Solar Newsletter
Policy
Development
CPUC Simplifies CSI
Program Requirements
In response to
concerns from the
Ultra Thin Solar
Modules to Make 2008 Debut in Germany
A new
generation of ultra thin solar modules that can be integrated into the facades
of buildings at low cost is to be produced in
New Solar Alliance
Aims to Accelerate U.S. Solar Policies
U.S. solar electricity
module manufacturers and systems integrators announced that they had joined
forces to form The Solar Alliance and appointed Claudine Schneider, former
five-term U.S. Congresswoman from Rhode Island, as the group's first president.
Solar Bill, Ab 1470
Advances to Governor's Desk
A New Bold, Bright Era
for Solar
Back in 1998,
Forbes magazine ran a story pooh-poohing the solar power industry. The article
called the concept of spurring demand to increase production and bring costs
down "an error in the history of solar energy" and brushed aside a
million solar roofs proposal from then-President Bill Clinton with the line,
"The religion of environmentalism dies hard." This year, on the cover
of the Sept. 3 issue of Forbes, is Applied Materials CEO Michael Splinter in
front of the headline "Shine On! The New Players in Solar Power Generate
Golden Returns (Really)." The article profiles solar energy leaders like
Applied Materials, Miasole, Kyocera, and
New Jersey Establishes
REC-Only Market for Solar
After more than
a year of dialogue about how to restructure the
U.S. Governors Launch
Secure Clean Energy Initiative
The National
Governors Association (NGA) has shown its commitment to promoting renewable
energy policies across the country with the launch of the Securing a Clean
Energy Future Initiative, announced by NGA Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty
and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.
SunPower To Receive
$24 M in Funding from U.S. DOE
SunPower
Corporation, a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of solar cells, solar panels
and solar systems, announced it has been awarded a cost-shared, three-year
cooperative agreement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the
"Grid-Competitive Residential and Commercial Fully Automated PV Systems
Technology" Project.
Bringing Remote
Renewable Energy to Market
Although
The
California Solar Initiative -- Triumph or Train Wreck?
Since its
passage in August of 2006, the California Solar Initiative (CSI) has been
touted as the best solar program in the
The Mediterranean
Photovoltaic Power Plant Revolution
Photovoltaic (PV) power plants could be supplying 26
million households in the
First Renewable FIT
Introduced in U.S.
Patterned after
Creating a Sustainable
Solar Market State-by-State
Study after study has proven that the
Germany Looks to North
Africa's Untapped Solar Thermal Potential
A study by the
Ottawa Releases $9 M
for Solar Hot Water Pilot
There is visible excitement at Natural Resources
Canada about the announcement of funding to accelerate solar hot water across
the country. "It's going to be a revolution. It's going to change the
dynamics of the water heating marketplace in
Gleanings from Solar
Nation: Washington Update
These are critical times for our energy future in
New Zealand Commits to
90% Renewable Electricity by 2025
In a speech this week, New
Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clarke announced
European Parliament
Calls for Renewable Heat Obligations
Yesterday, the
European Parliament approved by overwhelming majority the "Thomsen
Report" on the Roadmap for Renewable Energies in
Municipal
Development
Colorado Safe Routes
to School Project includes Solar-Powered Beacons
Textbook Solar School
Project Launched in Hingham MA
Financing
Premier Power Offers
Fixed Rate Electricity For The Next 20 Years
Premier Power
has partnered with Sun Run Generation, LLC to launch a program that will allow
Yolo, Placer and
VC Forecast: $262 Billion
in Global Renewables Market by 2013
The renewable
energy market saw another record year of Venture Capital (VC) and Private
Equity (PE) investment, with $18.1 billion invested in companies and projects
in 2006. This is a 67% increase over the $10.8 billion invested in 2005,
according to a new report released last week by the
City of Austin, Texas
Continues Support for Cleantech Sector
The Austin
Chamber of Commerce's Clean Energy Council recently announced that investment
opportunities for clean tech start-up businesses are on the rise with help from
state funded programs and angel networks. The state's green investment
potential builds off the $211 million of venture capital (VC) that was
allocated to clean tech companies across
Global Financial Firm
Bets on Green Power
Over the next
decade, Citi (formerly Citigroup) plans to invest more than $30 billion in
renewable energy through subsidiaries such as Sustainable Development
Investments and Citi Alternative Investments. These programs range from
renewables like wind, solar and geothermal energy to new technologies, such as
highly efficient combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells.
SunWize Launches New
Homeowner Financing Program
SunWize Technologies, a leading designer and
distributor of residential solar energy systems and products, announces a new
residential finance program in cooperation with Meridith Capital Group, a
mortgage brokerage in
Utilities
Premier Power
Completes First Solar Power Installation at Pacific Gas & Electric
Premier Power
has completed the installation of 207kW solar electric system to power one of
PG&E's
AEP To Deploy
Additional Large-Scale Batteries on Distribution Grid
As part of an effort to integrate new technologies for reliability,
renewable energy, and energy efficiency to meet customers' future needs,
American Electric Power (AEP) is expanding its use of large-scale battery
technology on its electricity grid. AEP will be adding stationary sodium sulfur (NAS) battery technology in its
Sacramento Municipal Utility
District (SMUD) customers will soon be able to buy blocks of the power produced
from large-scale solar installations. The SMUD pilot program called
SolarShares, will make solar available to all customers, including renters and
occupants of multi-unit buildings. The program provides all SMUD customers affordable options to purchase solar power. For between $5 and
$30 per month, most customers can ensure that at least 10 percent and up to 50
percent of their energy comes from SMUD's new solar farm. Price and
percentage of consumption will depend on the customer's annual energy use and
the size of the "virtual" PV system they select.
PG&E Donates $1.2
Million in Solar Installations to Habitat for Humanity International
As part of a commitment
to provide affordable, renewable energy in the communities it serves, Pacific
Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced a $1.2 million partnership with
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) to install solar electric systems on
every Habitat-built home throughout PG&E's northern and central
EnerNex Corporation
Consults Canadian Utility on Smart Metering and Infrastructure Program
The company is
assisting BC Hydro to analyze the captured information and identify missing
opportunities to meet their smart metering initiatives. EnerNex will use the
collected data to ensure that existing Use cases and requirements have
identified values. The information will also be used to propose suggestions and
alternatives to the RFP documents for the SMI project.
Solar
Industry News
SolFocus Raises $52 M,
Opens European Headquarters
SolFocus, Inc.,
a developer and manufacturer of solar energy solutions, including concentrator
photovoltaic (CPV) systems, trackers and thermal technology, yesterday
announced the closing of $52 million in funding. This included $27.4 million in
Series A financing for SolFocus Europe, and the balance as Series B financing
for SolFocus, Inc.
Solar energy becomes a
reality for Toronto area consumers
Xantrex
Technology Inc. (TSX:XTX) today announced its
participation as the exclusive supplier of solar inverter technology to
installers of solar energy grid-tie systems purchased at Home Depot
Mass Marketing Solar
to Colorado Residents
BP Solar
yesterday announced the availability of its BP Solar Home Solutions systems
through The Home Depot stores in the metropolitan
Solar Companies Secure Large Investments
Ausra Inc.,
developer of utility-scale solar thermal power technology, has secured more
than $40 million in funding from
Konarka
Technologies, Inc., an innovator in development and commercialization of Power
Plastic®, a material that converts light to energy, and Toppan Forms Co., Ltd.,
a world leader in printing businesses, printable electronics and digital
information technologies, today announced they have signed a joint agreement to
accelerate the development, manufacturing and commercialization of
polymer-based organic photovoltaic (OPV) technologies for consumer and
electronic applications. Under the agreement, the mutual goal is to bring
Konarka'a organic photovoltaic material, Power Plastic®, to market.
WorldWater
& Solar Technologies Corp. (OTC BB: WWAT.OB), developer and marketer of
proprietary high-power solar systems announced today that it has signed an
agreement with Prime Solar Senergy, S.L. of Barcelona and Madrid to be
WorldWater's exclusive representative in Spain.
United Solar Ovonic
Signs Multi-Year Supply Agreement with EDF EN
United Solar
Ovonic (UNI-SOLAR) LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices,
Inc., announced that it has signed an 18-month agreement with EDF Energies
Nouvelles (EDF EN) for the supply of 12 megawatts (MW), with an option to buy
an additional 18 MW, of UNI-SOLAR thin-film photovoltaic (PV) laminates to be
used for large-scale installations on industrial and commercial buildings.
SOLON AG Plans
Expansion of Production Capacity to 500 MW
SOLON AG headquartered in
SPG Solar Moves to a
New Corporate Campus in Marin County
SPG Solar Inc., the fastest-growing solar provider in
the
ICP Solar Introduces
Greenmeter(TM) and Thin-Film Solar Tile Products at Solar Power 2007 Conference
ICP Solar Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: ICPR, FRANKFURT:
K1U.F), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of solar cells and products,
today announced that ICP senior management, led by CEO and Chairman Sass
Peress, will introduce the Company's amorphous Thin-Film Solar Tile and
Greenmeter(TM) at the 4th annual Solar Power Conference and Expo being held September
24-27 at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in Long Beach,
California.
Sharp Introduces New
OnEnergy (TM) Solar System at Solar Power 2007
SHARP INTRODUCES NEW OnENERGY SOLAR SYSTEM AT SOLAR
POWER 2007 LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 25, 2007 - Sharp Solar Energy Solutions
Group, the U.S. solar arm of Sharp Corporation, the world's leading provider of
solar electric solutions, today introduced its breakthrough OnEnergyTM solar
system, which uses UL-listed integrated grounding designed to make system
installation simpler and more cost-effective.
Photovoltaic Cells: A
New Art Form
Remember the first solar panels…clumsy, big, not very good looking? Well, things have changed. Solar
panels or photovoltaic (PV) cells today are almost an art form and provide a
tremendous amount of energy. groSolar, of
New
Projects
WorldWater Develops
1.2 MW Project for Solar Powered Pumping System
WorldWater
& Solar Technologies Corp. has confirmed it will build a photovoltaic (PV)
system up to 1.2 Megawatts (MW) to provide electricity and water pumping power
for the Valley Center Municipal Water District (VCMWD) of
Epuron, Exelon Join
Forces on 3 MW Pennsylvania Solar Facility
Epuron LLC, the
project development and financing
Ontario Approves a
Pair of 10 MW Solar Projects
Pod Generating
Group, a developer of utility-scale solar power generating facilities,
yesterday announced the award of their first two Standard Offer Contracts with
the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). The pair of 10 megawatt (MW) solar projects
will be located in the city of
BrightSource Energy
Plans 400 MW Solar Thermal Plant
BrightSource
Energy, Inc., a utility scale solar thermal company, announced last week that
it has filed an Application For Construction (AFC)
with the California Energy Commission (CEC) for development of a 400 megawatt
(MW) solar power plant site. This is the first AFC to be filed in
SANYO Modules Used in
Hydro One Brampton PV Systems
Hydro One
Brampton has installed two Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems at its headquarters
at
Alamosa Solar Facility
Generates 3.6 MW of Electricity
The solar
energy services company SunEdison has announced that the Alamosa Photovoltaic
(PV) Solar Plant in
Suntech Supplies BIPV
Component of 750 kW Project in Sicily
Photovoltaic
(PV) cells and modules manufacturer, Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.,
announced that it has supplied 230 MSK Photovol Glass panels to Socovoltaic
Systems, a Socotherm and TSNergy Inc. joint venture company that designs,
manufactures and installs integrated PV (BIPV) systems. The 10 kilowatt (kW)
BIPV solution will form an integral component of a 750 kW solar system for a
25,000 square meter green building project in the Sicilian city of
Kyocera PV Modules
Power 13.8-Megawatt Solar Electric Plant in Salamanca, Spain
Kyocera
Corporation (President: Makoto Kawamura) today announced its role as the sole
supplier of photovoltaic ("PV") modules for a super-large-scale solar
electric generating system in Salamanca, Spain, that will meet the needs of
about 5,000 private households. The facility, known as Planta Solar de
Salamanca, incorporates about 70,000 Kyocera PV modules in three separate
arrays on a 36-hectare (89-acre) site. Its peak rated output of 13.8 megawatts
makes it the largest PV system ever created using Kyocera PV modules
exclusively, and one of the largest PV systems in the world.
Kyocera Participates
in San Diego Reuben H Fleet Science Center Energy
Exhibit Grand Opening
Earlier this year, the
SCHOTT Solar Plans
Expansion of U.S. Business
SCHOTT Solar
announced plans to build a new photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facility that
will increase its U.S. PV production by more than 60 megawatts (MW). The
company is currently evaluating locations for the new facility, which is
scheduled to go online in 2009.
GE Energy yesterday
announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire a minority equity
interest in PrimeStar Solar, Inc., an emerging solar thin film technology and
manufacturing company.
SOLON AG To Build 44
MW Solar Power Plant in Spain
Scan Energy A/S, a Danish
renewable power producer has commissioned SOLON AG, the German manufacturer of
solar modules and photovoltaic (PV) systems, to develop and construct a 44
megawatt (MW) solar power plant in
Solar Power Partners
Completes Flagship Safeway Solar Project
Solar Power Partners, Inc. (SPP), a leading national
retail solar power developer of distributed solar energy facilities, announced
today the completion and commissioning of its first Safeway solar facility
built to provide electric power for a store in
The
Kohl's Activates
Largest Rooftop Solar Rollout in U.S. History
Today Kohl's
Department Stores (NYSE:KSS) flipped the switch on a rooftop solar energy
system at its Laguna Niguel store as part of the largest planned U.S.
photovoltaic solar rollout to date. Michael R. Peevey, president of the
California Public Utilities Commission, joined Kohl's to celebrate this
significant step toward the building of solar electric systems at 63 of Kohl's
80 California locations, which will total approximately 25 megawatts (MW). At
completion, Kohl's solar program will represent approximately 15 percent of
New
Technology
Dow Corning Introduces
New Materials to Support PV Module Manufacturing
Dow Corning® PV
6010 Cell Encapsulant forms a protective laminate layer over the surface of
photovoltaic (PV) solar energy cells, providing corrosion and delamination
protection. Dow Corning® PV 7010 and PV 7020 Potting Agents are designed to
insulate PV cells' electrical junction boxes.
Thin-Film 'Tandem
Modules' Boost Efficiency by 50%
Oerlikon Solar,
a global supplier of turnkey solutions for thin-film silicon solar modules,
this week introduced its micromorph tandem technology, a combination of
amorphous and microcrystalline materials on the top and bottom of a
photovoltaic solar cell.
Prototype of
Bioplastic Solar Cell Backsheet Complete
Looking to
produce bioplastic materials from renewable plant sources and thereby reduce
the cost of solar cells, BioSolar Incorporated announced that it has
successfully completed a prototype of its low-cost bioplastic backsheet.
Global Warming
Solutions Makes the Sun Brighter
Global Warming Solutions
Incorporated, a developer of technologies aimed at mitigating the effects of
global warming, yesterday introduced a technology targeting the development of
clean, environmentally friendly solar power for commercial and residential use.
LETG—an acronym for Light Electric and Thermal Generator—is a new
technology with an important mission: To maximize the electrical and thermal
energy derived from sunlight. LETG utilizes a hybrid system to produce
electricity year round even in low sunlight regions.
Featured
Events
Alternative Energy
EXPO 2007: Moving Toward Energy Sustainability
Pima
Association of Governments (PAG) is hosting the region's first Alternative
Energy EXPO 2007: Moving Toward Energy Sustainability
on
Start date:
Oak Ridge
National Laboratory and the
Start date: