
Forward-Looking Statement: The statements in the press release that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results from acquisitions or actions in development are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements in this document may also contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and factors include, but are not limited to, future capital needs, changes, and delays in product development plans and schedules, or market acceptance.
SOURCE Sunvalley Solar, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2010 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
The solar system, designed and installed by Sunvalley, provides approximately 20,520W of clean electric power to the commercial end user. The array consists of 72 pieces of SST285-72M CEEG SST mono-crystalline PV modules mounted on racks and four PV Powered 3 phase inverters, and a PV Powered data-monitoring package. The data, displayed on a large LCD monitor, allows the general public to view solar energy being generated and consumed.
"Sunvalley, in promoting its Green Community Program across the greater Los Angeles area, helps clients decrease both their cost for electricity and their carbon footprint. This project represents an excellent start for our Green Community Program. We believe that making energy choices that are good for the environment goes hand-in-hand with improving the lives of those living in our communities," said James Zhang, CEO of Sunvalley Solar, Inc.
About Sunvalley Solar, Inc.
Sunvalley Solar, Inc. is a leading solar system solution provider that offers comprehensive solar energy technology, system design, installation, equipments, and technical support for electrical contractors, builders, homeowners, businesses/commercial buildings, and government entities that assist them in the lowering of utility bills, reducing environmental impacts, and increasing energy reliability and independence through solar energy. Located in Los Angeles, California, Sunvalley Solar, Inc. is committed to reducing the world's carbon foot print from traditional energy sources to make renewable sources, such as solar, the nation's mainstream source of power.
To learn more, visit www.sunvalleysolarinc.com.
Forward-Looking Statement: The statements in the press release that relate to the Company's expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company's results from acquisitions or actions in development are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements in this document may also contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and factors include, but are not limited to, future capital needs, changes, and delays in product development plans and schedules, or market acceptance.
SOURCE Sunvalley Solar, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2010 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
Friday, September 10, 2010
Solar Electric Boilers to be Installed
DANVERS, Mass. & OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BrightSource Energy, Inc., developer of utility-scale solar thermal power plants, announced today that it has signed a series of contracts with Riley Power Inc., a subsidiary of Babcock Power Inc., for three boilers to be operated at its 392-megawatt Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in California’s Mojave Desert. The Ivanpah project will couple Riley’s solar receiver steam generators with BrightSource Energy’s Luz Power Tower solar thermal technology to produce superheated steam of up to 550 degrees Celcius.“One of the core advantages of our Luz Power Tower technology is that it uses a conventional Rankine cycle to create the world’s highest temperature and highest capacity solar powered steam,” said Israel Kroizer, Chief Operating Officer, BrightSource Energy, and President of BrightSource Industries (Israel) Ltd. “By setting the bar for solar steam quality, we’re able to produce reliable and low-cost power that meets our customers’ needs.”
BrightSource Energy’s proven Luz Power Tower (LPT) technology produces electricity the same way as fossil fuel power plants – by creating high temperature steam to turn a conventional turbine. However, instead of using fossil fuels to create the steam, BrightSource uses thousands of mirrors called heliostats to reflect sunlight onto a boiler filled with water that sits atop a tower. When the sunlight hits the boiler, the water inside is heated and creates high temperature steam. The steam is then piped to a conventional turbine which generates electricity. In order to conserve water, the steam is then air-cooled and piped back into the system in a closed-loop, environmentally friendly process. This fully integrated approach takes advantage of high operating efficiencies and low capital costs to provide reliable and low-cost carbon-free energy.
Riley Power’s state-of-the-art solar receiver steam generators are based on their conventional and proven boiler technology. Each solar receiver steam generator is designed to produce superheated steam at high pressure and temperatures in order to generate hundreds of thousands of pounds per hour of superheated steam. “Our innovative technologies and decades of boiler experience are combining to provide BrightSource with a highly efficient solar boiler. Whether the heliostats are in full sunlight or varying cloud conditions, Riley’s solar boiler is designed to be robust and reliable,” stated Angelos Kokkinos, president of Riley Power Inc. “At Babcock Power we focus on providing our customers with innovative renewable energy solutions through our bpigreen® initiative, embracing a cleaner environment in everything we do.”
Babcock Power’s bpigreen® program focuses on new boilers, heat exchangers and air quality control systems in the “Green Power” Renewables markets, serving electric generating plants using biomass, waste-to-energy, thermal solar, and other renewable fuels.
About the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System
The approximately 3,600 acre project located in San Bernardino County, California, will consist of three separate solar thermal power plants and provide power under separate contracts with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). PG&E will purchase approximately two-thirds of the power generated at Ivanpah and SCE will purchase approximately one-third. In all, BrightSource has contracted with PG&E and SCE to deliver 2,610 megawatts of electric power.
When constructed, the Ivanpah project will be the world’s largest solar power project, nearly doubling the amount of solar thermal electricity produced in the U.S. today. Ivanpah will:
generate enough clean energy to power 140,000 homes
reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 400,000 tons annually, the equivalent of taking more than 70,000 cars off the road
provide more than 1,000 local union jobs at the peak of construction; 650 jobs annually on average for its three year construction period
provide $650 million in employee wages over its first 30-year life
BrightSource’s Ivanpah project has reached a number of significant milestones over the past six months. On August 12, the California Public Utilities Commission approved BrightSource’s contract with Southern California Edison for 117 MW of power to be produced at Ivanpah. On August 6, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for BrightSource’s Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. On August 4, the company announced that a California Energy Commission (CEC) siting committee issued a proposed decision recommending approval of the project. BrightSource expects to have all of the final permits to commence construction in fall 2010. In February, BrightSource received a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for $1.37 billion in loan guarantees to support the financing of the Ivanpah project.
About BrightSource Energy, Inc.
BrightSource Energy, Inc. provides clean, reliable and low cost solar energy for utility and industrial companies worldwide. The BrightSource Energy team combines nearly three decades of experience designing, building and operating the world’s largest solar power plants with world-class project development capabilities. The company now has contracted to sell 2610 megawatts of power to be generated using its proprietary solar thermal technology. BrightSource Energy’s solar plants are designed to minimize their impact on the environment and help customers reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Headquartered in Oakland, Calif., BrightSource Energy is a privately held company with operations in the United States, Israel, and Australia. To learn more about BrightSource Energy and solar thermal energy, visit www.brightsourceenergy.com.
About Babcock Power Inc.
Babcock Power Inc., www.babcockpower.com, through its subsidiaries, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of technology, equipment, and services to the power generation industry. Babcock Power subsidiary companies include; Vogt Power International Inc. (Louisville, KY), Thermal Engineering International (USA) Inc. (Santa Fe Springs, CA), Babcock Power Environmental Inc., Riley Power Inc. and Babcock Power Services Inc. (Worcester, MA), Boiler Tube Company of America (Lyman, SC), and TEi Construction Services, Inc. (Duncan, SC).
BrightSource Energy’s proven Luz Power Tower (LPT) technology produces electricity the same way as fossil fuel power plants – by creating high temperature steam to turn a conventional turbine. However, instead of using fossil fuels to create the steam, BrightSource uses thousands of mirrors called heliostats to reflect sunlight onto a boiler filled with water that sits atop a tower. When the sunlight hits the boiler, the water inside is heated and creates high temperature steam. The steam is then piped to a conventional turbine which generates electricity. In order to conserve water, the steam is then air-cooled and piped back into the system in a closed-loop, environmentally friendly process. This fully integrated approach takes advantage of high operating efficiencies and low capital costs to provide reliable and low-cost carbon-free energy.
Riley Power’s state-of-the-art solar receiver steam generators are based on their conventional and proven boiler technology. Each solar receiver steam generator is designed to produce superheated steam at high pressure and temperatures in order to generate hundreds of thousands of pounds per hour of superheated steam. “Our innovative technologies and decades of boiler experience are combining to provide BrightSource with a highly efficient solar boiler. Whether the heliostats are in full sunlight or varying cloud conditions, Riley’s solar boiler is designed to be robust and reliable,” stated Angelos Kokkinos, president of Riley Power Inc. “At Babcock Power we focus on providing our customers with innovative renewable energy solutions through our bpigreen® initiative, embracing a cleaner environment in everything we do.”
Babcock Power’s bpigreen® program focuses on new boilers, heat exchangers and air quality control systems in the “Green Power” Renewables markets, serving electric generating plants using biomass, waste-to-energy, thermal solar, and other renewable fuels.
About the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System
The approximately 3,600 acre project located in San Bernardino County, California, will consist of three separate solar thermal power plants and provide power under separate contracts with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). PG&E will purchase approximately two-thirds of the power generated at Ivanpah and SCE will purchase approximately one-third. In all, BrightSource has contracted with PG&E and SCE to deliver 2,610 megawatts of electric power.
When constructed, the Ivanpah project will be the world’s largest solar power project, nearly doubling the amount of solar thermal electricity produced in the U.S. today. Ivanpah will:
generate enough clean energy to power 140,000 homes
reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 400,000 tons annually, the equivalent of taking more than 70,000 cars off the road
provide more than 1,000 local union jobs at the peak of construction; 650 jobs annually on average for its three year construction period
provide $650 million in employee wages over its first 30-year life
BrightSource’s Ivanpah project has reached a number of significant milestones over the past six months. On August 12, the California Public Utilities Commission approved BrightSource’s contract with Southern California Edison for 117 MW of power to be produced at Ivanpah. On August 6, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for BrightSource’s Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. On August 4, the company announced that a California Energy Commission (CEC) siting committee issued a proposed decision recommending approval of the project. BrightSource expects to have all of the final permits to commence construction in fall 2010. In February, BrightSource received a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for $1.37 billion in loan guarantees to support the financing of the Ivanpah project.
About BrightSource Energy, Inc.
BrightSource Energy, Inc. provides clean, reliable and low cost solar energy for utility and industrial companies worldwide. The BrightSource Energy team combines nearly three decades of experience designing, building and operating the world’s largest solar power plants with world-class project development capabilities. The company now has contracted to sell 2610 megawatts of power to be generated using its proprietary solar thermal technology. BrightSource Energy’s solar plants are designed to minimize their impact on the environment and help customers reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Headquartered in Oakland, Calif., BrightSource Energy is a privately held company with operations in the United States, Israel, and Australia. To learn more about BrightSource Energy and solar thermal energy, visit www.brightsourceenergy.com.
About Babcock Power Inc.
Babcock Power Inc., www.babcockpower.com, through its subsidiaries, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of technology, equipment, and services to the power generation industry. Babcock Power subsidiary companies include; Vogt Power International Inc. (Louisville, KY), Thermal Engineering International (USA) Inc. (Santa Fe Springs, CA), Babcock Power Environmental Inc., Riley Power Inc. and Babcock Power Services Inc. (Worcester, MA), Boiler Tube Company of America (Lyman, SC), and TEi Construction Services, Inc. (Duncan, SC).
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Investment Money for Solar Continues
Concentrators for photovoltaic modules may still be a zero billion dollar market, but money from investors continues to flow in.
Solaria, which combines a silicon solar cells and a concentrator in a single package, says it raised $20 million more today, bringing the total to $65 million.
Solaria's technology is based on dicing or "singulating" a standard crystalline silicon wafer and mounting these strips on a substrate with a lensing system that essentially halves the requirement for silicon. The lensing and concentration is integrated into the rolled cover glass, representing a significant change from an earlier acrylic sub-assembly design.
So think of it as solar meets processed meat meets reading glasses. The company is run by Dan Shugar, who helped found Powerlight (bought by SunPower) and has worked in solar since 1988.
Elsewhere:
--Lawrence Berkeley National Labs has come out with a study that examines the impact of more solar on the grid. It concluded that geographic diversity helps stabilize the impact of variable sources. In other words, solar becomes more dependable as it becomes more pervasive. Read more here.
--The California Energy Commission gave the green light to the 250 megawatt solar thermal project proposed by Spain's Abengoa. The CEC earlier in August recommended that the construction go-ahead be given. Construction could begin before the end of the year.
The plant, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles in San Bernadino County, will rely on parabolic mirrors and liquid-filled tubes to concentrate heat and generate power. It's the old fashioned architecture for solar thermal plants, but it's also the predominant one. Parabolic troughs account for 94 percent of systems in the ground and 95 percent under construction.
The project is one of nine solar thermal projects slated to go before the CEC. The projects-which will provide 4.3 gigawatts of power if built-need to obtain approval before the end of the year to qualify for stimulus dollars.
The eight other projects are: the 250 MW Beacon Solar Energy Project; the 1,000 MW Blythe Solar Power Project; the 850 MW Calico Solar Project; the 250 MW Genesis Solar Energy Project; the 709 MW Imperial Valley Solar Project; the 370 MW Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System Project; the 500 MW Palen Solar Power Project; and the 150 MW Rice Solar Energy Project.
Over 30 thermal projects are on the books nationwide, according to solar thermal expert Brett Prior at GTM Research.
--Canadian Solar has become an official sponsor of the San Francisco Giants, thereby deepening the solar-sports connection. Earlier this year, Yingli sponsored the World Cup. Roller Derby teams in the Bay Area have been scouring for a sponsor.
--JA Solar said it signed contracts to sell 500 more megawatts in 2011. Last month JA said it would increase production capacity to 1.8 gigawatts from the previous target of 1.5 gigawatts by the end of the year.
--Finally, SunPower said it would plant 200 megawatts of solar in Italy in 2011, nearly double the 108 megawatts SunPower will plant this year.
Solaria, which combines a silicon solar cells and a concentrator in a single package, says it raised $20 million more today, bringing the total to $65 million.
Solaria's technology is based on dicing or "singulating" a standard crystalline silicon wafer and mounting these strips on a substrate with a lensing system that essentially halves the requirement for silicon. The lensing and concentration is integrated into the rolled cover glass, representing a significant change from an earlier acrylic sub-assembly design.
So think of it as solar meets processed meat meets reading glasses. The company is run by Dan Shugar, who helped found Powerlight (bought by SunPower) and has worked in solar since 1988.
Elsewhere:
--Lawrence Berkeley National Labs has come out with a study that examines the impact of more solar on the grid. It concluded that geographic diversity helps stabilize the impact of variable sources. In other words, solar becomes more dependable as it becomes more pervasive. Read more here.
--The California Energy Commission gave the green light to the 250 megawatt solar thermal project proposed by Spain's Abengoa. The CEC earlier in August recommended that the construction go-ahead be given. Construction could begin before the end of the year.
The plant, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles in San Bernadino County, will rely on parabolic mirrors and liquid-filled tubes to concentrate heat and generate power. It's the old fashioned architecture for solar thermal plants, but it's also the predominant one. Parabolic troughs account for 94 percent of systems in the ground and 95 percent under construction.
The project is one of nine solar thermal projects slated to go before the CEC. The projects-which will provide 4.3 gigawatts of power if built-need to obtain approval before the end of the year to qualify for stimulus dollars.
The eight other projects are: the 250 MW Beacon Solar Energy Project; the 1,000 MW Blythe Solar Power Project; the 850 MW Calico Solar Project; the 250 MW Genesis Solar Energy Project; the 709 MW Imperial Valley Solar Project; the 370 MW Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System Project; the 500 MW Palen Solar Power Project; and the 150 MW Rice Solar Energy Project.
Over 30 thermal projects are on the books nationwide, according to solar thermal expert Brett Prior at GTM Research.
--Canadian Solar has become an official sponsor of the San Francisco Giants, thereby deepening the solar-sports connection. Earlier this year, Yingli sponsored the World Cup. Roller Derby teams in the Bay Area have been scouring for a sponsor.
--JA Solar said it signed contracts to sell 500 more megawatts in 2011. Last month JA said it would increase production capacity to 1.8 gigawatts from the previous target of 1.5 gigawatts by the end of the year.
--Finally, SunPower said it would plant 200 megawatts of solar in Italy in 2011, nearly double the 108 megawatts SunPower will plant this year.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
New Stable Silicon for Solar
CORNING, N.Y., Sep 07, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Corning Incorporated and Oerlikon Solar (SIX: OERL) announced today that they have achieved a record-breaking 11.9 percent stabilized conversion efficiency in a silicon-tandem, research-size photovoltaic cell. Results were confirmed by the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Based on the unique combination of Oerlikon Solar's world leading Micromorph(R) technology and Corning's thin specialty glass, the resulting solar cell's energy conversion efficiency exceeds the current 11.7 percent industry record, set in 2004, and was achieved without the use of antireflective coating.
Increasing conversion efficiency, or the rate at which sunlight energy is converted into electric current, is a key industry challenge. This milestone for Micromorph(R) tandem technology is particularly significant in the advancement of thin-film photovoltaics, a rapidly progressing segment of the fast-growing solar energy industry.
The newly developed photovoltaics research cell combines the advanced light-trapping capabilities of Corning's specialty glass and Oerlikon Solar's proprietary Micromorph(R) technology, utilizing a zinc oxide low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) front contact.
"The 11.9 percent efficiency achievement is an important step forward in thin-film innovation for our customers," said Dr. Jurg Henz, chief executive officer, Oerlikon Solar. "We look forward to continued work with Corning on a roadmap to advance this technology to cell efficiencies of 12 percent and beyond."
"We are thrilled with the milestone reached through this very strong collaboration between Oerlikon Solar and Corning," noted Dr. Gary Calabrese, vice-president, Science and Technology and director, Corning Photovoltaic Glass Technologies. "More importantly, we are strongly encouraged by the great opportunities that these advancements make possible for the photovoltaics industry as the combined efforts of these two companies move forward to achieve even higher efficiencies with silicon tandem."
More information and research details will be presented by Dr. Julien Bailat of Oerlikon Solar at the 25th Annual European Photovoltaics Solar Energy Conference (PVSEC) and the 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WPEC-5) in Valencia Spain on Sept. 7. A presentation on the topic of photovoltaics glass reliability will also be presented by Dr. James Webb of Corning Incorporated at the same conference on Sept. 8.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which are based on current expectations and assumptions about Corning's financial results and business operations, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include: the effect of global political, economic and business conditions; conditions in the financial and credit markets; currency fluctuations; tax rates; product demand and industry capacity; competition; reliance on a concentrated customer base; manufacturing efficiencies; cost reductions; availability of critical components and materials; new product commercialization; pricing fluctuations and changes in the mix of sales between premium and non-premium products; new plant start-up or restructuring costs; possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, or major health concerns; adequacy of insurance; equity company activities; acquisition and divestiture activities; the level of excess or obsolete inventory; the rate of technology change; the ability to enforce patents; product and components performance issues; retention of key personnel; stock price fluctuations; and adverse litigation or regulatory developments. These and other risk factors are detailed in Corning's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day that they are made, and Corning undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.
About Oerlikon Solar
Oerlikon Solar (http://www.oerlikon.com/solar/) designs and manufactures field-proven equipment and end-to-end manufacturing lines for the mass production of environmentally sustainable thin film silicon solar modules. With its amorphous and high-efficiency Micromorph(R) tandem technology, Oerlikon Solar has dramatically increased the efficiency of thin film silicon and created innovative end-to-end manufacturing solutions for thin film PV, enabling new entrants in the fast-growing, global PV manufacturing business. Oerlikon Solar leads the thin film solar equipment sector with 12 factories in production in seven countries, more than 2.5 million modules produced and 450 MW of capacity produced worldwide.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 150 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Our products include glass substrates for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and metrology.
Based on the unique combination of Oerlikon Solar's world leading Micromorph(R) technology and Corning's thin specialty glass, the resulting solar cell's energy conversion efficiency exceeds the current 11.7 percent industry record, set in 2004, and was achieved without the use of antireflective coating.
Increasing conversion efficiency, or the rate at which sunlight energy is converted into electric current, is a key industry challenge. This milestone for Micromorph(R) tandem technology is particularly significant in the advancement of thin-film photovoltaics, a rapidly progressing segment of the fast-growing solar energy industry.
The newly developed photovoltaics research cell combines the advanced light-trapping capabilities of Corning's specialty glass and Oerlikon Solar's proprietary Micromorph(R) technology, utilizing a zinc oxide low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) front contact.
"The 11.9 percent efficiency achievement is an important step forward in thin-film innovation for our customers," said Dr. Jurg Henz, chief executive officer, Oerlikon Solar. "We look forward to continued work with Corning on a roadmap to advance this technology to cell efficiencies of 12 percent and beyond."
"We are thrilled with the milestone reached through this very strong collaboration between Oerlikon Solar and Corning," noted Dr. Gary Calabrese, vice-president, Science and Technology and director, Corning Photovoltaic Glass Technologies. "More importantly, we are strongly encouraged by the great opportunities that these advancements make possible for the photovoltaics industry as the combined efforts of these two companies move forward to achieve even higher efficiencies with silicon tandem."
More information and research details will be presented by Dr. Julien Bailat of Oerlikon Solar at the 25th Annual European Photovoltaics Solar Energy Conference (PVSEC) and the 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WPEC-5) in Valencia Spain on Sept. 7. A presentation on the topic of photovoltaics glass reliability will also be presented by Dr. James Webb of Corning Incorporated at the same conference on Sept. 8.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which are based on current expectations and assumptions about Corning's financial results and business operations, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include: the effect of global political, economic and business conditions; conditions in the financial and credit markets; currency fluctuations; tax rates; product demand and industry capacity; competition; reliance on a concentrated customer base; manufacturing efficiencies; cost reductions; availability of critical components and materials; new product commercialization; pricing fluctuations and changes in the mix of sales between premium and non-premium products; new plant start-up or restructuring costs; possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, or major health concerns; adequacy of insurance; equity company activities; acquisition and divestiture activities; the level of excess or obsolete inventory; the rate of technology change; the ability to enforce patents; product and components performance issues; retention of key personnel; stock price fluctuations; and adverse litigation or regulatory developments. These and other risk factors are detailed in Corning's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day that they are made, and Corning undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.
About Oerlikon Solar
Oerlikon Solar (http://www.oerlikon.com/solar/) designs and manufactures field-proven equipment and end-to-end manufacturing lines for the mass production of environmentally sustainable thin film silicon solar modules. With its amorphous and high-efficiency Micromorph(R) tandem technology, Oerlikon Solar has dramatically increased the efficiency of thin film silicon and created innovative end-to-end manufacturing solutions for thin film PV, enabling new entrants in the fast-growing, global PV manufacturing business. Oerlikon Solar leads the thin film solar equipment sector with 12 factories in production in seven countries, more than 2.5 million modules produced and 450 MW of capacity produced worldwide.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 150 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Our products include glass substrates for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and metrology.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sunpower Corporation's Power Plant Available for Europse
VALENCIA, Spain, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- At the European Photovolatic Solar Energy Conference, SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), today announced that its SunPower Oasis™ Power Plant (SunPower Oasis) product, a fully integrated, modular solar power block, is now available in Europe. SunPower Oasis scales from 1-megawatt ac (MW) distributed installations to large central station power plants and provides a cost-effective way to rapidly deploy utility-scale solar projects, streamlining the development and construction process.
SunPower Oasis is engineered from the ground up to optimize use of available land. Each power block integrates the SunPower® T0 Tracker with SunPower's high-efficiency, 425-watt utility solar panel, pre-manufactured system cabling, the Oasis smart inverter, and the Oasis operating system. SunPower Oasis also features the SunPower advanced Tracker Monitoring and Control System (TMAC™) for wireless control of the power plant. The power block kits are shipped pre-assembled to the job site for rapid field installation, and offer the highest capacity factor and the most reliable long-term performance.
"SunPower Oasis is a ground-breaking, utility-scale solar solution that optimizes energy production, installation speed, material cost, and long-term reliability," said Gian Maria Ferraro, vice president and general manager, SunPower Europe. "With this revolutionary new product, we have the ability to design and scale to any size power plant, supporting the shape complexities of the European sites."
The SunPower Oasis operating system is designed to support future grid interconnection requirements for large-scale solar power plants, such as voltage ride through and power factor control. It also features utility-standard SCADA operation and analytical tools, which include intelligent sensor and control networks for optimized power plant operation.
"SunPower Oasis meets the needs of utilities, investors, developers, and the local community," said Howard Wenger, president, SunPower Utility and Power Plants. "SunPower's proven technology and experience is reflected in this new product which will substantially lower the cost of power plant ownership by significantly reducing balance of systems, development and operational costs."
SunPower has installed more than 120 ground-mounted power plants globally, representing more than 300 MW of operating power generation. The SunPower Oasis power plant, first announced in the U.S. earlier this year, is now available in the EU for design and development, with construction expected to start in the third quarter of 2011. Additional information about the product can be found at www.sunpoweroasis.com.
About SunPower
Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the planet's most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts and may be based on underlying assumptions. The company uses words and phrases such as "will" "future," and "expected" to identify forward-looking statements in this press release, including expectations regarding (a) SunPower Oasis's ability to optimize energy production, installation speed, material costs, and long-term reliability, and streamline the development and construction process, (b) SunPower Oasis's ability to support future grid interconnection requirements for large-scale solar power plants, such as voltage ride through and power factor control, (c) SunPower Oasis's ability to substantially lower costs by reducing balance of system, development and operational costs, and (d) SunPower Oasis's expected construction start date in Europe in the third quarter of 2011. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some beyond the company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties such as: (i) the price the company pays for its supply of raw materials, components, and solar panels, (ii) construction difficulties or potential delays, including permitting and transmission access and upgrades, and the company's ability to successfully begin construction of SunPower Oasis in the EU in the third quarter of 2011; (iii) evolving regional permitting, financing, grid interconnection, technical, and other customer or regulatory requirements, and SunPower Oasis's ability to satisfy such requirements; and (iv) other risks described in SunPower's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2010 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2010, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company's views as of any subsequent date, and the company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any responsibility to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SunPower and Oasis are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunPower Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SunPower Oasis is engineered from the ground up to optimize use of available land. Each power block integrates the SunPower® T0 Tracker with SunPower's high-efficiency, 425-watt utility solar panel, pre-manufactured system cabling, the Oasis smart inverter, and the Oasis operating system. SunPower Oasis also features the SunPower advanced Tracker Monitoring and Control System (TMAC™) for wireless control of the power plant. The power block kits are shipped pre-assembled to the job site for rapid field installation, and offer the highest capacity factor and the most reliable long-term performance.
"SunPower Oasis is a ground-breaking, utility-scale solar solution that optimizes energy production, installation speed, material cost, and long-term reliability," said Gian Maria Ferraro, vice president and general manager, SunPower Europe. "With this revolutionary new product, we have the ability to design and scale to any size power plant, supporting the shape complexities of the European sites."
The SunPower Oasis operating system is designed to support future grid interconnection requirements for large-scale solar power plants, such as voltage ride through and power factor control. It also features utility-standard SCADA operation and analytical tools, which include intelligent sensor and control networks for optimized power plant operation.
"SunPower Oasis meets the needs of utilities, investors, developers, and the local community," said Howard Wenger, president, SunPower Utility and Power Plants. "SunPower's proven technology and experience is reflected in this new product which will substantially lower the cost of power plant ownership by significantly reducing balance of systems, development and operational costs."
SunPower has installed more than 120 ground-mounted power plants globally, representing more than 300 MW of operating power generation. The SunPower Oasis power plant, first announced in the U.S. earlier this year, is now available in the EU for design and development, with construction expected to start in the third quarter of 2011. Additional information about the product can be found at www.sunpoweroasis.com.
About SunPower
Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers the planet's most powerful solar technology broadly available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's experience and proven results to maximize return on investment. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts and may be based on underlying assumptions. The company uses words and phrases such as "will" "future," and "expected" to identify forward-looking statements in this press release, including expectations regarding (a) SunPower Oasis's ability to optimize energy production, installation speed, material costs, and long-term reliability, and streamline the development and construction process, (b) SunPower Oasis's ability to support future grid interconnection requirements for large-scale solar power plants, such as voltage ride through and power factor control, (c) SunPower Oasis's ability to substantially lower costs by reducing balance of system, development and operational costs, and (d) SunPower Oasis's expected construction start date in Europe in the third quarter of 2011. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available to the company as of the date of this release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some beyond the company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties such as: (i) the price the company pays for its supply of raw materials, components, and solar panels, (ii) construction difficulties or potential delays, including permitting and transmission access and upgrades, and the company's ability to successfully begin construction of SunPower Oasis in the EU in the third quarter of 2011; (iii) evolving regional permitting, financing, grid interconnection, technical, and other customer or regulatory requirements, and SunPower Oasis's ability to satisfy such requirements; and (iv) other risks described in SunPower's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2010 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2010, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company's views as of any subsequent date, and the company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any responsibility to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SunPower and Oasis are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunPower Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Princeton New Jersey Gets Solar Panels
PRINCETON — Starting next week, PSE&G will begin installing about 60 solar panels on utility poles throughout the township.
When done, the 2½-foot by 5-foot panels will be part of a project that includes 200,000 pole-mounted solar units generating 40 megawatts of solar energy.
The energy generated by the 200-watt structures flows into the power grid, which services all customers. Energy costs for the average residential consumer will increase by about $1.20 in the first year.
Part of PSE&G’s Solar 4 All program, the solar panels will be placed on poles that are open to the sun, are in good condition and don’t have excessive amounts of wire on them, said Township Engineer Bob Kiser.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved the program in July 2009, citing the benefits of increasing renewable energy sources in the state. PSE&G expects to invest $515 million in the project before its completion in 2013.
That figure also includes the cost of constructing several large solar farms and rooftops in Trenton, Linden and other cities. The larger projects are expected to generate another 40 megawatts of new solar power.
PSE&G expects the assembly and installation of the panels and solar farms also will benefit consumers by creating jobs. NJBPU Director of the Office of Clean Energy Mike Winka estimated that 200 contractors had presided over thousands of installations.
The Princeton project is expected to take approximately two weeks.
When done, the 2½-foot by 5-foot panels will be part of a project that includes 200,000 pole-mounted solar units generating 40 megawatts of solar energy.
The energy generated by the 200-watt structures flows into the power grid, which services all customers. Energy costs for the average residential consumer will increase by about $1.20 in the first year.
Part of PSE&G’s Solar 4 All program, the solar panels will be placed on poles that are open to the sun, are in good condition and don’t have excessive amounts of wire on them, said Township Engineer Bob Kiser.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved the program in July 2009, citing the benefits of increasing renewable energy sources in the state. PSE&G expects to invest $515 million in the project before its completion in 2013.
That figure also includes the cost of constructing several large solar farms and rooftops in Trenton, Linden and other cities. The larger projects are expected to generate another 40 megawatts of new solar power.
PSE&G expects the assembly and installation of the panels and solar farms also will benefit consumers by creating jobs. NJBPU Director of the Office of Clean Energy Mike Winka estimated that 200 contractors had presided over thousands of installations.
The Princeton project is expected to take approximately two weeks.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
New Jersey Solar Power in Homes
PulteGroup, a company based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is not the only builder offering solar-equipped homes in New Jersey. But it is among the first to start offering solar units as a standard feature in every house in a development, and to tot up the ways that buyers can earn as much as $30,000 over 15 years.
Those earnings will come in four ways, according to Paul Schneier, the president of the company’s metropolitan New York and New Jersey division: savings of more than half on electricity bills, a onetime federal tax rebate of at least $6,000, an annual break on property taxes, and income from the sale of the credits back to utility companies.
Like 26 other states, New Jersey is requiring its utility companies to generate an increasing percentage of electric power through the use of renewable sources of energy like sun and wind. It has established a credit-purchase program so companies can meet the requirements while they build up enough solar-generating power of their own. (New Jersey officials estimate that will take at least 10 years.)
According to Mr. Schneier, the state is a leader in the developing market for investors and utilities wanting to buy these credits, called Solar Renewable Energy Credits. Each credit certifies that 1,000 megawatts of power have been produced by solar energy.
The credits are bought and sold in an online marketplace. New Jersey’s credits have emerged as a particularly hot property, because electric rates are comparatively high here, making each megawatt of power worth more.
“The system is complicated,” said Douglas Fenichel, a spokesman for K. Hovnanian Homes. When Hovnanian put solar technology on its list of options at its Jockey Club age-restricted development in Oceanport, he said, “We found people didn’t really understand it.”
Buyers were generally interested in sustainable construction, Mr. Fenichel said. But it was hard to explain the savings and how they would be reaped by buyers. In the end, the developers decided to make solar standard instead of optional in all 44 Jockey Club units. The development sold out six months ago.
“It was not until the first resident stood there watching his meter going backward, generating electricity that would go back to the power company, that I think it really sunk in,” Mr. Fenichel said.
Mr. Schneier of the PulteGroup noted that buyers on a fixed income — or thinking about retiring — may be attracted to the idea of owning a solar system. “Of course, now, though, everyone is starting to think about cutting costs any way they can,” he added.
Several builders, as well as individual homeowners around the state, are moving to install solar panels on the roofs of their buildings, along with support technology to meter productivity.
In New Brunswick, for instance, Ironstate Development is retrofitting Riverwalk Commons, an apartment building, with rooftop technology that will power lighting in common areas and the garage.
The cost of the units has been the prevailing issue holding back more widespread use, said Michael Winka, the director of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Office of Clean Energy. At River Pointe, the cost to the developers of installing the standard 2.25 kilowatt unit, which at current rates would earn about $1,330 in credits per year, is about $20,000. An optional upgrade to a 3.1 kilowatt system, which would earn about $2,000 per year, would cost the buyer $10,000. Mr. Schneier said that solar equipment adds to resale value.
On the other hand, Mr. Winka said that most solar power systems start to wear out after about 10 years. In addition, both he and Mr. Schneier said that the market for energy credits could not be expected to remain strong indefinitely, as utility companies are pushing ahead with developing their own solar plants.
The reimbursement at River Pointe on a house bought right now would shape up like this, according to the PulteGroup’s calculations:
¶$6,000 to $10,000 in federal tax credits, depending on the size of the solar unit.
¶Roughly $450 in reduced energy costs the first year, depending on use and house size (floor plans range from 1,600 to 2,700 square feet). Savings would rise in proportion to rising energy costs.
¶Solar technology is exempted from property tax, saving $341 or $451 a year, depending on the size of the unit.
¶Proceeds from the sale of energy credits, $1,333 or $2,000 a year.
There are already 150 residents at River Pointe, a community of single-family houses with yards that are maintained by the homeowners’ association, a community clubhouse and other amenities. A total of 550 units are planned.
A model unit with the solar panels and technology installed is newly completed and open to house hunters.
Those earnings will come in four ways, according to Paul Schneier, the president of the company’s metropolitan New York and New Jersey division: savings of more than half on electricity bills, a onetime federal tax rebate of at least $6,000, an annual break on property taxes, and income from the sale of the credits back to utility companies.
Like 26 other states, New Jersey is requiring its utility companies to generate an increasing percentage of electric power through the use of renewable sources of energy like sun and wind. It has established a credit-purchase program so companies can meet the requirements while they build up enough solar-generating power of their own. (New Jersey officials estimate that will take at least 10 years.)
According to Mr. Schneier, the state is a leader in the developing market for investors and utilities wanting to buy these credits, called Solar Renewable Energy Credits. Each credit certifies that 1,000 megawatts of power have been produced by solar energy.
The credits are bought and sold in an online marketplace. New Jersey’s credits have emerged as a particularly hot property, because electric rates are comparatively high here, making each megawatt of power worth more.
“The system is complicated,” said Douglas Fenichel, a spokesman for K. Hovnanian Homes. When Hovnanian put solar technology on its list of options at its Jockey Club age-restricted development in Oceanport, he said, “We found people didn’t really understand it.”
Buyers were generally interested in sustainable construction, Mr. Fenichel said. But it was hard to explain the savings and how they would be reaped by buyers. In the end, the developers decided to make solar standard instead of optional in all 44 Jockey Club units. The development sold out six months ago.
“It was not until the first resident stood there watching his meter going backward, generating electricity that would go back to the power company, that I think it really sunk in,” Mr. Fenichel said.
Mr. Schneier of the PulteGroup noted that buyers on a fixed income — or thinking about retiring — may be attracted to the idea of owning a solar system. “Of course, now, though, everyone is starting to think about cutting costs any way they can,” he added.
Several builders, as well as individual homeowners around the state, are moving to install solar panels on the roofs of their buildings, along with support technology to meter productivity.
In New Brunswick, for instance, Ironstate Development is retrofitting Riverwalk Commons, an apartment building, with rooftop technology that will power lighting in common areas and the garage.
The cost of the units has been the prevailing issue holding back more widespread use, said Michael Winka, the director of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Office of Clean Energy. At River Pointe, the cost to the developers of installing the standard 2.25 kilowatt unit, which at current rates would earn about $1,330 in credits per year, is about $20,000. An optional upgrade to a 3.1 kilowatt system, which would earn about $2,000 per year, would cost the buyer $10,000. Mr. Schneier said that solar equipment adds to resale value.
On the other hand, Mr. Winka said that most solar power systems start to wear out after about 10 years. In addition, both he and Mr. Schneier said that the market for energy credits could not be expected to remain strong indefinitely, as utility companies are pushing ahead with developing their own solar plants.
The reimbursement at River Pointe on a house bought right now would shape up like this, according to the PulteGroup’s calculations:
¶$6,000 to $10,000 in federal tax credits, depending on the size of the solar unit.
¶Roughly $450 in reduced energy costs the first year, depending on use and house size (floor plans range from 1,600 to 2,700 square feet). Savings would rise in proportion to rising energy costs.
¶Solar technology is exempted from property tax, saving $341 or $451 a year, depending on the size of the unit.
¶Proceeds from the sale of energy credits, $1,333 or $2,000 a year.
There are already 150 residents at River Pointe, a community of single-family houses with yards that are maintained by the homeowners’ association, a community clubhouse and other amenities. A total of 550 units are planned.
A model unit with the solar panels and technology installed is newly completed and open to house hunters.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Canadian's Bright on Solar
Nine in ten Canadian homeowners are aware that using green energy reduces a household’s environmental impact, yet only five per cent are generating electricity by installing rooftop solar panels, according to a new survey from TD Canada Trust.
The survey reveals one in three homeowners (33%) have considered installing solar panels, however three-quarters (76%) of them say expense is the number one deterrent.
“The gap between awareness and action is mainly due to concerns about cost,” says Karen Clarke-Whistler, chief environment officer, TD. “But Canadians have shown that those concerns can be overcome. A decade ago, hybrid vehicles were a novelty, but today there are a growing number on our roads. We believe the future for rooftop solar panels is just as bright.”
According to the report, only 47% of Canadian homeowners surveyed are aware that solar power reduces home energy costs and less than 5% know that in some provinces, solar panels can provide a new revenue stream.
Installing solar panels means reducing the amount of energy required from the electrical grid, which means buying less. In some provinces solar-produced power can be sold to local utility providers, earning money for the energy produced.
To help Canadians understand renewable energy, TD is offering Going Green: A homeowner’s guide to solar energy. For more information or to obtain a copy, visit www.td.com.
The survey reveals one in three homeowners (33%) have considered installing solar panels, however three-quarters (76%) of them say expense is the number one deterrent.
“The gap between awareness and action is mainly due to concerns about cost,” says Karen Clarke-Whistler, chief environment officer, TD. “But Canadians have shown that those concerns can be overcome. A decade ago, hybrid vehicles were a novelty, but today there are a growing number on our roads. We believe the future for rooftop solar panels is just as bright.”
According to the report, only 47% of Canadian homeowners surveyed are aware that solar power reduces home energy costs and less than 5% know that in some provinces, solar panels can provide a new revenue stream.
Installing solar panels means reducing the amount of energy required from the electrical grid, which means buying less. In some provinces solar-produced power can be sold to local utility providers, earning money for the energy produced.
To help Canadians understand renewable energy, TD is offering Going Green: A homeowner’s guide to solar energy. For more information or to obtain a copy, visit www.td.com.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Czech Solar Subsidies High
Following recent reports that electricity prices in the country could go up significantly to pay for government solar subsidies, a number of government measures are in the works that would reign in the solar industry while meeting goals to produce 13 percent of energy from renewable resources by 2020.
The National Action Plan (NAP), passed in draft form last Wednesday by the Cabinet, would set output limits for renewable energy sources. Once the caps are exceeded, further renewable energy plants would be ineligible for subsidies.
In addition to the NAP, the Environment Ministry recently proposed to raise the fee misusing potentially arable land sixfold. Although the Environment Ministry told The Prague Post in an e-mail the change was to protect agricultural land from overdevelopment in general, not just from the use for solar companies, the measure would de facto discourage solar companies from buying large tracts of land to install solar panels.The two measures come on the heels of forecasts that electricity bills next year are expected to grow around 10 percent to 20 percent for households, and 30 percent for businesses, the result of the government's growing bill for paying out subsidies to renewable energy plants.
Eva Nováková, a spokeswoman for ČEZ, said the NAP would allow the renewable energy market to stabilize. Currently, she said, the solar boom has forced ČEZ to pay an additional 2 billion Kč for electricity from solar plants, as mandated by the government.
"The main benefit of [the NAP] should be the stabilization of the business environment in the area of renewable energy sources, an increase of the attractiveness of these sources for investors and creating conditions to balance the development of renewable energy sources in the Czech Republic," Nováková said.
According to Pavel Vlček, a spokesman for the Industry and Trade Ministry, the government spent a total of 3.08 billion Kč on renewable energy subsidies in 2009, is expected to pay 7.76 million this year, and will pay even more next year, because of the solar boom. These increases, Vlček said, will raise electricity bills for families who use electricity for lighting only by 2,800 Kč per year, and for those who use it for additional utilities, bills will go up another 6,300 Kč.
Jarmila Lehnerová, a spokeswoman for the Energy Regulation Authority (ERÚ), the body that sets the fees on electricity bills that support subsidies, said in an e-mail that the fee consumers will see on their bills in 2011 has yet to be calculated. The ERÚ expects to receive a higher number of applications for licenses to produce solar energy this fall, which will contribute to a significant increase in solar capacity by the end of the year, she added. Production from solar plants this June, she said, was 8.8 times greater than the same time last year.
The Czech Republic experienced a boom in solar plants, becoming the third-largest producer of solar energy in Europe because of feed-in tariffs created for the promotion of renewable energy. However, the tariffs had a built-in price decrease of 5 percent per year for solar plants, based on the anticipated decrease in solar technology prices. Those prices, however, dropped much faster than anticipated, about 30 percent to 40 percent since the tariff was introduced, said Jan Tomaník, an analyst at Prague-based brokerage Wood & Company. That made investment into the solar industry extremely lucrative and attracted multitudes of foreign investors and a flood of investment.
"The lawmakers made a mistake by setting a maximum year-on-year decline for feed-in tariffs and now the money, for the next 20 years, is coming out of the consumers' pockets and going into the pockets of people who secured the land, construction permits and funding to build up these solar power plants," he said.
The government is currently weighing a draft amendment to the renewable policy that would further limit the solar industry. The ERÚ has said it would cut feed in tariffs for solar power to 6 Kč/kWh from the current 12 Kč/kWh. By the end of the year, Tomaník said he expects 1,200 megawatts will be added to the solar capacity in the rush to take advantage of the current situation. Those plants that are established before the end of the year will have the original feed-in tariff conditions for the next 20 years.
As of Aug. 1, there were 9,600 solar plants in operation in the country, Vlček said, with a total capacity of 620 megawatts. He said it was expected that the number of solar plants in 20 years is expected to reach 21,000, with a total capacity of 1,650 megawatts.
The National Action Plan (NAP), passed in draft form last Wednesday by the Cabinet, would set output limits for renewable energy sources. Once the caps are exceeded, further renewable energy plants would be ineligible for subsidies.
In addition to the NAP, the Environment Ministry recently proposed to raise the fee misusing potentially arable land sixfold. Although the Environment Ministry told The Prague Post in an e-mail the change was to protect agricultural land from overdevelopment in general, not just from the use for solar companies, the measure would de facto discourage solar companies from buying large tracts of land to install solar panels.The two measures come on the heels of forecasts that electricity bills next year are expected to grow around 10 percent to 20 percent for households, and 30 percent for businesses, the result of the government's growing bill for paying out subsidies to renewable energy plants.
Eva Nováková, a spokeswoman for ČEZ, said the NAP would allow the renewable energy market to stabilize. Currently, she said, the solar boom has forced ČEZ to pay an additional 2 billion Kč for electricity from solar plants, as mandated by the government.
"The main benefit of [the NAP] should be the stabilization of the business environment in the area of renewable energy sources, an increase of the attractiveness of these sources for investors and creating conditions to balance the development of renewable energy sources in the Czech Republic," Nováková said.
According to Pavel Vlček, a spokesman for the Industry and Trade Ministry, the government spent a total of 3.08 billion Kč on renewable energy subsidies in 2009, is expected to pay 7.76 million this year, and will pay even more next year, because of the solar boom. These increases, Vlček said, will raise electricity bills for families who use electricity for lighting only by 2,800 Kč per year, and for those who use it for additional utilities, bills will go up another 6,300 Kč.
Jarmila Lehnerová, a spokeswoman for the Energy Regulation Authority (ERÚ), the body that sets the fees on electricity bills that support subsidies, said in an e-mail that the fee consumers will see on their bills in 2011 has yet to be calculated. The ERÚ expects to receive a higher number of applications for licenses to produce solar energy this fall, which will contribute to a significant increase in solar capacity by the end of the year, she added. Production from solar plants this June, she said, was 8.8 times greater than the same time last year.
The Czech Republic experienced a boom in solar plants, becoming the third-largest producer of solar energy in Europe because of feed-in tariffs created for the promotion of renewable energy. However, the tariffs had a built-in price decrease of 5 percent per year for solar plants, based on the anticipated decrease in solar technology prices. Those prices, however, dropped much faster than anticipated, about 30 percent to 40 percent since the tariff was introduced, said Jan Tomaník, an analyst at Prague-based brokerage Wood & Company. That made investment into the solar industry extremely lucrative and attracted multitudes of foreign investors and a flood of investment.
"The lawmakers made a mistake by setting a maximum year-on-year decline for feed-in tariffs and now the money, for the next 20 years, is coming out of the consumers' pockets and going into the pockets of people who secured the land, construction permits and funding to build up these solar power plants," he said.
The government is currently weighing a draft amendment to the renewable policy that would further limit the solar industry. The ERÚ has said it would cut feed in tariffs for solar power to 6 Kč/kWh from the current 12 Kč/kWh. By the end of the year, Tomaník said he expects 1,200 megawatts will be added to the solar capacity in the rush to take advantage of the current situation. Those plants that are established before the end of the year will have the original feed-in tariff conditions for the next 20 years.
As of Aug. 1, there were 9,600 solar plants in operation in the country, Vlček said, with a total capacity of 620 megawatts. He said it was expected that the number of solar plants in 20 years is expected to reach 21,000, with a total capacity of 1,650 megawatts.
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