WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- New research has established that sophisticated new solar energy production methods make it far and away the cheapest and least hazardous energy source, certainly cheaper and safer than nuclear power.
The latest findings come through research by a British market leader in renewable energy production following on from studies at Duke University in Durham, N.C.
The nuclear power generation industry and its various lobbies have successfully campaigned for the nuclear option as the most economical for consumers planning for large increases in demand for electricity.
Outside the United States, too, nuclear power generation has won new friends in recent years despite controversies over nuclear energy's dual use -- the other as a weapon of mass destruction.
Ken Moss, chief executive officer at U.K. solar power developer and producer mO3, said: "The generation game has changed so much over the last decade that electricity generated from solar energy will be cheaper than electricity generated from nuclear plants, including the new ones planned to be set up in Britain.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Suntech and Siemens Photovoltaic Deal
MUNICH, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Siemens Energy has signed a framework agreement with Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The photovoltaic modules to be supplied under this umbrella agreement are for several projects in Europe.
"Siemens is offering EPC solutions for photovoltaic plants," said Martin Schulz, Vice President Photovoltaics Siemens Renewable Energy Division. "With Suntech we have a bankable partner to provide reliable photovoltaic plants to our customers." In the last seven months Siemens has secured orders for photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of over 80 MW from six different countries. As EPC contractor, the company handles the turnkey construction of solar power plants combining in-house components such as inverters or transformers and independent panel sourcing as well as local sourcing.
Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe, stated: "We are excited to establish a strategic cooperation with a strong partner such as Siemens. We have already started executing on the agreement for projects developed throughout Europe. Siemens' global presence facilitates joint projects in Europe as well as in other parts of the world."
Photovoltaic plants are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2010, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about EUR28 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 270 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of the megacities Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Delhi and Singapore.
"Siemens is offering EPC solutions for photovoltaic plants," said Martin Schulz, Vice President Photovoltaics Siemens Renewable Energy Division. "With Suntech we have a bankable partner to provide reliable photovoltaic plants to our customers." In the last seven months Siemens has secured orders for photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of over 80 MW from six different countries. As EPC contractor, the company handles the turnkey construction of solar power plants combining in-house components such as inverters or transformers and independent panel sourcing as well as local sourcing.
Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe, stated: "We are excited to establish a strategic cooperation with a strong partner such as Siemens. We have already started executing on the agreement for projects developed throughout Europe. Siemens' global presence facilitates joint projects in Europe as well as in other parts of the world."
Photovoltaic plants are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2010, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about EUR28 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 270 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of the megacities Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Delhi and Singapore.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Federal Dollars for Arizona Solar
It takes dollar power to get solar power. In these recession-scarred times, it also takes some federal backup power.
The U.S. Department of Energy is stepping in for the second time to provide a crucial loan guarantee for an Arizona solar-power plant.
The Agua Caliente Solar Project in Yuma County is in line for a $967 million loan guarantee. The Solana plant in Gila Bend was earlier offered a $1.45 billion guarantee.These aren't loans or grants. They simply remove a barrier that kept gun-shy lenders from putting money into huge energy projects. Taxpayers would assume the tiny risk of default on two plants that have built-in markets: The Yuma plant will supply Pacific Gas & Electric, which serves Californians, and Solana will supply Arizona Public Service.
Arizona will benefit from a boost in employment, mostly in short-term construction jobs but also some in operations and maintenance. And a new factory will make solar mirrors for the Solana plant. The federal loan guarantees are critical for the supply side of Arizona's solar industry.
But it's just half of the equation. Our state's renewable-energy standard, adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission, requires regulated utilities to produce 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2025.
That's the demand side. For bright prospects in solar, Arizona must have a steady, predictable increase in local demand.
The U.S. Department of Energy is stepping in for the second time to provide a crucial loan guarantee for an Arizona solar-power plant.
The Agua Caliente Solar Project in Yuma County is in line for a $967 million loan guarantee. The Solana plant in Gila Bend was earlier offered a $1.45 billion guarantee.These aren't loans or grants. They simply remove a barrier that kept gun-shy lenders from putting money into huge energy projects. Taxpayers would assume the tiny risk of default on two plants that have built-in markets: The Yuma plant will supply Pacific Gas & Electric, which serves Californians, and Solana will supply Arizona Public Service.
Arizona will benefit from a boost in employment, mostly in short-term construction jobs but also some in operations and maintenance. And a new factory will make solar mirrors for the Solana plant. The federal loan guarantees are critical for the supply side of Arizona's solar industry.
But it's just half of the equation. Our state's renewable-energy standard, adopted by the Arizona Corporation Commission, requires regulated utilities to produce 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2025.
That's the demand side. For bright prospects in solar, Arizona must have a steady, predictable increase in local demand.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Solar Power for the Farm
Sunvalley Solar, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SSOL | PowerRating), a leading provider of solar power technology and solar integration systems, announced that it has re-signed a commercial solar installation contract with Long Life Farms in Thermal, California.
The IIDU has changed it's solar incentive plan from a one time lump sum payment to a monthly performance based payment spread over 5 years. Due to this change, Sunvalley successfully renegotiated the contracts with Long Life Farm. The new incentive plan, offers Long Life Farm better terms, payment structure and tax benefits.
The new 148.58 Kilowatt solar power systems comprised of 1,564 solar panels from Tianwei Solarfilms and one 100KW plus one 35KW solar inverter from PV Powered. The total contracted value is approximately $680,496. The contract is supported by ~$325K of solar incentive rebates from the local utility company and ~$204K of Federal Tax Cash Grants from the Federal Treasury Department.
The solar system is expected to generate 254,784 Kilowatt hours of electricity annually. During the peak months of May through October the system will generate surplus power and earn credits with Imperial Irrigation District Utility, offsetting the less sunny winter months.
The installation for Long Life Farms will begin in early 2011.
The IIDU has changed it's solar incentive plan from a one time lump sum payment to a monthly performance based payment spread over 5 years. Due to this change, Sunvalley successfully renegotiated the contracts with Long Life Farm. The new incentive plan, offers Long Life Farm better terms, payment structure and tax benefits.
The new 148.58 Kilowatt solar power systems comprised of 1,564 solar panels from Tianwei Solarfilms and one 100KW plus one 35KW solar inverter from PV Powered. The total contracted value is approximately $680,496. The contract is supported by ~$325K of solar incentive rebates from the local utility company and ~$204K of Federal Tax Cash Grants from the Federal Treasury Department.
The solar system is expected to generate 254,784 Kilowatt hours of electricity annually. During the peak months of May through October the system will generate surplus power and earn credits with Imperial Irrigation District Utility, offsetting the less sunny winter months.
The installation for Long Life Farms will begin in early 2011.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Solar Power is Money for Electricity
nvironmental Advantage: Solar power is one of the most benign electricity resources. Solar cells generate electricity without air or water emissions, noise, vibration, habitat impact or waste generation.
Fuel Risk Advantage: Unlike fossil and nuclear fuels, solar energy has no risk of fuel price volatility or delivery risk. Although there is variability in the amount and timing of sunlight in the day, season and year, a properly sized and configured system can be designed to insure high reliability while providing a long-term, fixed-price electricity supply.
Location Advantage: Unlike other renewable resources such as hydroelectric and wind power, solar power is generally located at a customer's site due to the universal availability of sunlight. As a result, solar power limits the expense and energy losses associated with the transmission and distribution from large-scale electric plants to the end-users. For most residential consumers seeking an environment-friendly power alternative, solar power is currently the only viable choice being a ubiquitous source.
Environmental Legislations: Alternative energy companies are increasingly benefiting from new legislation in the U.S. stipulating installation of renewable sources of electricity generation as mandated by Renewal Energy Standards (RES). At the federal level, Congress has extended the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) to both residential and commercial solar installations until December 31, 2016.
Also, under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) passed in February 2009, the U.S. Treasury Department implemented a program to issue cash grants in lieu of investment tax credit for renewable energy projects.
Subsidy Programs: Governments, most notably China, Japan, Canada, U.K., Australia, India and the Middle East, have increased their financial support for solar projects. China is aiming at increasing its installed solar power capacity to 20 GW by 2020 from 305 MW capacity at the end of 2009. Specific solar energy stocks under our coverage that stand to benefit from this environment with a Zacks #1 Rank (short-term Strong Buy rating) include China Sunergy Co. Ltd. (Nasdaq: CSUN), LDK Solar Co. Ltd. (NYSE: LDK) and JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. (Nasdaq: JASO).
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=2679.
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4581.
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Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Fuel Risk Advantage: Unlike fossil and nuclear fuels, solar energy has no risk of fuel price volatility or delivery risk. Although there is variability in the amount and timing of sunlight in the day, season and year, a properly sized and configured system can be designed to insure high reliability while providing a long-term, fixed-price electricity supply.
Location Advantage: Unlike other renewable resources such as hydroelectric and wind power, solar power is generally located at a customer's site due to the universal availability of sunlight. As a result, solar power limits the expense and energy losses associated with the transmission and distribution from large-scale electric plants to the end-users. For most residential consumers seeking an environment-friendly power alternative, solar power is currently the only viable choice being a ubiquitous source.
Environmental Legislations: Alternative energy companies are increasingly benefiting from new legislation in the U.S. stipulating installation of renewable sources of electricity generation as mandated by Renewal Energy Standards (RES). At the federal level, Congress has extended the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) to both residential and commercial solar installations until December 31, 2016.
Also, under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) passed in February 2009, the U.S. Treasury Department implemented a program to issue cash grants in lieu of investment tax credit for renewable energy projects.
Subsidy Programs: Governments, most notably China, Japan, Canada, U.K., Australia, India and the Middle East, have increased their financial support for solar projects. China is aiming at increasing its installed solar power capacity to 20 GW by 2020 from 305 MW capacity at the end of 2009. Specific solar energy stocks under our coverage that stand to benefit from this environment with a Zacks #1 Rank (short-term Strong Buy rating) include China Sunergy Co. Ltd. (Nasdaq: CSUN), LDK Solar Co. Ltd. (NYSE: LDK) and JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. (Nasdaq: JASO).
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=2679.
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4581.
Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ZacksResearch
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Monday, January 17, 2011
WMECO to Build 2nd Solar Facility
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) today announced plans to develop its second large-scale solar energy facility. The selected site is on Cottage Street in Springfield will accommodate some 17,000 solar panels, producing up to 4.2 megawatts (MW) of solar energy.
WMECo officials joined local officials in announcing the agreement to develop the capped landfill into a large-scale solar energy facility. Upon completion, the Springfield facility will join WMECo’s Silver Lake Solar Facility as two of the largest in the region.
“The Springfield facility continues to build on the experience we gained in developing our recently completed project in Pittsfield. Our approach enables us to deliver large scale solar at a level of cost effectiveness that no one would have thought possible a few short years ago.” said Peter J. Clarke, WMECo president and chief operating officer.
“Our solar program helps stimulate development of large scale solar facilities and the demand for regional construction and engineering services. Our use of a capped landfill creates a new and viable use for an otherwise challenged property within our home city,” Clarke said.
"We are delighted to partner with WMECO to advance this important solar project,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno. “My Administration has been working to advance this project and other important conservation and sustainability efforts to take a lead in the 'green' economy. I look forward to growing the City's partnership with WMECO," he said.
The project will bring $22M of construction to the region and is expected to contribute several hundred thousand dollars of annual property tax revenue to the city of Springfield. Springfield is one of the two Gateway Communities in WMECo’s service territory and is home to some 65,000 WMECo customers.
The Commonwealth has a goal to install 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. Under the landmark Green Communities Act (GCA), each Massachusetts electric utility may own up to 50 MW of solar generation, subject to approval by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
WMECo was the first utility to receive DPU approval and is currently authorized to install 6 MW of solar. Local permitting for the project is underway and WMECo expects to begin construction in the second quarter of this year. Construction of the Springfield facility will complete the initial 6 megawatt authorization received from the DPU.
Western Massachusetts Electric Company, a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU), serves approximately 200,000 customers in 59 communities throughout western Massachusetts and is committed to the environment, economic development and the health of the communities it serves. For more information about WMECo, visit our Web site at www.wmeco.com.
WMECo officials joined local officials in announcing the agreement to develop the capped landfill into a large-scale solar energy facility. Upon completion, the Springfield facility will join WMECo’s Silver Lake Solar Facility as two of the largest in the region.
“The Springfield facility continues to build on the experience we gained in developing our recently completed project in Pittsfield. Our approach enables us to deliver large scale solar at a level of cost effectiveness that no one would have thought possible a few short years ago.” said Peter J. Clarke, WMECo president and chief operating officer.
“Our solar program helps stimulate development of large scale solar facilities and the demand for regional construction and engineering services. Our use of a capped landfill creates a new and viable use for an otherwise challenged property within our home city,” Clarke said.
"We are delighted to partner with WMECO to advance this important solar project,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno. “My Administration has been working to advance this project and other important conservation and sustainability efforts to take a lead in the 'green' economy. I look forward to growing the City's partnership with WMECO," he said.
The project will bring $22M of construction to the region and is expected to contribute several hundred thousand dollars of annual property tax revenue to the city of Springfield. Springfield is one of the two Gateway Communities in WMECo’s service territory and is home to some 65,000 WMECo customers.
The Commonwealth has a goal to install 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. Under the landmark Green Communities Act (GCA), each Massachusetts electric utility may own up to 50 MW of solar generation, subject to approval by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
WMECo was the first utility to receive DPU approval and is currently authorized to install 6 MW of solar. Local permitting for the project is underway and WMECo expects to begin construction in the second quarter of this year. Construction of the Springfield facility will complete the initial 6 megawatt authorization received from the DPU.
Western Massachusetts Electric Company, a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU), serves approximately 200,000 customers in 59 communities throughout western Massachusetts and is committed to the environment, economic development and the health of the communities it serves. For more information about WMECo, visit our Web site at www.wmeco.com.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
China Solar Company Buys US Company
Chinese-based LDK Solar, Ltd. (NYSE: LDK) reached an agreement to purchase 70 percent of U.S.-based Solar Power, Inc. (SPI), a photovoltaic manufacturer and installer. Under the agreement, LDK will pay $33 million for the majority ownership stake in SPI, allowing the company to focus on large installations in the U.S. and the Americas.
LDK’s investment will allow SPI greater access to financing for developing large-scale photovoltaic projects in the United States.
“It’s going to allow us to focus on the marketing sales and development of large-scale solar in the United States,” said SPI Vice President of Marketing Mike Anderson. He added that the company is focused on utility scale systems and large-scale distributed generation systems.
In a press release, LDK said it made the investment to accelerate the development of SPI’s project pipeline, which it projects will add “downstream benefit” to LDK.
Under the agreement, LDK will take over the manufacturing of SPI’s panels, which were previously made in Shenzhen, China. It also will purchase some of SPI’s manufacturing equipment and take over SPI’s manufacturing facility.
“They’re going to manufacturer our panels to our specs,” said Anderson. He added that they’re also going to produce some of the company’s racking products, like its Skymount. “They’re going to be SPI branding so none of that’s going to change.”
Anderson said he did not know if LDK would use SPI’s specs in making their own panels.
An additional benefit, according to Anderson is best in class pricing.
“Something, heretofore, we wouldn’t have been able to get on our own,” he said.
LDK said, “SPI will maintain a separate logistical team in Shenzhen to enhance project development, design and related project management functions at a new location in Shenzhen.”
Neither company has a manufacturing facility in the U.S.
“Both companies have an interest in opening a plant here in the U.S., but we don’t have any plans as of yet,” Anderson said.
Under the agreement, Anderson said SPI’s corporate structure will remain the same.
However, LDK CEO Xiaofeng Peng will become chairman of SPI’s board. And Jack Lai, LDK’s chief financial officer, will also join SPI’s board.
LDK’s investment will allow SPI greater access to financing for developing large-scale photovoltaic projects in the United States.
“It’s going to allow us to focus on the marketing sales and development of large-scale solar in the United States,” said SPI Vice President of Marketing Mike Anderson. He added that the company is focused on utility scale systems and large-scale distributed generation systems.
In a press release, LDK said it made the investment to accelerate the development of SPI’s project pipeline, which it projects will add “downstream benefit” to LDK.
Under the agreement, LDK will take over the manufacturing of SPI’s panels, which were previously made in Shenzhen, China. It also will purchase some of SPI’s manufacturing equipment and take over SPI’s manufacturing facility.
“They’re going to manufacturer our panels to our specs,” said Anderson. He added that they’re also going to produce some of the company’s racking products, like its Skymount. “They’re going to be SPI branding so none of that’s going to change.”
Anderson said he did not know if LDK would use SPI’s specs in making their own panels.
An additional benefit, according to Anderson is best in class pricing.
“Something, heretofore, we wouldn’t have been able to get on our own,” he said.
LDK said, “SPI will maintain a separate logistical team in Shenzhen to enhance project development, design and related project management functions at a new location in Shenzhen.”
Neither company has a manufacturing facility in the U.S.
“Both companies have an interest in opening a plant here in the U.S., but we don’t have any plans as of yet,” Anderson said.
Under the agreement, Anderson said SPI’s corporate structure will remain the same.
However, LDK CEO Xiaofeng Peng will become chairman of SPI’s board. And Jack Lai, LDK’s chief financial officer, will also join SPI’s board.
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