VICTORIA, BC--(Marketwire - May 29, 2008) - As part of an ongoing commitment to equip Transport for London transit routes with solar-powered lighting and communications technology, Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX: CMH) (PINKSHEETS: CMHXF) (FRANKFURT: QCX) has received an additional purchase order of $1.1M from Trueform Engineering Ltd. for London Bus Stop systems. Carmanah currently has more than 3,000 of the London Bus Stop systems and 650 transit shelter lighting systems installed throughout the City of London, England. This latest order is part of a longstanding partnership with UK-based Trueform Engineering in support of an initiative to install up to 7,000 London Bus Stops in total.
According to Carmanah CEO Ted Lattimore, this application demonstrates the versatility and effectiveness of Carmanah's core solar technologies in one of the world's more challenging solar environments. "We're pleased to work alongside Trueform Engineering to help support this ongoing solar-power initiative," said Lattimore. "Since 2001, our solar-LED lighting and energy management technology has helped to provide London commuters with brightly lit bus stops, commuter-activated signals, and easy-to-read schedule displays. These applications really demonstrate the versatility of our core technology," added Lattimore. "At the heart of these products is the same industry-proven technology that goes into all of our general illumination systems, including our award-winning EverGEN™ lighting products." Carmanah's new EverGEN general illumination system recently received the "Judges' Citation" Innovation Award at LIGHTFAIR International -- North America's premier lighting industry event.
Carmanah's solar powered LED (light emitting diode) lights offer distinct advantages over hardwired grid-based lighting systems, including easy installation, no scheduled maintenance, and the use of free, clean solar energy as a power source. An integrated energy-management capability ensures a reliable, year-round source of light in even the most adverse weather conditions. For more information, visit www.carmanahlighting.com.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Solar Thin Films To Build 100MW Facility For China Singyes
DIX HILLS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Thin Films, Inc. (OTC BB:SLTN.OB), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of manufacturing equipment for the production of "thin-film" amorphous silicon and CIGS photovoltaic modules, has signed a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with China Singyes Holding Limited to build out 100MW of module manufacturing capacity in China. Under the MOU, Solar Thin Films will supply equipment, technology and general engineering and design support, and retain certain rights outside of China to market and distribute building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products.
“This proposed arrangement with China Singyes could be a significant step forward in our goal to become a leader in supplying cost-effective, thin film photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment,” commented Peter Lewis chief executive officer of Solar Thin Films.. Combined with our recently announced $12.3 million order from Grupo Unisolar, S.A to build a 5MW turn-key a-SI Module plant in Spain, it clearly shows the progress we are making.
“Pursuant to the MOU, Solar Thin Films expects to install cost-effective thin-film photovoltaic manufacturing equipment through 2011. Equipment installation is expected to commence as early as the fourth quarter of 2008. The initial production and sale of BIPV products could begin in 2009,
“This is a terrific opportunity for us as China Singyes is one of the country’s largest curtain wall engineering companies, with numerous projects inside and outside China, and a demonstrated commitment to expand an already existing presence in the solar field,” concluded Lewis. “Our rights to market BIPV output from the new facility outside of China would also open new customer channels and markets for us within the construction industry.”
Solar Thin Films and China Singyes are currently minority shareholders and board members of CG Solar, a “thin-film” module manufacturing company located in Weihai, China, that utilizes equipment produced by Solar Thin Films.
“This proposed arrangement with China Singyes could be a significant step forward in our goal to become a leader in supplying cost-effective, thin film photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment,” commented Peter Lewis chief executive officer of Solar Thin Films.. Combined with our recently announced $12.3 million order from Grupo Unisolar, S.A to build a 5MW turn-key a-SI Module plant in Spain, it clearly shows the progress we are making.
“Pursuant to the MOU, Solar Thin Films expects to install cost-effective thin-film photovoltaic manufacturing equipment through 2011. Equipment installation is expected to commence as early as the fourth quarter of 2008. The initial production and sale of BIPV products could begin in 2009,
“This is a terrific opportunity for us as China Singyes is one of the country’s largest curtain wall engineering companies, with numerous projects inside and outside China, and a demonstrated commitment to expand an already existing presence in the solar field,” concluded Lewis. “Our rights to market BIPV output from the new facility outside of China would also open new customer channels and markets for us within the construction industry.”
Solar Thin Films and China Singyes are currently minority shareholders and board members of CG Solar, a “thin-film” module manufacturing company located in Weihai, China, that utilizes equipment produced by Solar Thin Films.
Applied Materials Chosen By Masdar For Solar Production Modules
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its Masdar Initiative, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co. is significantly expanding its investment in solar energy by contracting with Applied Materials to purchase three SunFab™ Thin Film Lines for producing solar modules. With an optional tandem junction upgrade, these SunFab lines are expected to annually produce modules with a targeted capacity of up to 210 megawatts (MW), or enough energy to power approximately 70,000 homes.
“The Masdar Initiative is focused on ensuring that renewable energies play a key role in the energy portfolio that the world needs now and into the future. We are doing this by applying scale, capital and commitment to the most promising technologies to accelerate the rapid adoption of renewable energy,” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar. “We are pleased to be working with Applied Materials.”
The Applied SunFab Line is the only integrated production line for manufacturing thin film silicon solar modules using ultra-large 5.7m2 glass panels. Ideally suited for utility-scale applications, these 2.2m x 2.6m panels can reduce installation cost by over 17% compared to smaller scale thin film panels. The SunFab line is designed to deliver leading-edge manufacturing capability with the world’s most advanced engineering and equipment.
One of the SunFab lines to be supplied by Applied will be located in Erfurt, Germany, and is expected to start up in the second half of 2009. The other two lines will be located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and are expected to start up in early 2010. These lines will help supply solar power to Masdar City, the world’s first zero carbon, zero waste city, designed to be fully powered by renewable energy, and also will help support the broader global need for clean sources of energy.
“Abu Dhabi Future Energy is leveraging its substantial resources and expertise in global energy markets to bring the first major photovoltaic manufacturing capability to the Middle East,” said Dr. Mark Pinto, senior vice president and general manager of Applied’s Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. “We are very excited to be part of Abu Dhabi’s vision for the future in accelerating the adoption of solar energy to decrease the cost of electricity.”
“The Masdar Initiative is focused on ensuring that renewable energies play a key role in the energy portfolio that the world needs now and into the future. We are doing this by applying scale, capital and commitment to the most promising technologies to accelerate the rapid adoption of renewable energy,” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar. “We are pleased to be working with Applied Materials.”
The Applied SunFab Line is the only integrated production line for manufacturing thin film silicon solar modules using ultra-large 5.7m2 glass panels. Ideally suited for utility-scale applications, these 2.2m x 2.6m panels can reduce installation cost by over 17% compared to smaller scale thin film panels. The SunFab line is designed to deliver leading-edge manufacturing capability with the world’s most advanced engineering and equipment.
One of the SunFab lines to be supplied by Applied will be located in Erfurt, Germany, and is expected to start up in the second half of 2009. The other two lines will be located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and are expected to start up in early 2010. These lines will help supply solar power to Masdar City, the world’s first zero carbon, zero waste city, designed to be fully powered by renewable energy, and also will help support the broader global need for clean sources of energy.
“Abu Dhabi Future Energy is leveraging its substantial resources and expertise in global energy markets to bring the first major photovoltaic manufacturing capability to the Middle East,” said Dr. Mark Pinto, senior vice president and general manager of Applied’s Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. “We are very excited to be part of Abu Dhabi’s vision for the future in accelerating the adoption of solar energy to decrease the cost of electricity.”
Livermore Selects REC Solar as Preferred Solar Provider
LIVERMORE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading residential and commercial solar installation company REC Solar announced they have been selected as a preferred solar electricity provider by The Livermore Solar Electricity Group. To celebrate, REC Solar is running a special summer program offering Livermore residents deep discounts on solar electric systems for their homes and businesses.
According to Livermore resident and community leader Tom Reitter, “The Livermore Solar Electricity Group, after spending two months investigating solar photovoltaic integrators and financing options, chose REC Solar as one of two companies to recommend to Livermore residents. REC Solar is a large, high quality company that sells only high quality products and services."
REC Solar is offering discounts of up to $600 per kilowatt to residents in Livermore and Pleasanton with the following zip codes – 94550, 94568, 94588, 94551, and 94556. Certain restrictions apply to the discount. The community solar program runs through July 31 2008.
“For years REC Solar has provided superior service to the communities of Livermore and Pleasanton and it is a true accomplishment to have been selected through this bidding process,” said Matthew Woods, Director of Sales for REC Solar. “This community discount program provides the perfect opportunity for many more to go solar.”
REC Solar will be hosting an informational workshop on solar on Thursday, June 5, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pleasanton Masonic Center located at 3370 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588.
According to Livermore resident and community leader Tom Reitter, “The Livermore Solar Electricity Group, after spending two months investigating solar photovoltaic integrators and financing options, chose REC Solar as one of two companies to recommend to Livermore residents. REC Solar is a large, high quality company that sells only high quality products and services."
REC Solar is offering discounts of up to $600 per kilowatt to residents in Livermore and Pleasanton with the following zip codes – 94550, 94568, 94588, 94551, and 94556. Certain restrictions apply to the discount. The community solar program runs through July 31 2008.
“For years REC Solar has provided superior service to the communities of Livermore and Pleasanton and it is a true accomplishment to have been selected through this bidding process,” said Matthew Woods, Director of Sales for REC Solar. “This community discount program provides the perfect opportunity for many more to go solar.”
REC Solar will be hosting an informational workshop on solar on Thursday, June 5, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pleasanton Masonic Center located at 3370 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Australian Group Makes Discovery That Could Revolutionize Solar
BRISBANE, Australia, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A group of Australian and Chinese researchers have made a ground-breaking discovery which could revolutionize solar energy.
Max Lu, professor at the University of Queensland (UQ)'s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), said here Thursday they were one step closer to the holy grail of cost-effective solar energy with their discovery.
"We have grown the world's first titanium oxide single crystals with large amounts of reactive surfaces, something that was predicted as almost impossible," Lu told Xinhua.
"Titania nano-crystals are promising materials for cost-effective solar cells, hydrogen production from splitting water, and solar decontamination of pollutants," he said.
He said what his team has done was to make such materials "easy and cheap."
Talking about the application of the highly efficient miniature crystals, Lu said it wasn't just renewable energy where this research could be applied.
"They are also fantastic for purifying air and water," he said," One could paint these crystals on to a window or a wall to purify the air in a room."
"The potential of applications of this technology in water purification and recycling are huge."
Lu said it would be about five years for the water and air pollution applications to be commercially available, and about five to 10 years for solar energy conversion using such crystals.
Professor Lu also said the work was the result of very fruitful land long-term international collaboration with Professor Huiming Cheng's group from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a world-class institution with which UQ has collaborated many times in productive research.
The research findings were published in the latest edition of scientific journal Nature Thursday.
Max Lu, professor at the University of Queensland (UQ)'s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), said here Thursday they were one step closer to the holy grail of cost-effective solar energy with their discovery.
"We have grown the world's first titanium oxide single crystals with large amounts of reactive surfaces, something that was predicted as almost impossible," Lu told Xinhua.
"Titania nano-crystals are promising materials for cost-effective solar cells, hydrogen production from splitting water, and solar decontamination of pollutants," he said.
He said what his team has done was to make such materials "easy and cheap."
Talking about the application of the highly efficient miniature crystals, Lu said it wasn't just renewable energy where this research could be applied.
"They are also fantastic for purifying air and water," he said," One could paint these crystals on to a window or a wall to purify the air in a room."
"The potential of applications of this technology in water purification and recycling are huge."
Lu said it would be about five years for the water and air pollution applications to be commercially available, and about five to 10 years for solar energy conversion using such crystals.
Professor Lu also said the work was the result of very fruitful land long-term international collaboration with Professor Huiming Cheng's group from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a world-class institution with which UQ has collaborated many times in productive research.
The research findings were published in the latest edition of scientific journal Nature Thursday.
Toyota Plant Uses Solar To Ease Stress On South African Electric Grid
Companies with large industrial plants will benefit from finding alternative energy resources in the face of Eskom's major power shortage. The electricity service provider has requested a reduction in power usage of 10% over all business sectors in order to reduce demand by 3000 Megawatts. Toyota's manufacturing plant in Durban is one of the first to install solar panels.
South Africa's growing economy has put huge strain on electricity usage. South Africa's electricity demand has been increasing at 15% a year, placing considerable strain on existing infrastructure. "We would like to work together with Eskom's new task team to aid in load reduction. This will ensure that our economy does not suffer loss from unnecessary load shedding," says Ferdi de Vos, Toyota spokesperson.
Renewable energy is a reliable alternative to the traditional kind. In 2006, over 18% of global final energy came from renewable sources. By the end of 2008, Toyota will have installed 270 solar panels into its Durban plant. The company's decision to install solar panels will enable it to operate at full capacity while also reducing demand on Eskom.
Where previously Toyota's Prospecton plant in Durban used electricity and gas to heat water, it will now use energy converted from the sun as a source of heat. Solar panels collect and convert energy from the sun into energy and heat that is then used by nearby buildings.
Toyota's renewable energy project began in 2006 with the installation of 44 x 2,5 m² panels and the second phase was completed in June 2007 when 150 panels were installed. In the third phase of this project, Toyota will install a further 120 panels. While the project has cost Toyota R3,5 million, the company expects to save R95 000 per month on energy costs when the project is completed in the next few months.
The car manufacturer will also reduce carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere by approximately 1350 tons per annum. Environmental impact of electricity use in South Africa is a concern which big electricity users like Toyota need to help address.
South Africa's growing economy has put huge strain on electricity usage. South Africa's electricity demand has been increasing at 15% a year, placing considerable strain on existing infrastructure. "We would like to work together with Eskom's new task team to aid in load reduction. This will ensure that our economy does not suffer loss from unnecessary load shedding," says Ferdi de Vos, Toyota spokesperson.
Renewable energy is a reliable alternative to the traditional kind. In 2006, over 18% of global final energy came from renewable sources. By the end of 2008, Toyota will have installed 270 solar panels into its Durban plant. The company's decision to install solar panels will enable it to operate at full capacity while also reducing demand on Eskom.
Where previously Toyota's Prospecton plant in Durban used electricity and gas to heat water, it will now use energy converted from the sun as a source of heat. Solar panels collect and convert energy from the sun into energy and heat that is then used by nearby buildings.
Toyota's renewable energy project began in 2006 with the installation of 44 x 2,5 m² panels and the second phase was completed in June 2007 when 150 panels were installed. In the third phase of this project, Toyota will install a further 120 panels. While the project has cost Toyota R3,5 million, the company expects to save R95 000 per month on energy costs when the project is completed in the next few months.
The car manufacturer will also reduce carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere by approximately 1350 tons per annum. Environmental impact of electricity use in South Africa is a concern which big electricity users like Toyota need to help address.
Pricester.com Aquires Solar Play Genesis Electronics
HOLLYWOOD, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pricester.com, Inc. (OTCBB:PRCC), an Internet marketing and technology company, announced the acquisition of Genesis Electronics, Inc. in a stock-based transaction.
Genesis, a high technology company headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, is an innovator in consumer applications for solar energy and alternative energy sources.
Pricester President & CEO, Edward Dillon, commented, “Pricester is a growing and forward thinking corporation. Our acquisition of Genesis Electronics is an important step towards achieving our fundamental goal of bringing significant technological advances to market.” Genesis CEO, Robert Unnold, added, “The fit between Pricester and Genesis is highly advantageous to the advancement of the entire organization. We’re excited and proud to be part of the Pricester family.”
Pricester’s Chairman, Raymond Purdon, said, “Our aim is to upstream the growth of Pricester in meaningful ways, to both strengthen the company and create added value for our shareholders. The addition of Genesis Electronics is an integral component of that strategy.”
Genesis, a high technology company headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, is an innovator in consumer applications for solar energy and alternative energy sources.
Pricester President & CEO, Edward Dillon, commented, “Pricester is a growing and forward thinking corporation. Our acquisition of Genesis Electronics is an important step towards achieving our fundamental goal of bringing significant technological advances to market.” Genesis CEO, Robert Unnold, added, “The fit between Pricester and Genesis is highly advantageous to the advancement of the entire organization. We’re excited and proud to be part of the Pricester family.”
Pricester’s Chairman, Raymond Purdon, said, “Our aim is to upstream the growth of Pricester in meaningful ways, to both strengthen the company and create added value for our shareholders. The addition of Genesis Electronics is an integral component of that strategy.”
Far Niente Goes Green With "Floatovoltaic" Solar Array
OAKVILLE & HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Napa Valley wine producer Far Niente has gone live with its “Floatovoltaic™” solar array. The Floatovoltaic installation, developed by Thompson Technology Industries, Inc. (TTI), creatively couples solar power with water, saving valuable vineyard acreage from being sacrificed for land-mounted arrays. This innovative solar system was installed by SPG Solar, using solar panels from Sharp, a world leader in solar electricity.Far Niente’s Floatovoltaic system involved securing nearly 1,000 Sharp solar panels on pontoons, then floating the pontoons on the winery’s vineyard irrigation pond. Combined with a section of an additional 1,300 panels located on land adjacent to the pond, the array is generating 400 kilowatts at peak output, significantly offsetting the winery’s annual power usage and provide a net-zero energy bill.
“Napa Valley is making tremendous strides in its efforts to achieve sustainability,” said Ron Kenedi, vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group, the U.S. solar arm of Sharp. “By adopting clean, reliable and renewable solar power, Far Niente is making a commitment to the long term sustainability of this magnificent region.”
The conversion to solar is part of Far Niente’s collective movement toward “conscientious luxury,” an integrated program enabling the production of luxury wines through sustainable measures affecting vineyard, winery and day-to-day business practices. While solar is the centerpiece, complementary practices include sustainable and organic farming, powering farming vehicles with biodiesel fuels, recycling, the use of hybrid company vehicles and other environmentally responsible measures. “We will always be committed first and foremost to producing great wines; it’s what we’ve been doing for over 25 years,” said Larry Maguire, president and CEO of Far Niente Winery. “Yet, we recognize that our environment is facing significant challenges, and as an agriculture-based business we have an obligation to do our part and take sustainable measures where possible.”
Far Niente and sister winery, Nickel & Nickel, join a small, but quickly growing contingent of Napa Valley wineries who are adopting solar power at a rate estimated to be more than 40 times faster than California businesses in general, according to Dan Thompson of Novato, California-based SPG Solar, the system integrator who developed and installed the wineries’ solar systems.
The Far Niente solar array is located in the 100-acre Martin Stelling Vineyard, which is the cornerstone of the winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon program and is located directly behind the winery. About one acre of vineyard was removed to accommodate the land-mounted portion of the system, but the floating array’s positioning on the pond saved another three-quarters of an acre of valuable Cabernet vines.
About Far Niente
SunPower Completes Two Solar Power Plants In Spain
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced the completion of two solar-electric power plants in Spain, totaling 8.7 megawatts. The two plants, located in Llerena and Lebrija, were developed by Solarpack, a Spanish company specializing in renewable energy development, investment, consulting and services. Solarpack hosted ceremonies dedicating the two power plants this week.
The solar power plant constructed by SunPower in Llerena is 4.8 megawatts; the plant in Lebrija is 3.9 megawatts. In Spain, SunPower has completed or has signed contracts to deliver solar power plants totaling more than 100 megawatts.
"SunPower's innovative sun tracking technology and solar power plant experience was key to meeting our cost, schedule and energy delivery goals at these sites," said Jose Galindez, chairman of Solarpack. "This region of Spain has great potential for the renewable energy sector, and we are proud to be generating clean, emission-free solar power for these communities."
For these projects, SunPower used its proprietary SunPower(R) Tracker technology, which follows the sun during the day, and delivers significantly more energy than traditional fixed-tilt systems.
"We utilized our industry-leading SunPower Tracker technology at both of the power plant sites, maximizing energy output, while optimizing land use and reducing related costs," said Marco Antonio Northland, general manager of SunPower's European operations. "We are pleased that the Spanish market continues its rapid adoption of solar power, and that Solarpack
chose SunPower to provide innovative turnkey solar solutions."
The solar power plant constructed by SunPower in Llerena is 4.8 megawatts; the plant in Lebrija is 3.9 megawatts. In Spain, SunPower has completed or has signed contracts to deliver solar power plants totaling more than 100 megawatts.
"SunPower's innovative sun tracking technology and solar power plant experience was key to meeting our cost, schedule and energy delivery goals at these sites," said Jose Galindez, chairman of Solarpack. "This region of Spain has great potential for the renewable energy sector, and we are proud to be generating clean, emission-free solar power for these communities."
For these projects, SunPower used its proprietary SunPower(R) Tracker technology, which follows the sun during the day, and delivers significantly more energy than traditional fixed-tilt systems.
"We utilized our industry-leading SunPower Tracker technology at both of the power plant sites, maximizing energy output, while optimizing land use and reducing related costs," said Marco Antonio Northland, general manager of SunPower's European operations. "We are pleased that the Spanish market continues its rapid adoption of solar power, and that Solarpack
chose SunPower to provide innovative turnkey solar solutions."
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Ironwood State Prison Flips Switch On 1.18 MW Solar Plant
BLYTHE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ironwood State Prison (Ironwood) and SunEdison today announced the activation of a new 1.18 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted photovoltaic solar power system.The photovoltaic system, which will deliver 2.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean renewable energy in the first year of operation, was deployed through an innovative public-private partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider.
Under a solar power services agreement (SPSA), SunEdison financed, constructed and will operate the solar energy system. The CDCR avoids all upfront capital costs and will purchase the solar energy at predictable prices equal to or less than current retail rates. The solar system will produce no greenhouse gases, no noise and will use little to no water in operation.
Activation of the zero-emission solar energy system is a major step for Ironwood in meeting the CDCR’s energy management goals as well as Governor Schwarzenegger’s Executive Order S-20-04. The order mandates that State agencies evaluate the merits of using clean and renewable on-site energy generation technologies in all new building or large renovation projects, and take measures to reduce grid-based energy purchases for state-owned buildings by 20 percent by 2015, through cost-effective efficiency measures and distributed generation technologies. Over twenty years of operation, the Ironwood system will produce more than 43 million kWh of solar energy, the equivalent to powering 4,107 homes and removing 3,770 cars off the road for one year.
According to Ironwood Warden Debra Dexter, “We are strongly committed to being a good neighbor and in doing what’s right for our community. Leveraging our most plentiful natural resource – the desert sun – while protecting a limited local resource – water – makes both environmental and fiscal sense for Ironwood and California taxpayers. This partnership with SunEdison makes it possible for Ironwood Prison to be the community’s host for solar energy.”
Harry Franey, Chief of Energy Management and Sustainability Section for CDCR, described the project, “This system at Ironwood has more than 6,200 PV panels that utilize the sun, our greatest natural resource. Plus, they require little to no water to operate, which makes PV a perfect solar technology for this region. In the first year, the system will produce more than 2.4 million kilowatt hours of clean renewable solar energy. That has an immediate beneficial impact upon our environment.”
CDCR’s Deborah Hysen, Chief Deputy Secretary, Facilities, Planning and Construction, said, “The power of this innovative public-private partnership allows us to meet the environmental goals of both the CDCR and of the State of California. We’re helping to clean the air, and simultaneously relieve some of the ever increasing pressure on the electric utility grid.”
“SunEdison is extremely proud to be part of this public-private partnership with the Ironwood State Prison and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to deploy clean renewable energy,” said Thomas (Tom) Rainwater, CEO of SunEdison. “This is truly a long-term partnership, where the solar power produced at Ironwood will support our partner’s commitment to being a good community member.”
Ironwood is the second PV system SunEdison is managing under an SPSA for CDCR. In June 2006, SunEdison activated a 1.16 MW solar power system at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. The PV system at Chuckawalla has produced more than 3.7 million kWh since commercial activation. Over 20 years of production, the system will offset 31,627,817 lbs of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing 3,100 cars from the road. It will produce 35,981,589 kWh over 20 years, the equivalent of powering 3,377 homes for one year.
Q-Cell Selects Silicon Border Science Park For Expansion
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Silicon Border Science Park, located in Mexicali, the capital city of Baja California, Mexico, has been selected by Q-Cells, the world’s largest solar cell manufacturer, for its next major expansion.
Q-Cells’ primary manufacturing facility is located in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. The company chose Silicon Border Science Park for its American manufacturing site because of its strategic location and business-friendly environment.
The Science Park is a 10,000-acre, world-class science and technology based industrial park that supports leading-edge manufacturing and research facilities owned by major technology groups from across the globe. The Park is located on the U.S. and Mexican border, which provides easy access to all of the top technology hubs within the U.S. and enables manufacturers to cost-effectively compete with operations anywhere in the world. It is a two-hour drive east of San Diego; a three-hour drive to both Los Angeles and Phoenix; and a two-hour flight to Dallas and Austin. Its proximity provides an ideal location to target the U.S. market, which is the world’s largest consumer of electronics and potentially will become the largest for solar products.
“Our goal is to provide a strategic manufacturing alternative to Asia for cost-effective, high technology operations in North America,” said Daniel J. Hill, CEO of Silicon Border. “We have been working diligently to bring advanced manufacturing back to this region, and with this expansion decision from Q-Cells, this initiative is now becoming a reality.”
Silicon Border has entered into a financial partnership with ING Clarion to fund the construction of the Science Park, and a partnership with the Mexican Design & Construction Firm, Maiz Transforma to complete the infrastructure build-out.
The Park’s strategic location will allow Q-Cells to have excellent business flexibility for its global operations. Mexico has free trade agreements with 43 countries worldwide, including the U.S., and offers tax and financial incentives that are equal to, if not better than, most any place in the world. The presence of Q-Cells within the Park is also a benefit for Mexico. It is an important first step in the country’s goal of developing the solar industry for its economy, and enables them to become a world leader in the alternative energy sector.
Anton Milner, Q-Cells Chief Executive Officer, said: “The location is ideal for the American markets. With our strategic decision to locate the innovative Thin Film technology in Silicon Border/Mexicali we want to jointly enter into the Solar-High-Tech era in Mexico.”
Q-Cells’ manufacturing complex will be comprised of separate facilities, and will be developed in phases, with construction of the first phase beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008. Facility and plant investments are expected to reach up to $3.5 billion in the mid to long term. The expansion plans are contingent upon the development of the Photovoltaics markets in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, that will be supplied from Mexicali. The overall size of the site will be 60 hectares (150 acres).
Bringing Q-Cells to Mexico is a reflection of the excellent working relationship and leadership that Silicon Border recognizes in the Baja California government, in particular SEDECO, the state’s department of Economic Development, who has jointly promoted Silicon Border Science Park since its inception.
Guided by U.S. semiconductor industry veterans, Silicon Border is a cost-effective, manufacturing alternative in North America for the world’s most advanced technologies, such as semiconductor, solar cell, telecommunications and flat-panel display manufacturers. It provides 10,000 acres of land for business space supported by a world-class, industrial infrastructure and a significant Planned Urban Development Community. The Science Park is in close proximity to three major area universities, and will be home to the Baja California State University campus of engineering.
Silicon Border Development is currently in discussion with a number of additional companies looking to grow their global operations.
Q-Cells’ primary manufacturing facility is located in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. The company chose Silicon Border Science Park for its American manufacturing site because of its strategic location and business-friendly environment.
The Science Park is a 10,000-acre, world-class science and technology based industrial park that supports leading-edge manufacturing and research facilities owned by major technology groups from across the globe. The Park is located on the U.S. and Mexican border, which provides easy access to all of the top technology hubs within the U.S. and enables manufacturers to cost-effectively compete with operations anywhere in the world. It is a two-hour drive east of San Diego; a three-hour drive to both Los Angeles and Phoenix; and a two-hour flight to Dallas and Austin. Its proximity provides an ideal location to target the U.S. market, which is the world’s largest consumer of electronics and potentially will become the largest for solar products.
“Our goal is to provide a strategic manufacturing alternative to Asia for cost-effective, high technology operations in North America,” said Daniel J. Hill, CEO of Silicon Border. “We have been working diligently to bring advanced manufacturing back to this region, and with this expansion decision from Q-Cells, this initiative is now becoming a reality.”
Silicon Border has entered into a financial partnership with ING Clarion to fund the construction of the Science Park, and a partnership with the Mexican Design & Construction Firm, Maiz Transforma to complete the infrastructure build-out.
The Park’s strategic location will allow Q-Cells to have excellent business flexibility for its global operations. Mexico has free trade agreements with 43 countries worldwide, including the U.S., and offers tax and financial incentives that are equal to, if not better than, most any place in the world. The presence of Q-Cells within the Park is also a benefit for Mexico. It is an important first step in the country’s goal of developing the solar industry for its economy, and enables them to become a world leader in the alternative energy sector.
Anton Milner, Q-Cells Chief Executive Officer, said: “The location is ideal for the American markets. With our strategic decision to locate the innovative Thin Film technology in Silicon Border/Mexicali we want to jointly enter into the Solar-High-Tech era in Mexico.”
Q-Cells’ manufacturing complex will be comprised of separate facilities, and will be developed in phases, with construction of the first phase beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008. Facility and plant investments are expected to reach up to $3.5 billion in the mid to long term. The expansion plans are contingent upon the development of the Photovoltaics markets in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, that will be supplied from Mexicali. The overall size of the site will be 60 hectares (150 acres).
Bringing Q-Cells to Mexico is a reflection of the excellent working relationship and leadership that Silicon Border recognizes in the Baja California government, in particular SEDECO, the state’s department of Economic Development, who has jointly promoted Silicon Border Science Park since its inception.
Guided by U.S. semiconductor industry veterans, Silicon Border is a cost-effective, manufacturing alternative in North America for the world’s most advanced technologies, such as semiconductor, solar cell, telecommunications and flat-panel display manufacturers. It provides 10,000 acres of land for business space supported by a world-class, industrial infrastructure and a significant Planned Urban Development Community. The Science Park is in close proximity to three major area universities, and will be home to the Baja California State University campus of engineering.
Silicon Border Development is currently in discussion with a number of additional companies looking to grow their global operations.
Heinz Announces Ambitious Sustainablity Program
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The H. J. Heinz Company (NYSE:HNZ) announced today a milestone company goal: to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2015. This effort is part of Heinz’s sustainability vision, to be a trusted leader in nutrition and wellness, dedicated to the sustainable health of people, the planet and the Company.
“From using potato peels to generate energy, to reducing the amount and size of our packaging, every day we’re finding new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and improve the efficiency of our company,” said Heinz CEO Bill Johnson. “Everyone in the Heinz community is involved in this sustainability effort – from our employees to many of our largest customers and suppliers.”
Heinz is focusing on eight specific areas to achieve its goal by 2015:
* Energy consumption – 20% reduction through improved operational efficiency
* Packaging – 15% reduction by the introduction of alternative packaging materials and reduction of existing packaging use
* Transportation – 10% reduction through improved efficiency of distribution network
* Renewable energy – 15% to come from renewable sources, including solar, biomass and bio-gas
* Agriculture – 15% reduction of carbon footprint, 15% reduction of water usage, improvement of yields by 5% through use of hybrid tomato seeds that require less water, fertilizer, pesticides and fuel to harvest
* Water – 20% reduction through reuse and improved sanitation techniques
* Solid Waste – 20% reduction through increased recycling and reuse of waste
* Employees – Increase employee engagement through a voluntary personal sustainability campaign
Heinz is undertaking a variety of different initiatives to achieve these targets:
--
Using potato peels to generate energy and save water: At the Company's facility in Ontario, Oregon, Heinz is in project development stages to convert potato peels into bio-fuel, which will then be distributed to a central natural gas pipeline for sale and distribution. The project is expected to generate enough energy to heat 4,000 Oregon homes for a winter (390,000 MMbtu's).
The same project in Ontario is slated to treat and recycle 90% of the water used for daily potato production. The project is expected to save one billion gallons of water per year, or enough to supply 11,000 Oregon homes with water for a year.
--
Conserving fuel globally: Improving the efficiency of the Company's distribution network through fuller truckloads with more direct routes and shifts to rail will save more than 2 million gallons of fuel globally.
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"Green" tomatoes: Heinz is expanding its growing regions into China, Egypt, and Eastern Europe, providing more local sources of tomatoes and lessening the need to transport tomato paste around the world.
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Reducing waste through recycling: In Fremont, Ohio, Heinz is on track to reduce solid waste - which would normally end up in a landfill - by 10%, or 800,000 lbs of recyclable material. In Dundalk, Ireland, the Heinz facility is already recycling 95% of the plastic and 99% of the cardboard, wood and steel it uses.
Heinz also works around the world to combat malnourishment. The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign will distribute single-serve packets of micronutrients to 10 million children by 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.heinz.com/CSR_2007/micronutrient.html
“From using potato peels to generate energy, to reducing the amount and size of our packaging, every day we’re finding new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and improve the efficiency of our company,” said Heinz CEO Bill Johnson. “Everyone in the Heinz community is involved in this sustainability effort – from our employees to many of our largest customers and suppliers.”
Heinz is focusing on eight specific areas to achieve its goal by 2015:
* Energy consumption – 20% reduction through improved operational efficiency
* Packaging – 15% reduction by the introduction of alternative packaging materials and reduction of existing packaging use
* Transportation – 10% reduction through improved efficiency of distribution network
* Renewable energy – 15% to come from renewable sources, including solar, biomass and bio-gas
* Agriculture – 15% reduction of carbon footprint, 15% reduction of water usage, improvement of yields by 5% through use of hybrid tomato seeds that require less water, fertilizer, pesticides and fuel to harvest
* Water – 20% reduction through reuse and improved sanitation techniques
* Solid Waste – 20% reduction through increased recycling and reuse of waste
* Employees – Increase employee engagement through a voluntary personal sustainability campaign
Heinz is undertaking a variety of different initiatives to achieve these targets:
--
Using potato peels to generate energy and save water: At the Company's facility in Ontario, Oregon, Heinz is in project development stages to convert potato peels into bio-fuel, which will then be distributed to a central natural gas pipeline for sale and distribution. The project is expected to generate enough energy to heat 4,000 Oregon homes for a winter (390,000 MMbtu's).
The same project in Ontario is slated to treat and recycle 90% of the water used for daily potato production. The project is expected to save one billion gallons of water per year, or enough to supply 11,000 Oregon homes with water for a year.
--
Conserving fuel globally: Improving the efficiency of the Company's distribution network through fuller truckloads with more direct routes and shifts to rail will save more than 2 million gallons of fuel globally.
--
"Green" tomatoes: Heinz is expanding its growing regions into China, Egypt, and Eastern Europe, providing more local sources of tomatoes and lessening the need to transport tomato paste around the world.
--
Reducing waste through recycling: In Fremont, Ohio, Heinz is on track to reduce solid waste - which would normally end up in a landfill - by 10%, or 800,000 lbs of recyclable material. In Dundalk, Ireland, the Heinz facility is already recycling 95% of the plastic and 99% of the cardboard, wood and steel it uses.
Heinz also works around the world to combat malnourishment. The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign will distribute single-serve packets of micronutrients to 10 million children by 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.heinz.com/CSR_2007/micronutrient.html
Quantum and Asola Nab $17 Million Solar Module Supply Contract
IRVINE, Calif., May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that its German solar partner, Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, has won a $17 million contract from Sunworx GmbH, for the supply of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar modules. Sunworx, which is one of the leading solar system suppliers in Germany, will take delivery of these modules in 2008.
"Sunworx is notable for their innovative solutions, consistent growth and long-term business success. Asola is pleased to partner with this dynamic company, as they share our passion for the highest quality and reliability," said Asola's founder and CEO, Reinhard Wecker.
Quantum and Asola have recently announced tripling of solar module production capacity in Germany, by fall 2008. Quantum holds a 25% stake in Asola, and is in discussions towards an expanded partnership. Asola and Quantum have entered into a long-term supply agreement with Ersol Solar Energy AG for the procurement of 155 MW of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar cells, starting in 2008. The Ersol agreement and additional supply contracts with other leading suppliers such as MOTECH and Sunergy guarantee a steady supply of solar cells to Quantum and Asola, thereby avoiding any potential future disruptions due to silicon shortages, as have been recently experienced by the solar cell industry. Resulting sales from these supply agreements are anticipated to generate in excess of US $600 million for Asola and Quantum.
"Demand for peak power is growing at twice the rate as the overall electricity market," commented Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. "Solar systems are ideally suited to meet local peak power demands, and are increasingly favored by major utility companies to meet their renewable energy portfolio requirements. We believe that Quantum and Asola are well-positioned to meet this demand in Europe as well as to capitalize on the opportunities in California and the rest of North America."
"Sunworx is notable for their innovative solutions, consistent growth and long-term business success. Asola is pleased to partner with this dynamic company, as they share our passion for the highest quality and reliability," said Asola's founder and CEO, Reinhard Wecker.
Quantum and Asola have recently announced tripling of solar module production capacity in Germany, by fall 2008. Quantum holds a 25% stake in Asola, and is in discussions towards an expanded partnership. Asola and Quantum have entered into a long-term supply agreement with Ersol Solar Energy AG for the procurement of 155 MW of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar cells, starting in 2008. The Ersol agreement and additional supply contracts with other leading suppliers such as MOTECH and Sunergy guarantee a steady supply of solar cells to Quantum and Asola, thereby avoiding any potential future disruptions due to silicon shortages, as have been recently experienced by the solar cell industry. Resulting sales from these supply agreements are anticipated to generate in excess of US $600 million for Asola and Quantum.
"Demand for peak power is growing at twice the rate as the overall electricity market," commented Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. "Solar systems are ideally suited to meet local peak power demands, and are increasingly favored by major utility companies to meet their renewable energy portfolio requirements. We believe that Quantum and Asola are well-positioned to meet this demand in Europe as well as to capitalize on the opportunities in California and the rest of North America."
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Fat Spaniel Provides Monitoring Service For Boulder Cancer Center Solar Project
BOULDER, Colo. and SAN JOSE, Calif., May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Fat Spaniel Technologies, the market leader in monitoring and reporting services for distributed renewable energy systems, today announced that the company is providing highly detailed monitoring and reporting services for the Boulder Community Foothills Hospital Cancer Center's 28-kilowatt solar electric
installation. Fat Spaniel's String Monitoring Service enables installer and operator Namaste Solar Electric to cost-effectively pinpoint and resolve system failures in real-time, resulting in maximized energy output to power the Center's cancer treatment operations.
"Fat Spaniel's detailed applications such as the String Monitoring Service help us deliver consistent, high quality performance to our Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) partners and make sure that the cancer center gets the most out of its green energy investment," said Blake Jones, president of Namaste Solar Electric. "For example, it's typically been difficult to
quantify how much shading affects an array, but with Fat Spaniel's service, we can drill down and see that kind of detail in real time, which enables us to maximize energy output."
The new solar system consists of 14 strings and 130 panels to help power everything from linear accelerators to lighting at the Boulder Community Foothills Hospital Cancer Center building. Within the solar array, Fat Spaniel monitors performance right down to the level of
individual strings of solar modules in order to more quickly detect and pinpoint failures. The String Monitoring Service identifies module faults that could otherwise go undetected for years, and delivers immediate email or SMS alerts to support staff to resolve potential problems efficiently and optimize energy production.
"As the solar market continues to grow quickly, system installers and operators are tasked with maintaining peak performance across their expanding portfolios of sites. A leader in the Colorado solar electric market, Namaste Solar is busy proving that Fat Spaniel's online services
give them a cost effective tool for delivering exceptional customer service and higher system performance as their business grows," said Chris Beekhuis, President and CTO of Fat Spaniel Technologies.
Namaste Solar Electric manages its many renewable energy sites through Fat Spaniel's Insight Manager(TM) web portal, which eases system upkeep by providing access to a rich set of services to provide efficient operations and maintenance services -- such as detecting solar inverter faults, providing alerts, recording support activities, retrieving reports and tracking assets -- for multiple sites simultaneously.
installation. Fat Spaniel's String Monitoring Service enables installer and operator Namaste Solar Electric to cost-effectively pinpoint and resolve system failures in real-time, resulting in maximized energy output to power the Center's cancer treatment operations.
"Fat Spaniel's detailed applications such as the String Monitoring Service help us deliver consistent, high quality performance to our Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) partners and make sure that the cancer center gets the most out of its green energy investment," said Blake Jones, president of Namaste Solar Electric. "For example, it's typically been difficult to
quantify how much shading affects an array, but with Fat Spaniel's service, we can drill down and see that kind of detail in real time, which enables us to maximize energy output."
The new solar system consists of 14 strings and 130 panels to help power everything from linear accelerators to lighting at the Boulder Community Foothills Hospital Cancer Center building. Within the solar array, Fat Spaniel monitors performance right down to the level of
individual strings of solar modules in order to more quickly detect and pinpoint failures. The String Monitoring Service identifies module faults that could otherwise go undetected for years, and delivers immediate email or SMS alerts to support staff to resolve potential problems efficiently and optimize energy production.
"As the solar market continues to grow quickly, system installers and operators are tasked with maintaining peak performance across their expanding portfolios of sites. A leader in the Colorado solar electric market, Namaste Solar is busy proving that Fat Spaniel's online services
give them a cost effective tool for delivering exceptional customer service and higher system performance as their business grows," said Chris Beekhuis, President and CTO of Fat Spaniel Technologies.
Namaste Solar Electric manages its many renewable energy sites through Fat Spaniel's Insight Manager(TM) web portal, which eases system upkeep by providing access to a rich set of services to provide efficient operations and maintenance services -- such as detecting solar inverter faults, providing alerts, recording support activities, retrieving reports and tracking assets -- for multiple sites simultaneously.
Evergreen Solar Books $1 Billion In New Contracts
MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR), a manufacturer of solar power panels with its proprietary, low-cost String Ribbon(TM) wafer technology, announced it has signed two new long-term sales contracts. Yesterday, Evergreen Solar and German-based Ralos Vertriebs GmbH signed an agreement valued at approximately $750 million for panel deliveries beginning in 2008 and extending through 2013. Combined with another agreement signed last week with a United States-based installer, Evergreen has new contractual backlog of approximately $1 billion.
The solar panels for these two contracts will be manufactured at the company’s Devens, Massachusetts facility, which will begin panel production in July, and represent approximately 35 percent of the expected 160MW of annual production capacity at Devens through 2013. In addition to these two new contracts, Evergreen Solar has six other customer contracts with a current total backlog of approximately $850 million, which will primarily be supplied by EverQ, its German-based joint venture.
“We offer our customers a long-term value proposition because our string ribbon technology consumes less than half of the polysilicon as compared to the industry average, which enables us to provide a unique combination of cost and cell conversion efficiency," said Richard M. Feldt, Evergreen Solar's president and chief executive officer. “We will enter into selective long-term supply agreements with additional companies that also bring differentiated value to their customers and serve markets that are at the forefront of solar growth.”
The solar panels for these two contracts will be manufactured at the company’s Devens, Massachusetts facility, which will begin panel production in July, and represent approximately 35 percent of the expected 160MW of annual production capacity at Devens through 2013. In addition to these two new contracts, Evergreen Solar has six other customer contracts with a current total backlog of approximately $850 million, which will primarily be supplied by EverQ, its German-based joint venture.
“We offer our customers a long-term value proposition because our string ribbon technology consumes less than half of the polysilicon as compared to the industry average, which enables us to provide a unique combination of cost and cell conversion efficiency," said Richard M. Feldt, Evergreen Solar's president and chief executive officer. “We will enter into selective long-term supply agreements with additional companies that also bring differentiated value to their customers and serve markets that are at the forefront of solar growth.”
Spire To Build Turnkey Solar PV Plant In Russia
BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing turnkey solar factories and capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic modules and cells worldwide, today announced that it has received a contract from Bogoroditsk Plant of Techno-Chemical Products (BTCP) to provide a photovoltaic module assembly line for the company's operations in Russia.
BTCP is an international chemical company located in the Tula region of Russia. This will be the company's first solar module manufacturing facility for both the standard module, and building integrated photovoltaic markets.
Spire will provide BTCP with a semi-automated crystalline silicon module manufacturing line capable of producing up to 12 megawatts of solar modules per year. It will integrate Spire's key interconnect, lamination, and testing machines, along with intermediate tooling stations. Spire will supply the process technology and training to operate the factory, as well as assistance in qualifying the factory’s modules to international standards and certification. The line is designed to be easily expandable at a later date.
“We are excited to be chosen to provide our turnkey line solution to BTCP in Russia. This order demonstrates our capability to put new customers into the rapidly growing photovoltaic business,” said Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation. “Entering an entirely new market can be difficult for a manufacturer, but Spire’s ability to deliver a complete solar factory, as well as the training needed to succeed in the solar market, enables companies with limited exposure to the industry to efficiently add solar module manufacturing to their business portfolio.”
“We are excited to work with Spire, the industry leader, on this important new venture,” said Alexey Baberdin, Director General of BTCP. “The solar market is expanding rapidly in Russia and Spire offers the quickest, most efficient path to joining the industry. We are confident that Spire’s industry expertise and superior manufacturing equipment position us for success as we integrate solar manufacturing into our existing business.”
BTCP is an international chemical company located in the Tula region of Russia. This will be the company's first solar module manufacturing facility for both the standard module, and building integrated photovoltaic markets.
Spire will provide BTCP with a semi-automated crystalline silicon module manufacturing line capable of producing up to 12 megawatts of solar modules per year. It will integrate Spire's key interconnect, lamination, and testing machines, along with intermediate tooling stations. Spire will supply the process technology and training to operate the factory, as well as assistance in qualifying the factory’s modules to international standards and certification. The line is designed to be easily expandable at a later date.
“We are excited to be chosen to provide our turnkey line solution to BTCP in Russia. This order demonstrates our capability to put new customers into the rapidly growing photovoltaic business,” said Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation. “Entering an entirely new market can be difficult for a manufacturer, but Spire’s ability to deliver a complete solar factory, as well as the training needed to succeed in the solar market, enables companies with limited exposure to the industry to efficiently add solar module manufacturing to their business portfolio.”
“We are excited to work with Spire, the industry leader, on this important new venture,” said Alexey Baberdin, Director General of BTCP. “The solar market is expanding rapidly in Russia and Spire offers the quickest, most efficient path to joining the industry. We are confident that Spire’s industry expertise and superior manufacturing equipment position us for success as we integrate solar manufacturing into our existing business.”
REC Solar To Expand Operations in Colorado
WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--REC Solar, a rapidly growing provider of residential and commercial solar electric systems, today announced that due to attractive incentives available to Colorado businesses it is expanding its Colorado operations to include a commercial division at 9032 Marshall Court in Westminster. In addition to its fast growing residential business, the San Luis Obispo, California-based company will also begin offering commercial solar electric installations to businesses throughout the state.
“REC Solar is excited about expanding our presence in Colorado and working with businesses that see the triple bottom line benefits of solar,” said Angiolo Laviziano, CEO of REC Solar. “For the past three years the solar industry in the United States has grown an average of 40% each year. However, REC Solar expects to see a 275% increase in its business in Colorado. With its terrific incentives and progressive populace, Colorado is poised to be a solar leader—creating green-collar jobs that boost the economy and benefit the environment.”
Currently REC Solar has over a dozen full-time employees in Colorado and is projecting a significant increase in solar installations in the state. The company also expects to more than double personnel in 2008 and is actively looking to hire in the state.
“Colorado’s commitment to solar energy started with the passage of Amendment 37 and has grown under the leadership of Governor Bill Ritter, the State Legislature and Xcel Energy,” said Laviziano. “With 300 days of sunshine a year and a political and business climate that encourages renewables, we believe Colorado is positioned to be a true leader in the new energy economy.”
In 2004, voters in Colorado approved Amendment 37, a renewable energy portfolio standard that required the state's largest utilities to obtain 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2015—the first and only time in U.S. history that a standard was ratified by voters rather than processed through a State's Legislature. Since then, State Legislators have doubled the renewable requirement, and state and local governments have taken additional steps to encourage solar and renewable development.
“Colorado consumers and businesses are savvy about solar,” said Cary Hayes, Colorado Sales Manager for REC Solar. “Our goal is to expand our services to provide Colorado businesses with a simple one-stop process to install solar electric systems.”
“From financing to design and installation, we help businesses realize generous financial returns from solar,” Hayes added.
“REC Solar is excited about expanding our presence in Colorado and working with businesses that see the triple bottom line benefits of solar,” said Angiolo Laviziano, CEO of REC Solar. “For the past three years the solar industry in the United States has grown an average of 40% each year. However, REC Solar expects to see a 275% increase in its business in Colorado. With its terrific incentives and progressive populace, Colorado is poised to be a solar leader—creating green-collar jobs that boost the economy and benefit the environment.”
Currently REC Solar has over a dozen full-time employees in Colorado and is projecting a significant increase in solar installations in the state. The company also expects to more than double personnel in 2008 and is actively looking to hire in the state.
“Colorado’s commitment to solar energy started with the passage of Amendment 37 and has grown under the leadership of Governor Bill Ritter, the State Legislature and Xcel Energy,” said Laviziano. “With 300 days of sunshine a year and a political and business climate that encourages renewables, we believe Colorado is positioned to be a true leader in the new energy economy.”
In 2004, voters in Colorado approved Amendment 37, a renewable energy portfolio standard that required the state's largest utilities to obtain 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2015—the first and only time in U.S. history that a standard was ratified by voters rather than processed through a State's Legislature. Since then, State Legislators have doubled the renewable requirement, and state and local governments have taken additional steps to encourage solar and renewable development.
“Colorado consumers and businesses are savvy about solar,” said Cary Hayes, Colorado Sales Manager for REC Solar. “Our goal is to expand our services to provide Colorado businesses with a simple one-stop process to install solar electric systems.”
“From financing to design and installation, we help businesses realize generous financial returns from solar,” Hayes added.
Monday, May 19, 2008
IBM Makes Breakthrough In Concentrated Solar
ARMONK, NY - 15 May 2008: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced a research breakthrough in photovoltaics technology that could significantly reduce the cost of harnessing the Sun's power for electricity.
By mimicking the antics of a child using a magnifying glass to burn a leaf or a camper to start a fire, IBM scientists are using a large lens to concentrate the Sun’s power, capturing a record 230 watts onto a centimeter square solar cell, in a technology known as concentrator photovoltaics, or CPV. That energy is then converted into 70 watts of usable electrical power, about five times the electrical power density generated by typical cells using CPV technology in solar farms.
If it can overcome additional challenges to move this project from the lab to the fab, IBM believes it can significantly reduce the cost of a typical CPV based system. By using a much lower number of photovoltaic cells in a solar farm and concentrating more light onto each cell using larger lenses, IBM’s system enables a significant cost advantage in terms of a lesser number of total components.
For instance, by moving from a 200 sun system ("one sun" is a measurement equal to the solar power incident at noon on a clear summer day), where about 20 watts per square centimeter of power is concentrated onto the cell, to the IBM Lab results of a 2300 sun system, where approximately 230 watts per square centimeter are concentrated onto the cell system, the IBM system cuts the number of photovoltaic cells and other components by a factor of 10.
“We believe IBM can bring unique skills from our vast experience in semiconductors and nanotechnology to the important field of alternative energy research,” said Dr. Supratik Guha, the scientist leading photovoltaics activities at IBM Research. “This is one of many exploratory research projects incubating in our labs where we can drive big change for an entire industry while advancing the basic underlying science of solar cell technology."
The trick lies in IBM’s ability to cool the tiny solar cell. Concentrating the equivalent of 2000 suns on such a small area generates enough heat to melt stainless steel, something the researchers experienced first hand in their experiments. But by borrowing innovations from its own R&D in cooling computer chips, the team was able to cool the solar cell from greater than 1600 degrees Celsius to just 85 degrees Celsius.
The initial results of this project will be presented at the 33rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists conference today, where the IBM researchers will detail how their liquid metal cooling interface is able to transfer heat from the solar cell to a copper cooling plate much more efficiently than anything else available today.
The IBM research team developed a system that achieved breakthrough results by coupling a commercial solar cell to an advanced IBM liquid metal thermal cooling system using methods developed for the microprocessor industry.
Specifically, the IBM team used a very thin layer of a liquid metal made of a gallium and indium compound that they applied between the chip and a cooling block. Such layers, called thermal interface layers, transfer the heat from the chip to the cooling block so that the chip temperature can be kept low. The IBM liquid metal solution offers the best thermal performance available today, at low costs, and the technology was successfully developed by IBM to cool high power computer chips earlier.
While concentrator-based photovoltaics technologies have been around since the 1970s, they have received renewed interest in recent times. With very high concentrations, they have the potential to offer the lowest-cost solar electricity for large-scale power generation, provided the temperature of the cells can be kept low, and cheap and efficient optics can be developed for concentrating the light to very high levels.
IBM is exploring four main areas of photovoltaic research: using current technologies to develop cheaper and more efficient silicon solar cells, developing new solution processed thin film photovoltaic devices, concentrator photovoltaics, and future generation photovoltaic architectures based upon nanostructures such as semiconductor quantum dots and nanowires.
The goal of the projects is to develop efficient photovoltaic structures that would reduce the cost, minimize the complexity, and improve the flexibility of producing solar electric power.
In addition to the photovoltaic research announced today, IBM is focused on several areas related to energy and the environment, including energy efficient technology and services, carbon management, advanced water management, intelligent utility networks and intelligent transportation systems. With decades of leadership in environmental stewardship, proven ability to solve complex challenges and unparalleled global reach, IBM is uniquely positioned to increase the efficiency of today’s systems and enable our clients’ “green” strategies.
By mimicking the antics of a child using a magnifying glass to burn a leaf or a camper to start a fire, IBM scientists are using a large lens to concentrate the Sun’s power, capturing a record 230 watts onto a centimeter square solar cell, in a technology known as concentrator photovoltaics, or CPV. That energy is then converted into 70 watts of usable electrical power, about five times the electrical power density generated by typical cells using CPV technology in solar farms.
If it can overcome additional challenges to move this project from the lab to the fab, IBM believes it can significantly reduce the cost of a typical CPV based system. By using a much lower number of photovoltaic cells in a solar farm and concentrating more light onto each cell using larger lenses, IBM’s system enables a significant cost advantage in terms of a lesser number of total components.
For instance, by moving from a 200 sun system ("one sun" is a measurement equal to the solar power incident at noon on a clear summer day), where about 20 watts per square centimeter of power is concentrated onto the cell, to the IBM Lab results of a 2300 sun system, where approximately 230 watts per square centimeter are concentrated onto the cell system, the IBM system cuts the number of photovoltaic cells and other components by a factor of 10.
“We believe IBM can bring unique skills from our vast experience in semiconductors and nanotechnology to the important field of alternative energy research,” said Dr. Supratik Guha, the scientist leading photovoltaics activities at IBM Research. “This is one of many exploratory research projects incubating in our labs where we can drive big change for an entire industry while advancing the basic underlying science of solar cell technology."
The trick lies in IBM’s ability to cool the tiny solar cell. Concentrating the equivalent of 2000 suns on such a small area generates enough heat to melt stainless steel, something the researchers experienced first hand in their experiments. But by borrowing innovations from its own R&D in cooling computer chips, the team was able to cool the solar cell from greater than 1600 degrees Celsius to just 85 degrees Celsius.
The initial results of this project will be presented at the 33rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists conference today, where the IBM researchers will detail how their liquid metal cooling interface is able to transfer heat from the solar cell to a copper cooling plate much more efficiently than anything else available today.
The IBM research team developed a system that achieved breakthrough results by coupling a commercial solar cell to an advanced IBM liquid metal thermal cooling system using methods developed for the microprocessor industry.
Specifically, the IBM team used a very thin layer of a liquid metal made of a gallium and indium compound that they applied between the chip and a cooling block. Such layers, called thermal interface layers, transfer the heat from the chip to the cooling block so that the chip temperature can be kept low. The IBM liquid metal solution offers the best thermal performance available today, at low costs, and the technology was successfully developed by IBM to cool high power computer chips earlier.
While concentrator-based photovoltaics technologies have been around since the 1970s, they have received renewed interest in recent times. With very high concentrations, they have the potential to offer the lowest-cost solar electricity for large-scale power generation, provided the temperature of the cells can be kept low, and cheap and efficient optics can be developed for concentrating the light to very high levels.
IBM is exploring four main areas of photovoltaic research: using current technologies to develop cheaper and more efficient silicon solar cells, developing new solution processed thin film photovoltaic devices, concentrator photovoltaics, and future generation photovoltaic architectures based upon nanostructures such as semiconductor quantum dots and nanowires.
The goal of the projects is to develop efficient photovoltaic structures that would reduce the cost, minimize the complexity, and improve the flexibility of producing solar electric power.
In addition to the photovoltaic research announced today, IBM is focused on several areas related to energy and the environment, including energy efficient technology and services, carbon management, advanced water management, intelligent utility networks and intelligent transportation systems. With decades of leadership in environmental stewardship, proven ability to solve complex challenges and unparalleled global reach, IBM is uniquely positioned to increase the efficiency of today’s systems and enable our clients’ “green” strategies.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Green Mountain Power's Proposal To Spur Solar Energy Adoption
COLCHESTER, VT--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - Green Mountain Power Corp. today announced a groundbreaking new approach to accelerate the adoption of solar energy by Vermont homes and businesses.
In a request for a new service filed with the Vermont Public Service Board today, Green Mountain Power proposed the adoption of solar net metered electric rates, which are designed to make solar energy an important part of Vermont's mix of cleaner energy sources.
Green Mountain Power Chief Operating Officer Mary Powell said renewable energy sources like solar must play an increasing part in Vermont's energy future.
"This proposal will make solar energy more attractive to homeowners and businesses in Vermont," Ms. Powell said. "We are doing everything we can to encourage the adoption of solar energy. It is good for Vermont economically and environmentally."
Ms. Powell said such a change in the way Vermonters pay for solar energy could help ease congestion on power lines, delay the need for new power line construction and reduce peak energy demand in hot summer months when demand for energy is highest.
Andrew Perchlik, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Vermont, said, "This new service could revolutionize the solar market in Vermont. We are excited that Green Mountain Power has taken a leadership role in promoting solar energy in Vermont."
The program would work in conjunction with existing "net metering'' programs in which Vermonters using solar power feed energy back into the grid when it is not needed in the home or business. Under the new solar rates program, customers would now be paid by Green Mountain Power for all solar energy generated at a rate of six cents per kilowatthour above and beyond the nearly 13 cents per kilowatt-hour net metering benefit.
"In summer, sunlight and solar electric production tend to be greatest at the time people are calling for the most electricity through air conditioning and other needs," Ms. Powell said. "This is a win-win for customers and the growing solar industry in Vermont. Green Mountain Power intends to be a leader in driving the solar energy market."
Ms. Powell said the proposal has the following benefits:
1. It helps reduce the need for fossil fuel energy sources on the
New England electric system.
2. It helps accelerate the market for solar energy by offering an
attractive rate to customers that is economical for the utility.
3. It "shaves" peak demand during high-demand, hot summer days by
relying on the sun rather than fossil fuel generation.
The new incentive rates, if approved by the Vermont Public Service Board, would be available to all Green Mountain Power customers connected to the electric grid.
In a request for a new service filed with the Vermont Public Service Board today, Green Mountain Power proposed the adoption of solar net metered electric rates, which are designed to make solar energy an important part of Vermont's mix of cleaner energy sources.
Green Mountain Power Chief Operating Officer Mary Powell said renewable energy sources like solar must play an increasing part in Vermont's energy future.
"This proposal will make solar energy more attractive to homeowners and businesses in Vermont," Ms. Powell said. "We are doing everything we can to encourage the adoption of solar energy. It is good for Vermont economically and environmentally."
Ms. Powell said such a change in the way Vermonters pay for solar energy could help ease congestion on power lines, delay the need for new power line construction and reduce peak energy demand in hot summer months when demand for energy is highest.
Andrew Perchlik, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Vermont, said, "This new service could revolutionize the solar market in Vermont. We are excited that Green Mountain Power has taken a leadership role in promoting solar energy in Vermont."
The program would work in conjunction with existing "net metering'' programs in which Vermonters using solar power feed energy back into the grid when it is not needed in the home or business. Under the new solar rates program, customers would now be paid by Green Mountain Power for all solar energy generated at a rate of six cents per kilowatthour above and beyond the nearly 13 cents per kilowatt-hour net metering benefit.
"In summer, sunlight and solar electric production tend to be greatest at the time people are calling for the most electricity through air conditioning and other needs," Ms. Powell said. "This is a win-win for customers and the growing solar industry in Vermont. Green Mountain Power intends to be a leader in driving the solar energy market."
Ms. Powell said the proposal has the following benefits:
1. It helps reduce the need for fossil fuel energy sources on the
New England electric system.
2. It helps accelerate the market for solar energy by offering an
attractive rate to customers that is economical for the utility.
3. It "shaves" peak demand during high-demand, hot summer days by
relying on the sun rather than fossil fuel generation.
The new incentive rates, if approved by the Vermont Public Service Board, would be available to all Green Mountain Power customers connected to the electric grid.
EMCOR Breaks Ground On Major Oregon Project
NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE: EME), a Fortune 500® leader in mechanical and electrical construction, energy infrastructure and facilities services for a diverse range of businesses, announced that its subsidiary Dynalectric Company of Oregon has begun work on a solar power array (multiple photovoltaic solar panels) for Portland Habilitation Center, a non-profit organization that trains and employs individuals with disabilities throughout Oregon and Washington state. When completed, it will be one of the largest solar electric systems in Oregon.
Dynalectric will design and install the solar array and all supporting electrical systems. The installation consists of 4,830 solar panels, an 870 KW DC solar array, and a wiring system designed to maximize the efficiency of its photovoltaic capabilities. Seven 125 KVA inverters will be located at the south perimeter of the Habilitation Center’s new industrial center in Northeast Portland and the 60,000-square-foot solar array will be designed without any building envelope roof penetrations, which means it maintains the integrity of the roof to prevent water leakage.
In addition, the renewable energy generated from the system will power expansion of the Habilitation Center’s in-house manufacturing, assembly, order fulfillment, courier, and warehousing services. Further, any excess energy generated from the photovoltaic electrical system will be delivered to Portland’s local utility grid, and the Habilitation Center’s electrical bill will be credited.
“Green energy sources and the generation of renewable energy continues to gain traction across the nation; this project epitomizes the benefits of solar energy. This installation is one of the most sophisticated in which we are participating and will allow the Habilitation Center and, by extension, the people of the Pacific Northwest, the opportunity to utilize an affordable, efficient, and sustainable energy solution that is on the cutting edge of available technology,” said Randy Wagner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dynalectric Company of Oregon.
Dynalectric will design and install the solar array and all supporting electrical systems. The installation consists of 4,830 solar panels, an 870 KW DC solar array, and a wiring system designed to maximize the efficiency of its photovoltaic capabilities. Seven 125 KVA inverters will be located at the south perimeter of the Habilitation Center’s new industrial center in Northeast Portland and the 60,000-square-foot solar array will be designed without any building envelope roof penetrations, which means it maintains the integrity of the roof to prevent water leakage.
In addition, the renewable energy generated from the system will power expansion of the Habilitation Center’s in-house manufacturing, assembly, order fulfillment, courier, and warehousing services. Further, any excess energy generated from the photovoltaic electrical system will be delivered to Portland’s local utility grid, and the Habilitation Center’s electrical bill will be credited.
“Green energy sources and the generation of renewable energy continues to gain traction across the nation; this project epitomizes the benefits of solar energy. This installation is one of the most sophisticated in which we are participating and will allow the Habilitation Center and, by extension, the people of the Pacific Northwest, the opportunity to utilize an affordable, efficient, and sustainable energy solution that is on the cutting edge of available technology,” said Randy Wagner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dynalectric Company of Oregon.
Ascent Solar To Offer IPO at $14
LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI) today announced the pricing of a public offering of 3,800,000 shares of its common stock for $14.00 per share, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, pursuant to a previously filed registration statement that was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2008. Ascent Solar intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for the design, purchase, installation, qualification and testing of production tools for approximately 30 MW of rated capacity for the production of thin-film photovoltaic modules, and for general corporate purposes.
Dow Corning Opens Solar Solutions Center in Michigan
FREELAND, Mich., May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Demonstrating its commitment to drive solar power innovations, Dow Corning Corp. (NYSE: DOW) today opened a Solar Solutions Application Center in Freeland, Michigan, to collaborate with customers to develop, evaluate and pilot material solutions used to manufacture solar panels.
The 27,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility represents an investment of more than $3 million and includes a laboratory, pilot equipment and testing facilities. A team of engineers and scientists will staff the facility, which is designed to be expanded as needed to meet the needs of the growing solar and photovoltaic industry.
"Dow Corning's goal is to help the solar industry move towards being economically competitive with conventional energy sources, and become a sustainable energy option globally," said Eric Peeters, global executive director, Dow Corning Solar Business. "This first application center
represents our intention to be an active, eager partner with researchers, producers and governments as we help develop affordable and efficient solar energy for the global energy market."
One of the only companies in the world able to provide silicon-based solutions throughout the entire photovoltaic value chain, Dow Corning is investing to expand its portfolio of total solution packages for solar cell manufacturing, module assembly and installation. Solution packages include high-performance silicone products such as encapsulants, adhesives, coatings, potting agents and sealants, as well as next-generation solar grade silicon.
"We're bringing the same kind of in-depth understanding of chemistry and technology that we've been applying to many other industries to the solar industry value chain," said Gaetan Borgers, global industry director, Dow Corning Solar Business. "We're addressing key issues such as availability of raw materials and cost, durability and performance of solar modules. Today's energy needs require multiple solutions, and the diverse capabilities and extraordinary potential of solar energy will play a significant role in solving these challenges."
The Solar Solutions Application Center is the latest in a series of solar-related investments by Dow Corning.
In September 2006, the company introduced Dow Corning(R) PV 1101 Solar Grade Silicon -- the industry's first commercially available feedstock derived from metallurgical silicon using large-scale manufacturing processes -- which can be blended with polysilicon to help ease silicon
shortages and provide solar device manufacturers with additional supply, technical and business model options.
In May 2007, the company announced a significant expansion at its joint venture Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) -- a $1 billion investment in manufacturing capabilities for this critical material to offer broad availability of solar energy.
The 27,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility represents an investment of more than $3 million and includes a laboratory, pilot equipment and testing facilities. A team of engineers and scientists will staff the facility, which is designed to be expanded as needed to meet the needs of the growing solar and photovoltaic industry.
"Dow Corning's goal is to help the solar industry move towards being economically competitive with conventional energy sources, and become a sustainable energy option globally," said Eric Peeters, global executive director, Dow Corning Solar Business. "This first application center
represents our intention to be an active, eager partner with researchers, producers and governments as we help develop affordable and efficient solar energy for the global energy market."
One of the only companies in the world able to provide silicon-based solutions throughout the entire photovoltaic value chain, Dow Corning is investing to expand its portfolio of total solution packages for solar cell manufacturing, module assembly and installation. Solution packages include high-performance silicone products such as encapsulants, adhesives, coatings, potting agents and sealants, as well as next-generation solar grade silicon.
"We're bringing the same kind of in-depth understanding of chemistry and technology that we've been applying to many other industries to the solar industry value chain," said Gaetan Borgers, global industry director, Dow Corning Solar Business. "We're addressing key issues such as availability of raw materials and cost, durability and performance of solar modules. Today's energy needs require multiple solutions, and the diverse capabilities and extraordinary potential of solar energy will play a significant role in solving these challenges."
The Solar Solutions Application Center is the latest in a series of solar-related investments by Dow Corning.
In September 2006, the company introduced Dow Corning(R) PV 1101 Solar Grade Silicon -- the industry's first commercially available feedstock derived from metallurgical silicon using large-scale manufacturing processes -- which can be blended with polysilicon to help ease silicon
shortages and provide solar device manufacturers with additional supply, technical and business model options.
In May 2007, the company announced a significant expansion at its joint venture Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) -- a $1 billion investment in manufacturing capabilities for this critical material to offer broad availability of solar energy.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
REI Announces Solar Plans For 2008
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, today announced plans to retrofit more than 10 percent of its stores with solar electric technology in 2008. Aligned with the co-op’s environmental priorities, REI’s commitment represents one of the largest solar investments for a specialty retailer in the country.
Photovoltaic solar panels can self-generate up to 35 percent of a store’s energy needs. REI’s solar investment will generate an estimated 1.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity, enough to power 117 homes for one year and save approximately 880 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
The co-op has selected 11 stores to be retrofitted with solar electric systems in 2008. The seven locations in California include Arcadia, Folsom, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Additional stores include three in Oregon – Clackamas, Hillsboro and Tualatin – and the co-op’s second prototype store in Round Rock, Texas, which was piloted in Boulder, Colo. and aims to test retail design and green building concepts. These locations will serve as a foundation for REI to determine how it approaches solar installations in the future.
“We are continuously looking for ways to make the design, construction and operation of our buildings more sustainable,” said Brian Unmacht, REI’s executive vice president of Sales, Service, Store Development and Logistics. “This investment in solar technology will deliver both financial and environmental benefits, helping to contribute to the long-term strength of the co-op and support our goal to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Consulting with Blue Oak Energy, a solar electric engineering firm, the store locations were selected based on a variety of criteria, including available state incentives and utility rebates, current cost of electricity, and size and current condition of the store’s roof. The solar panels for the REI stores in California will be installed by Offset Electric, while the Oregon locations will be retrofitted by Christenson Electric, Inc., a large privately held electrical contractor based in Portland, Ore.
“REI understands that enjoying and protecting the natural environment go hand-in-hand,” said Tobin Booth, president of Blue Oak Energy. “We are honored to be part of this historic project to power REI retail stores with clean, renewable solar energy.”
“It is naturally fitting that REI, whose main focus is promoting the great outdoors, would make use of renewable resources to reduce their impact on the environment and energize their stores,” said Mark Walter, president of Christenson Electric, Inc. “Christenson is proud to be involved with REI’s solar projects, along with our photovoltaic designer, EI Solutions.”
REI is dedicated to green building design to lower its impacts on the environment, reduce operating costs and enhance the retail experience for its customers and employees. To accomplish this, the company has chosen to focus on areas such as increasing water conservation, waste recycling, energy efficiency and indoor air quality in its locations.
The co-op has committed to utilizing renewable power sources wherever possible. REI currently purchases approximately 20 percent of its electricity from green sources, including wind and biomass, and continues to collaborate with utility companies in developing additional options available in the market.
Announced in May 2006, REI’s prototype initiative was developed to test retail design and green building concepts, and help the company make decisions on how it will approach store design and construction in the future. The company will analyze the Boulder and Round Rock locations extensively prior to opening a third prototype store currently targeted for 2010.
REI first announced formal strategies to reduce the company’s carbon footprint in its 2006 stewardship report. For additional information on the co-op’s social and environmental practices, including its inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, visit the 2007 stewardship report available online at www.rei.com/stewardship.
Photovoltaic solar panels can self-generate up to 35 percent of a store’s energy needs. REI’s solar investment will generate an estimated 1.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity, enough to power 117 homes for one year and save approximately 880 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
The co-op has selected 11 stores to be retrofitted with solar electric systems in 2008. The seven locations in California include Arcadia, Folsom, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Additional stores include three in Oregon – Clackamas, Hillsboro and Tualatin – and the co-op’s second prototype store in Round Rock, Texas, which was piloted in Boulder, Colo. and aims to test retail design and green building concepts. These locations will serve as a foundation for REI to determine how it approaches solar installations in the future.
“We are continuously looking for ways to make the design, construction and operation of our buildings more sustainable,” said Brian Unmacht, REI’s executive vice president of Sales, Service, Store Development and Logistics. “This investment in solar technology will deliver both financial and environmental benefits, helping to contribute to the long-term strength of the co-op and support our goal to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Consulting with Blue Oak Energy, a solar electric engineering firm, the store locations were selected based on a variety of criteria, including available state incentives and utility rebates, current cost of electricity, and size and current condition of the store’s roof. The solar panels for the REI stores in California will be installed by Offset Electric, while the Oregon locations will be retrofitted by Christenson Electric, Inc., a large privately held electrical contractor based in Portland, Ore.
“REI understands that enjoying and protecting the natural environment go hand-in-hand,” said Tobin Booth, president of Blue Oak Energy. “We are honored to be part of this historic project to power REI retail stores with clean, renewable solar energy.”
“It is naturally fitting that REI, whose main focus is promoting the great outdoors, would make use of renewable resources to reduce their impact on the environment and energize their stores,” said Mark Walter, president of Christenson Electric, Inc. “Christenson is proud to be involved with REI’s solar projects, along with our photovoltaic designer, EI Solutions.”
REI is dedicated to green building design to lower its impacts on the environment, reduce operating costs and enhance the retail experience for its customers and employees. To accomplish this, the company has chosen to focus on areas such as increasing water conservation, waste recycling, energy efficiency and indoor air quality in its locations.
The co-op has committed to utilizing renewable power sources wherever possible. REI currently purchases approximately 20 percent of its electricity from green sources, including wind and biomass, and continues to collaborate with utility companies in developing additional options available in the market.
Announced in May 2006, REI’s prototype initiative was developed to test retail design and green building concepts, and help the company make decisions on how it will approach store design and construction in the future. The company will analyze the Boulder and Round Rock locations extensively prior to opening a third prototype store currently targeted for 2010.
REI first announced formal strategies to reduce the company’s carbon footprint in its 2006 stewardship report. For additional information on the co-op’s social and environmental practices, including its inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, visit the 2007 stewardship report available online at www.rei.com/stewardship.
Xcel Taps GridPoint For Boulder Project
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GridPoint Inc., a leading clean tech company whose smart grid platform benefits electric utilities, consumers and the environment, announced Xcel Energy selected the GridPoint SmartGrid Platform™ for its SmartGridCity™ in Boulder, Colo. The platform applies information technology to the electric grid to provide utilities with an intelligent network of distributed energy resources that controls load, stores energy and produces power.
Xcel Energy’s advanced, smart grid system – estimated to be a $100 million effort when fully implemented over the next few years – will provide customers with a portfolio of smart grid technologies designed to provide environmental, financial and operational benefits. Xcel Energy’s Smart Grid Consortium, bringing together leading technologists, engineering firms, business leaders and IT experts, will provide guidance, products and services needed to bring Xcel Energy's smart grid vision to life. Consortium members include Accenture, Current Group, GridPoint, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Ventyx.
“GridPoint provides an intelligent platform to aggregate and control a variety of energy resources in the home or business,” said Michael Carlson, CIO of Xcel Energy. “We’ll be able to test and confirm capabilities to meet the individual needs of our customers while also deploying new capabilities for balancing supply and demand in a clean and efficient manner.”
The platform’s modular, scaleable and upgradeable architecture enables Xcel Energy to deploy proven technologies (e.g. load control devices and advanced batteries) while creating a practical path for integrating new technologies (e.g. plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cells). Xcel Energy will be evaluating a variety of technology and system capabilities from GridPoint in conjunction with its SmartGridCity™ in Boulder, including, but not limited to:
* Advanced Demand Management – Measuring, controlling and verifying select loads (e.g. electric water heaters, pool pumps, home appliances) as well as adjusting thermostats within a few degrees
* Supply Management – Providing capacity and energy by discharging power to the electric grid from advanced batteries (including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) or distributed solar systems during peak periods as well as recharging batteries from solar systems or the electric grid during off peak times
* Solar PV Integration – “Plug-n-play” integration and operation of residential and light commercial solar energy systems, paving the way for the commercial success of renewable energy
* Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) Smart Charging – Charging PHEVs during off-peak periods, regardless of when consumers plug in PHEVs, which enables Xcel Energy to offer consumers significantly reduced rates for off-peak charging
* Single Interface for Control – GridPoint Control Console, a single Web-based interface located in the utility control room, provides Xcel Energy with the ability to easily control distributed energy resources, thereby providing the equivalent performance of central station generation. The console also provides an interface to Xcel Energy’s enterprise systems including CIS, rates, billing, OMS, etc.
* Online Energy Management – GridPoint Customer Portal, a password protected Web portal, enables Xcel Energy’s customers to reduce energy consumption according to their individual preferences. The portal also provides easy to understand environmental data based on an individual customer’s conservation efforts
* Instant Backup Power – Providing customers with instant backup power through advanced batteries
* Performance Monitoring and Customer Support – GridPoint Operations Center, the intelligent hub of the platform, provides remote performance monitoring of distributed energy resources and alerts GridPoint customer services representatives to preemptively address maintenance needs
“Xcel Energy’s vision for the Smart Grid and commitment to implementation demonstrate its leadership in the electric utility industry,” said Peter L. Corsell, President and CEO, GridPoint. “We are very excited to be working with such an innovative utility.”
To learn more about Xcel Energy’s SmartGridCity™, please see www.xcelenergy.com/smartgrid, which provides educational materials and graphics illustrating Xcel Energy’s Smart Grid vision.
GridPoint’s recent recognition includes being selected as a 2008 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, the overall winner by AlwaysOn GoingGreen 100 Top Private Companies 2007, one of the Red Herring 100 Global, and winner of the 2007 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Green Excellence for its success in pioneering a way to harness load management and distributed generation to achieve environmental sustainability. GridPoint is featured in the new book Earth: The Sequel, a business-centric approach to alleviating climate change by Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund, as well as in the Smart Grid chapter of The Clean Tech Revolution by Ron Pernick and Clint Wilder.
Xcel Energy’s advanced, smart grid system – estimated to be a $100 million effort when fully implemented over the next few years – will provide customers with a portfolio of smart grid technologies designed to provide environmental, financial and operational benefits. Xcel Energy’s Smart Grid Consortium, bringing together leading technologists, engineering firms, business leaders and IT experts, will provide guidance, products and services needed to bring Xcel Energy's smart grid vision to life. Consortium members include Accenture, Current Group, GridPoint, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Ventyx.
“GridPoint provides an intelligent platform to aggregate and control a variety of energy resources in the home or business,” said Michael Carlson, CIO of Xcel Energy. “We’ll be able to test and confirm capabilities to meet the individual needs of our customers while also deploying new capabilities for balancing supply and demand in a clean and efficient manner.”
The platform’s modular, scaleable and upgradeable architecture enables Xcel Energy to deploy proven technologies (e.g. load control devices and advanced batteries) while creating a practical path for integrating new technologies (e.g. plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cells). Xcel Energy will be evaluating a variety of technology and system capabilities from GridPoint in conjunction with its SmartGridCity™ in Boulder, including, but not limited to:
* Advanced Demand Management – Measuring, controlling and verifying select loads (e.g. electric water heaters, pool pumps, home appliances) as well as adjusting thermostats within a few degrees
* Supply Management – Providing capacity and energy by discharging power to the electric grid from advanced batteries (including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) or distributed solar systems during peak periods as well as recharging batteries from solar systems or the electric grid during off peak times
* Solar PV Integration – “Plug-n-play” integration and operation of residential and light commercial solar energy systems, paving the way for the commercial success of renewable energy
* Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) Smart Charging – Charging PHEVs during off-peak periods, regardless of when consumers plug in PHEVs, which enables Xcel Energy to offer consumers significantly reduced rates for off-peak charging
* Single Interface for Control – GridPoint Control Console, a single Web-based interface located in the utility control room, provides Xcel Energy with the ability to easily control distributed energy resources, thereby providing the equivalent performance of central station generation. The console also provides an interface to Xcel Energy’s enterprise systems including CIS, rates, billing, OMS, etc.
* Online Energy Management – GridPoint Customer Portal, a password protected Web portal, enables Xcel Energy’s customers to reduce energy consumption according to their individual preferences. The portal also provides easy to understand environmental data based on an individual customer’s conservation efforts
* Instant Backup Power – Providing customers with instant backup power through advanced batteries
* Performance Monitoring and Customer Support – GridPoint Operations Center, the intelligent hub of the platform, provides remote performance monitoring of distributed energy resources and alerts GridPoint customer services representatives to preemptively address maintenance needs
“Xcel Energy’s vision for the Smart Grid and commitment to implementation demonstrate its leadership in the electric utility industry,” said Peter L. Corsell, President and CEO, GridPoint. “We are very excited to be working with such an innovative utility.”
To learn more about Xcel Energy’s SmartGridCity™, please see www.xcelenergy.com/smartgrid, which provides educational materials and graphics illustrating Xcel Energy’s Smart Grid vision.
GridPoint’s recent recognition includes being selected as a 2008 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, the overall winner by AlwaysOn GoingGreen 100 Top Private Companies 2007, one of the Red Herring 100 Global, and winner of the 2007 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Green Excellence for its success in pioneering a way to harness load management and distributed generation to achieve environmental sustainability. GridPoint is featured in the new book Earth: The Sequel, a business-centric approach to alleviating climate change by Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund, as well as in the Smart Grid chapter of The Clean Tech Revolution by Ron Pernick and Clint Wilder.
iPower Heats Up the 'Real World'
NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Integrated Power Corporation (iPower) designed and supplied solar energy to the house used in this season’s hit reality show, Real World: Hollywood (Wed. nights, MTV) to demonstrate to today’s pop culture how easy it is to live with eco-friendly lifestyle choices.
“iPower applauds Real World: Hollywood for its interest in impacting its millions of viewers with alternative energy, eco-friendly appliances and furnishings – even a computer powered by a bicycle – to show how easy it can be to be green,” said iPower President Eric Pollock. “We’re pleased to be a partner in the inspirational, energy-efficient home design used for their 20th season.”
iPower supplied and installed a custom designed solar energy system with traditional PV modules and unique inlay of solar PV glass on the outside awning. The system was designed to work off the grid so the outside lighting on the set could be self sustaining, powered completely by the sun. iPower also supplied a custom designed monitoring display solution to allow for real time tracking and demonstration of the energy production.
“iPower’s knowledgeable team and innovative ideas and products provided great solar solutions to the Real World: Hollywood eco-friendly home,” says Charles Aubrey, production designer. The home also boasts of energy efficient lighting, energy star appliances, and eco-friendly furniture, counters, carpet and flooring.
“iPower applauds Real World: Hollywood for its interest in impacting its millions of viewers with alternative energy, eco-friendly appliances and furnishings – even a computer powered by a bicycle – to show how easy it can be to be green,” said iPower President Eric Pollock. “We’re pleased to be a partner in the inspirational, energy-efficient home design used for their 20th season.”
iPower supplied and installed a custom designed solar energy system with traditional PV modules and unique inlay of solar PV glass on the outside awning. The system was designed to work off the grid so the outside lighting on the set could be self sustaining, powered completely by the sun. iPower also supplied a custom designed monitoring display solution to allow for real time tracking and demonstration of the energy production.
“iPower’s knowledgeable team and innovative ideas and products provided great solar solutions to the Real World: Hollywood eco-friendly home,” says Charles Aubrey, production designer. The home also boasts of energy efficient lighting, energy star appliances, and eco-friendly furniture, counters, carpet and flooring.
ICP Solar Technologies Expands Into Scandinavia
MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ICP Solar Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: ICPR, FRANKFURT: K1U.F), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of solar panels and products, today announced that is has appointed EnergyGross as its distribution partner in Finland and Sweden.
EnergyGross is a distributor of specialized energy saving, green, eco solutions. Their product portfolio includes wind turbines, hydro power solutions, solar heaters, heat exchanges, energy efficient LED lamps and rechargeable batteries by SANYO.
“The Nordic countries are world leaders in the use of both renewable energy and alternative fuels,” stated Pascal Petit, ICP Solar’s VP of Sales- Europe and Asia Pacific. “This is a market where people are very aware of their environment and have quickly embraced the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy so the demand for our products is high. We are thrilled to be working with EnergyGross in order to be able to provide Nordic consumers with the entire Sunsei® range of solar products.”
“The Nordic people have always embraced the outdoor life. Sailing and camping are a integral part of our culture,” stated Harri af Hällström, MD of EnergyGross. “Sunsei® solar products are the most innovative and reliable products of their kind. Their portability, reliability and designs will be quickly embraced and become a part of everyone’s camping or sailing adventures. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with ICP Solar as we continue to build awareness of alternative energy technologies and the Sunsei® brand.”
EnergyGross is a distributor of specialized energy saving, green, eco solutions. Their product portfolio includes wind turbines, hydro power solutions, solar heaters, heat exchanges, energy efficient LED lamps and rechargeable batteries by SANYO.
“The Nordic countries are world leaders in the use of both renewable energy and alternative fuels,” stated Pascal Petit, ICP Solar’s VP of Sales- Europe and Asia Pacific. “This is a market where people are very aware of their environment and have quickly embraced the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy so the demand for our products is high. We are thrilled to be working with EnergyGross in order to be able to provide Nordic consumers with the entire Sunsei® range of solar products.”
“The Nordic people have always embraced the outdoor life. Sailing and camping are a integral part of our culture,” stated Harri af Hällström, MD of EnergyGross. “Sunsei® solar products are the most innovative and reliable products of their kind. Their portability, reliability and designs will be quickly embraced and become a part of everyone’s camping or sailing adventures. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with ICP Solar as we continue to build awareness of alternative energy technologies and the Sunsei® brand.”
Trina Solar Signs Long-Term Polysilicon Supply Deal With Jupiter Corp.
CHANGZHOU, China, May 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL; '"Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, founded in 1997, today announced that the Company has signed a long-term polysilicon supply agreement with Jupiter Corporation Ltd., an affiliate of DTK Industries (Qingdao) Co., Ltd. (collectively, "Qingdao DTK").
Under this agreement, Qingdao DTK will supply Trina Solar with virgin polysilicon sufficient to produce approximately 650 MW of solar modules in aggregate over six years. Delivery of polysilicon at predetermined prices is expected to start in the third quarter of 2009.
"This agreement marks another milestone in Trina Solar's silicon procurement strategy. Through this new agreement with one of the leading emerging polysilicon producers, Trina has taken steps to further secure its long-term procurement needs while reducing the long-term cost of solar energy," said Jifan Gao, Trina Solar's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "This agreement will provide a significant portion of our production needs at favorable terms. Qingdao DTK's forward thinking management and advantageous positioning will ensure the success of this agreement."
"We are looking forward to our cooperation with Trina Solar that will help build a cleaner environment for future generations," said Indi Sohal, CEO of Qingdao DTK. "We share Trina's vision to expand the solar industry and make it the premier renewable energy choice. Qingdao DTK is excited to support and be a part of Trina Solar's vision to help build the Solar Industry."
This long-term polysilicon supply agreement will enhance the Company's raw material supplies to strengthen its position as a leading global PV module manufacturer. The addition of Qingdao DTK as a polysilicon supplier shall further diversify Trina Solar's overall polysilicon sourcing as well as increase its flexibility to respond to changing market conditions.
Under this agreement, Qingdao DTK will supply Trina Solar with virgin polysilicon sufficient to produce approximately 650 MW of solar modules in aggregate over six years. Delivery of polysilicon at predetermined prices is expected to start in the third quarter of 2009.
"This agreement marks another milestone in Trina Solar's silicon procurement strategy. Through this new agreement with one of the leading emerging polysilicon producers, Trina has taken steps to further secure its long-term procurement needs while reducing the long-term cost of solar energy," said Jifan Gao, Trina Solar's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "This agreement will provide a significant portion of our production needs at favorable terms. Qingdao DTK's forward thinking management and advantageous positioning will ensure the success of this agreement."
"We are looking forward to our cooperation with Trina Solar that will help build a cleaner environment for future generations," said Indi Sohal, CEO of Qingdao DTK. "We share Trina's vision to expand the solar industry and make it the premier renewable energy choice. Qingdao DTK is excited to support and be a part of Trina Solar's vision to help build the Solar Industry."
This long-term polysilicon supply agreement will enhance the Company's raw material supplies to strengthen its position as a leading global PV module manufacturer. The addition of Qingdao DTK as a polysilicon supplier shall further diversify Trina Solar's overall polysilicon sourcing as well as increase its flexibility to respond to changing market conditions.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Nature's Dimmer Switch Could Be Key To Future Solar Panels
A new molecular mechanism identified in plants could aid the government in creating and using solar energy to lower costs and improve energy resources in remote locations.
Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a molecular dimmer switch that helps control the flow of solar energy moving through the plant, which protects the plant from absorbing too much sunlight and sustaining oxidation damage – sort of a plant version of sunburn.
The discovery holds important implications for the design of artificial photosynthesis systems. Systems using today’s artificial solar energy technology can suffer overload damage if they absorb too much solar energy.
Through photosynthesis, green plants harvest energy from sunlight and convert it to chemical energy at a transfer efficiency rate of approximately 97 percent. The highest rate for solar energy conversion to electrical energy using a man-made device today is less than 30 percent. Further study of photosynthesis could lead to higher energy conversion rates.
The dimmer switch is pigment-binding protein CP29, which operates as a valve that permits or blocks the release of excess solar energy during photosynthesis. CP29 is one of the so-called minor light-harvesting proteins in green plants. In addition, researchers have proposed that the valve can be controlled by raising or lowering ambient pH levels.
“This is really the first detailed picture ever obtained of the molecular mechanism behind the regulation of light-harvesting energy,” said Graham Fleming, a physical chemist at the laboratory and the University of California at Berkeley who is one of the leaders of the study...Read the rest
Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a molecular dimmer switch that helps control the flow of solar energy moving through the plant, which protects the plant from absorbing too much sunlight and sustaining oxidation damage – sort of a plant version of sunburn.
The discovery holds important implications for the design of artificial photosynthesis systems. Systems using today’s artificial solar energy technology can suffer overload damage if they absorb too much solar energy.
Through photosynthesis, green plants harvest energy from sunlight and convert it to chemical energy at a transfer efficiency rate of approximately 97 percent. The highest rate for solar energy conversion to electrical energy using a man-made device today is less than 30 percent. Further study of photosynthesis could lead to higher energy conversion rates.
The dimmer switch is pigment-binding protein CP29, which operates as a valve that permits or blocks the release of excess solar energy during photosynthesis. CP29 is one of the so-called minor light-harvesting proteins in green plants. In addition, researchers have proposed that the valve can be controlled by raising or lowering ambient pH levels.
“This is really the first detailed picture ever obtained of the molecular mechanism behind the regulation of light-harvesting energy,” said Graham Fleming, a physical chemist at the laboratory and the University of California at Berkeley who is one of the leaders of the study...Read the rest
BrightSource Energy Raises $115 Million in New Funding
OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BrightSource Energy, Inc., developer of utility-scale solar energy projects, has secured $115 million in additional corporate funding from its Series C round of financing, bringing the total the company has raised to date to over $160 million. These additional funds will enable the company to accelerate its plans to deliver utility-grade solar power at a time when many utilities are searching for reliable sources of renewable energy.
VantagePoint Venture Partners, the company’s initial investor, played a major role in forming the syndicate, which includes Google.org, BP Alternative Energy, StatoilHydro Venture and Black River. All of the company’s existing investors, including Morgan Stanley, DBL Investors (formerly a subsidiary of JP Morgan), Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Chevron Technology Ventures participated in the round.
“The quality of the investors in this round of financing, coupled with increased support from our earlier investors, underscores the confidence that major strategic players have in our ability to reliably generate clean, cost-effective, utility-scale solar power,” said John Woolard, Chief Executive Officer of BrightSource. “We believe in the transformational role of solar energy, and that the broad reach of our new investors will enable us to accelerate the growth of solar thermal into a mainstream energy source.”
“With its unique ability to reliably produce superheated steam at efficient high temperatures, our power tower technology is the strongest commercially viable approach to solar energy,” said Arnold Goldman, Chairman and Founder, BrightSource Energy, Inc. and Luz II Ltd. “Operating more efficiently than older solar thermal methods, and costing much less to build, our technology will change the way utilities generate electricity.”
In March 2008, BrightSource entered into a series of power purchase agreements with PG&E for up to 900MW of electricity. BrightSource is currently developing a number of solar power plants in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, with construction of the first plant planned to start in 2009.
“In working closely with BrightSource over the past several years, they have greatly impressed us with their commitment to efficiency and technological prowess,” said Alan Salzman, Managing Partner of VantagePoint Venture Partners. “The work that we are helping finance is both an extraordinary business opportunity and a catalyst for transformative change to the energy world as we know it. It is exciting to be part of it.”
VantagePoint Venture Partners, the company’s initial investor, played a major role in forming the syndicate, which includes Google.org, BP Alternative Energy, StatoilHydro Venture and Black River. All of the company’s existing investors, including Morgan Stanley, DBL Investors (formerly a subsidiary of JP Morgan), Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Chevron Technology Ventures participated in the round.
“The quality of the investors in this round of financing, coupled with increased support from our earlier investors, underscores the confidence that major strategic players have in our ability to reliably generate clean, cost-effective, utility-scale solar power,” said John Woolard, Chief Executive Officer of BrightSource. “We believe in the transformational role of solar energy, and that the broad reach of our new investors will enable us to accelerate the growth of solar thermal into a mainstream energy source.”
“With its unique ability to reliably produce superheated steam at efficient high temperatures, our power tower technology is the strongest commercially viable approach to solar energy,” said Arnold Goldman, Chairman and Founder, BrightSource Energy, Inc. and Luz II Ltd. “Operating more efficiently than older solar thermal methods, and costing much less to build, our technology will change the way utilities generate electricity.”
In March 2008, BrightSource entered into a series of power purchase agreements with PG&E for up to 900MW of electricity. BrightSource is currently developing a number of solar power plants in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, with construction of the first plant planned to start in 2009.
“In working closely with BrightSource over the past several years, they have greatly impressed us with their commitment to efficiency and technological prowess,” said Alan Salzman, Managing Partner of VantagePoint Venture Partners. “The work that we are helping finance is both an extraordinary business opportunity and a catalyst for transformative change to the energy world as we know it. It is exciting to be part of it.”
Non-Profit EGIA Makes Solar Affordable For Californians
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA) today announced a California statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program to assist homeowners installing energy efficient home improvements and solar energy solutions. In cooperation with hundreds of California’s premier HVAC, windows, insulation, home performance and solar contractors, EGIA’s program will deliver preferential rates and extended term unsecured financing covering virtually all energy efficient home improvement projects and solar installations.
California has been particularly hit hard by the mortgage and credit crisis. This coupled with record high energy prices has made it difficult for many homeowners to invest in necessary home energy efficiency improvements. With home values falling and lenders credit qualification criteria becoming more stringent, secured equity financing has all but disappeared for many homeowners. EGIA, leveraging its extensive contractor network and nationwide energy efficiency and solar financing program currently used by leading utility companies and state sponsored resource efficiency programs around the country, has stepped up to assist homeowners during these challenging times.
“The EGIA sponsored financing program, funded by GE Money and American General Financial Services is designed to accelerate statewide investments in energy efficiency and solar energy by offering homeowners a more streamlined, less expensive way to make home improvements during this time of rising energy prices and tightening home equity finance markets,” said Bruce Matulich, Executive Director of EGIA. “The EGIA program, requires no equity, appraisals, title escrow fees or closing costs and will finance 100% of the home energy efficiency or solar project. This program makes investing in energy efficient home improvement affordable. Homeowners may now finance a $7,500 energy efficient home improvement for as little as $89/ month,” said Matulich.
Home improvements covered under the program include energy efficient heating & air conditioning systems, window replacement, insulation, whole house home performance measures including air sealing, duct repair and more as well as solar photovoltaic, water heating and pool heating.
EGIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions through a nationwide network of contractors, distributors, manufacturers and utility companies. All contractors participating in this program have been pre-screened and designated as an “EGIA Approved Contractor.” The Approved Contractor Program was developed to identify leading companies within the home improvement industry and provide homeowners with a powerful tool when searching for a contractor. To attain the EGIA Approved Contractor status, contractors must satisfactorily pass a screening and review process including; verification of a valid contractor license, trade reference check, verification of solid business financials and be approved to offer EGIA sponsored financing.
Introduction of the California GEOSmart Financing Program coincides with the launch of EGIA’s Homeowner Center. The Homeowner Center is a comprehensive online resource for energy efficient home improvements. Consumers can find the latest home energy savings tips and identify and prioritize home improvement projects that can significantly reduce their energy bill, increase home comfort and positively impact the environment.
To take advantage of EGIA’s special GEOSmart financing program, find an EGIA Approved Contractor servicing your neighborhood and learn about what you can do to improve the overall efficiency of your home, visit the EGIA Homeowner Center at www.egia.org/GEOSmartLoan.
California has been particularly hit hard by the mortgage and credit crisis. This coupled with record high energy prices has made it difficult for many homeowners to invest in necessary home energy efficiency improvements. With home values falling and lenders credit qualification criteria becoming more stringent, secured equity financing has all but disappeared for many homeowners. EGIA, leveraging its extensive contractor network and nationwide energy efficiency and solar financing program currently used by leading utility companies and state sponsored resource efficiency programs around the country, has stepped up to assist homeowners during these challenging times.
“The EGIA sponsored financing program, funded by GE Money and American General Financial Services is designed to accelerate statewide investments in energy efficiency and solar energy by offering homeowners a more streamlined, less expensive way to make home improvements during this time of rising energy prices and tightening home equity finance markets,” said Bruce Matulich, Executive Director of EGIA. “The EGIA program, requires no equity, appraisals, title escrow fees or closing costs and will finance 100% of the home energy efficiency or solar project. This program makes investing in energy efficient home improvement affordable. Homeowners may now finance a $7,500 energy efficient home improvement for as little as $89/ month,” said Matulich.
Home improvements covered under the program include energy efficient heating & air conditioning systems, window replacement, insulation, whole house home performance measures including air sealing, duct repair and more as well as solar photovoltaic, water heating and pool heating.
EGIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions through a nationwide network of contractors, distributors, manufacturers and utility companies. All contractors participating in this program have been pre-screened and designated as an “EGIA Approved Contractor.” The Approved Contractor Program was developed to identify leading companies within the home improvement industry and provide homeowners with a powerful tool when searching for a contractor. To attain the EGIA Approved Contractor status, contractors must satisfactorily pass a screening and review process including; verification of a valid contractor license, trade reference check, verification of solid business financials and be approved to offer EGIA sponsored financing.
Introduction of the California GEOSmart Financing Program coincides with the launch of EGIA’s Homeowner Center. The Homeowner Center is a comprehensive online resource for energy efficient home improvements. Consumers can find the latest home energy savings tips and identify and prioritize home improvement projects that can significantly reduce their energy bill, increase home comfort and positively impact the environment.
To take advantage of EGIA’s special GEOSmart financing program, find an EGIA Approved Contractor servicing your neighborhood and learn about what you can do to improve the overall efficiency of your home, visit the EGIA Homeowner Center at www.egia.org/GEOSmartLoan.
Thousand Oaks Dedicates 584 kW Solar Power System
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, and MMA Renewable Ventures, owner and operator of renewable energy facilities,
today dedicated a 584-kilowatt solar electric power system at the City of Thousand Oaks' Hill Canyon Water Treatment Plant.
In addition to the solar power system, the Hill Canyon Water Treatment Plant installed a cogeneration system and numerous energy efficiency upgrades. As a result of these measures, the City of Thousand Oaks expects to save $100,000 in utility costs each year and estimates a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of more than 10,000 tons over the next 30 years, which is equivalent to planting 2,820 acres of trees or not driving 25 million miles on our roads.
"The City of Thousand Oaks City Council is committed to improving the quality of life for our community," said Thousand Oaks Mayor Jacqui Irwin. "Working with MMA Renewable Ventures and SunPower, we are able to maximize energy cost reductions and lower the overall amount of energy we use from conventional sources. With no initial out-of-pocket investment, the two companies have made solar power affordable today."
MMA Renewable Ventures will finance, own and operate the solar power system at the Hill Canyon Water Treatment Plant under the SunPower Access(TM) program, which allows SunPower customers to purchase solar-generated electricity from a SunPower financing partner as an alternative to outright purchase of the solar power systems. The City of Thousand Oaks will pay MMA Renewable Ventures for the solar electricity generated over the next 20 years. The electricity is competitively priced against retail rates, providing a long-term hedge against rising peak power prices. At the end of the term, the City will have the option to renew the
agreement, transfer the equipment to a new site, or purchase the system outright.
"The City of Thousand Oaks selected an innovative financing structure to effectively meet its financial goals and environmental objectives," said Matt Cheney, chief executive officer of MMA Renewable Ventures. "With its forward-thinking approach and commitment to clean energy, the City is demonstrating that solar power is an affordable option for public agencies concerned with reducing carbon emissions."
"The Hill Canyon Water Treatment plant is making innovative use of a previously unused asset -- an existing concrete-lined overflow basin -- to site its solar system and generate clean, renewable on-site electricity," said Kevin Ross, SunPower project development manager. "They also chose to maximize energy production by utilizing high-efficiency SunPower solar panels and the proprietary SunPower(R) Tracker solar tracking system. The Tracker follows the sun as it moves across the sky, delivering up to 25 percent more energy than fixed-tilt systems. SunPower solar panels are up to 50 percent more efficient than competing, conventional solar panels."
today dedicated a 584-kilowatt solar electric power system at the City of Thousand Oaks' Hill Canyon Water Treatment Plant.
In addition to the solar power system, the Hill Canyon Water Treatment Plant installed a cogeneration system and numerous energy efficiency upgrades. As a result of these measures, the City of Thousand Oaks expects to save $100,000 in utility costs each year and estimates a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of more than 10,000 tons over the next 30 years, which is equivalent to planting 2,820 acres of trees or not driving 25 million miles on our roads.
"The City of Thousand Oaks City Council is committed to improving the quality of life for our community," said Thousand Oaks Mayor Jacqui Irwin. "Working with MMA Renewable Ventures and SunPower, we are able to maximize energy cost reductions and lower the overall amount of energy we use from conventional sources. With no initial out-of-pocket investment, the two companies have made solar power affordable today."
MMA Renewable Ventures will finance, own and operate the solar power system at the Hill Canyon Water Treatment Plant under the SunPower Access(TM) program, which allows SunPower customers to purchase solar-generated electricity from a SunPower financing partner as an alternative to outright purchase of the solar power systems. The City of Thousand Oaks will pay MMA Renewable Ventures for the solar electricity generated over the next 20 years. The electricity is competitively priced against retail rates, providing a long-term hedge against rising peak power prices. At the end of the term, the City will have the option to renew the
agreement, transfer the equipment to a new site, or purchase the system outright.
"The City of Thousand Oaks selected an innovative financing structure to effectively meet its financial goals and environmental objectives," said Matt Cheney, chief executive officer of MMA Renewable Ventures. "With its forward-thinking approach and commitment to clean energy, the City is demonstrating that solar power is an affordable option for public agencies concerned with reducing carbon emissions."
"The Hill Canyon Water Treatment plant is making innovative use of a previously unused asset -- an existing concrete-lined overflow basin -- to site its solar system and generate clean, renewable on-site electricity," said Kevin Ross, SunPower project development manager. "They also chose to maximize energy production by utilizing high-efficiency SunPower solar panels and the proprietary SunPower(R) Tracker solar tracking system. The Tracker follows the sun as it moves across the sky, delivering up to 25 percent more energy than fixed-tilt systems. SunPower solar panels are up to 50 percent more efficient than competing, conventional solar panels."
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
SolarReserve Hires Top Energy and Technology Expert
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SolarReserve, the Los Angeles-based solar thermal power company, has announced the hiring of Tom Georgis as Vice President of Development. Georgis will be responsible for developing solar power projects in the United States and internationally. SolarReserve holds the exclusive license for the breakthrough molten salt power tower technology with energy storage developed by United Technologies Corporation subsidiary, HS Rocketdyne.
“Tom has a unique background that will be an asset to SolarReserve,” said Kevin Smith, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Development for SolarReserve. “His combination of high-level technology and power project development experience provides the added expertise SolarReserve needs at this critical point in our growth.”
Prior to joining SolarReserve, Mr. Georgis was Managing Director of International Operations at GlobalTec Solutions, a privately held technology company. Previous positions include Managing Director at Exodus Energy LLC, where he acted as lead developer on a number of innovative technology energy facilities, and Manager of Power Project Development at Enron International. Mr. Georgis also served nine years as a Naval Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) in the United States Navy.
“In the age of the $120 barrel of oil and natural gas prices above $11 per MMBtu, SolarReserve’s technology will help us meet the ever-increasing demand for power while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Georgis. “I can think of no better – or more meaningful – way to apply my knowledge and expertise.”
Mr. Georgis graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and obtained a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
“Tom has a unique background that will be an asset to SolarReserve,” said Kevin Smith, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Development for SolarReserve. “His combination of high-level technology and power project development experience provides the added expertise SolarReserve needs at this critical point in our growth.”
Prior to joining SolarReserve, Mr. Georgis was Managing Director of International Operations at GlobalTec Solutions, a privately held technology company. Previous positions include Managing Director at Exodus Energy LLC, where he acted as lead developer on a number of innovative technology energy facilities, and Manager of Power Project Development at Enron International. Mr. Georgis also served nine years as a Naval Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) in the United States Navy.
“In the age of the $120 barrel of oil and natural gas prices above $11 per MMBtu, SolarReserve’s technology will help us meet the ever-increasing demand for power while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Georgis. “I can think of no better – or more meaningful – way to apply my knowledge and expertise.”
Mr. Georgis graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and obtained a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Monday, May 12, 2008
Applied Nanotech Lands DOE Grant For Solar Research
AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - May 12, 2008) - Austin, Texas-based Nano-Proprietary, Inc. (OTCBB: NNPP) announced that its subsidiary Applied Nanotech, Inc. ("ANI") has been selected to be awarded a new phase I Small Business Innovation Research Program grant by the U.S. Department of Energy in the approximate amount of $100,000.
The purpose of the grant is to develop nanoparticle inks and processes for printing photovoltaic cells for use in solar cell applications. The goal is to lower the cost of fabrication, while maintaining or improving cell performance over conventional technologies.
"We are pleased to be selected for this award," said Dr. Zvi Yaniv, President and Chief Executive Officer of ANI. "This grant allows us to expand our field of application to green energy, while capitalizing on our achievements in the development work related to metallic nanoparticles ink."
More information is available at the Department of Energy Website at http://www.science.doe.gov/sbir/awards_abstracts/sbirsttr/cycle26/phase1/p1_award.htm.
The purpose of the grant is to develop nanoparticle inks and processes for printing photovoltaic cells for use in solar cell applications. The goal is to lower the cost of fabrication, while maintaining or improving cell performance over conventional technologies.
"We are pleased to be selected for this award," said Dr. Zvi Yaniv, President and Chief Executive Officer of ANI. "This grant allows us to expand our field of application to green energy, while capitalizing on our achievements in the development work related to metallic nanoparticles ink."
More information is available at the Department of Energy Website at http://www.science.doe.gov/sbir/awards_abstracts/sbirsttr/cycle26/phase1/p1_award.htm.
Schering-Plough Taps PPL For Largest U.S. Rooftop Solar Project
ALLENTOWN, Pa., May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PPL Renewable Energy on Monday (5/12) announced plans to design, construct and operate a 1.7-megawatt solar system for Schering-Plough Corporation in Summit, N.J. When completed, the green energy project will be the largest rooftop solar installation in the United States.
"PPL continues to increase its investment in renewable energy projects with a varied and growing portfolio of projects throughout New Jersey, the mid-Atlantic and New England," said Paul T. Champagne, president of PPL Energy Services Group. PPL Renewable Energy is a division of PPL Energy Services Group.
"Continued competition in the electric market will help fuel the growth of clean energy sources and make it possible for more projects like this to become a reality," he said.
With this project, PPL will own or control solar projects with a total installed capacity of about 10 megawatts. PPL continues to explore partnership opportunities to develop additional solar energy projects in New Jersey and throughout the 13-state power market managed by PJM
Interconnection.
The solar system will be built on eight rooftops on buildings throughout Schering-Plough's campus in Summit. PPL Renewable Energy will own and operate the system and supply power to Schering-Plough. The renewable energy credits will be purchased by PPL EnergyPlus, the company's unregulated energy marketing affiliate, as part of a coordinated effort to increase development of renewable energy projects.
Using solar power in place of conventional energy will enable Schering-Plough to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, or carbon footprint. Schering-Plough will use the solar power generated toward its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent by 2012. The
system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.3 million pounds each year, equivalent to conserving 65,900 gallons of gasoline.
Rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels can significantly reduce energy bills by generating electricity during the daytime or "peak" hours when power prices are highest and the facility consumes the most energy.
"Solar energy technology helps reduce clients' operating costs by using a reliable and renewable power source to meet their energy needs," said Steve Gabrielle, senior business development manager of PPL Renewable Energy. "Schering-Plough will be able to use the clean energy supplied by the solar panels to meet about 12 percent of its peak energy needs."
The project is expected to be operating by the end of 2008.
Since 2002, PPL has been developing, building and operating renewable energy facilities including solar and landfill gas-to-energy plants throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Over the next five years, PPL plans to invest at least $100 million in new renewable energy projects, including solar, landfill gas and biomass plants. The company also expects to invest $500 million to add 156 megawatts of hydroelectric capacity at existing facilities in Maine,
Montana and Pennsylvania.
PPL Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), develops, owns, operates and maintains renewable energy projects in the northeastern United States. PPL Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to about 4 million customers in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom.
"PPL continues to increase its investment in renewable energy projects with a varied and growing portfolio of projects throughout New Jersey, the mid-Atlantic and New England," said Paul T. Champagne, president of PPL Energy Services Group. PPL Renewable Energy is a division of PPL Energy Services Group.
"Continued competition in the electric market will help fuel the growth of clean energy sources and make it possible for more projects like this to become a reality," he said.
With this project, PPL will own or control solar projects with a total installed capacity of about 10 megawatts. PPL continues to explore partnership opportunities to develop additional solar energy projects in New Jersey and throughout the 13-state power market managed by PJM
Interconnection.
The solar system will be built on eight rooftops on buildings throughout Schering-Plough's campus in Summit. PPL Renewable Energy will own and operate the system and supply power to Schering-Plough. The renewable energy credits will be purchased by PPL EnergyPlus, the company's unregulated energy marketing affiliate, as part of a coordinated effort to increase development of renewable energy projects.
Using solar power in place of conventional energy will enable Schering-Plough to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, or carbon footprint. Schering-Plough will use the solar power generated toward its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent by 2012. The
system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.3 million pounds each year, equivalent to conserving 65,900 gallons of gasoline.
Rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels can significantly reduce energy bills by generating electricity during the daytime or "peak" hours when power prices are highest and the facility consumes the most energy.
"Solar energy technology helps reduce clients' operating costs by using a reliable and renewable power source to meet their energy needs," said Steve Gabrielle, senior business development manager of PPL Renewable Energy. "Schering-Plough will be able to use the clean energy supplied by the solar panels to meet about 12 percent of its peak energy needs."
The project is expected to be operating by the end of 2008.
Since 2002, PPL has been developing, building and operating renewable energy facilities including solar and landfill gas-to-energy plants throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Over the next five years, PPL plans to invest at least $100 million in new renewable energy projects, including solar, landfill gas and biomass plants. The company also expects to invest $500 million to add 156 megawatts of hydroelectric capacity at existing facilities in Maine,
Montana and Pennsylvania.
PPL Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), develops, owns, operates and maintains renewable energy projects in the northeastern United States. PPL Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to about 4 million customers in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom.
SunPower Sets Solar Cell Efficiency Record
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR) a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, announced today that it has produced a full-scale, five inch prototype solar cell with an efficiency of 23.4 percent. This is a world-record for a large area solar cell. SunPower has reported improvements of its cell efficiency in the laboratory and in mass production since its first all-back contact solar cell prototype in 2003."This is a step function increase from our 22 percent efficient Gen 2 technology, which has been in mass production since last year," said Tom Werner, CEO of SunPower Corp. "Credit for this achievement goes to our world- class research and development team led by Dick Swanson and Bill Mulligan, as well as to our talented engineering group."
"We are pleased to have demonstrated early success with our Gen 3 technology," said Bill Mulligan, vice president of technology and development at SunPower Corporation. "This record efficiency solar cell, which is expected to be commercially available in approximately two years,
extends SunPower's leadership position and is a key component of our plan to reduce system cost by 50 percent by the year 2012."
HelioVolt Produces Thin-Film Solar Cell With 12.2% Efficiency
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In results presented at the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, HelioVolt Corporation announces that its proprietary FASST® reactive transfer printing process has produced thin film solar cells with 12.2 percent conversion efficiencies in a record setting six minutes. The efficiencies place HelioVolt’s Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) devices among the highest performing solar thin film products on the market today. HelioVolt is currently optimizing FASST for further efficiency gains and scaling up the process to begin commercial manufacture of thin film solar modules and building integrated solar products.
“In the lab, CIGS is already achieving the highest efficiencies of any thin film solar material. The challenge of course is transferring that efficiency to a high throughput, high yield, low cost process capable of delivering gigawatts worth of quality commercial product,” said Dr. BJ Stanbery, CEO and founder of HelioVolt. “We view these high-performance results as an indicator of FASST’s potential to meet that need. We’re already producing CIGS devices that are comparable with the highest efficiency thin film products on the market today, and we still see plenty of room to improve from here.”
Thin film technologies aim to lower the cost of photovoltaic (PV) products by reducing the amount of material required to produce electricity from the sun. HelioVolt’s FASST process further reduces costs by manufacturing CIGS thin film products ten to one hundred times more rapidly than competitive processes including co-evaporation and two-stage selenization. Confirmed by independent testing at Colorado State University, the high-throughput printing process delivers a uniform photovoltaic cell with high conversion efficiency, or percentage of sun energy the device converts into electricity. HelioVolt’s 12.2 percent efficiency devices consisted of CIGS photovoltaic thin film layer applied to a glass substrate. The FASST process can also be used to print high efficiency, low-cost thin film material directly on glass substrates for solar modules or onto building products including architectural glass and roofing tiles.
Dr. Stanbery will present HelioVolt’s efficiency results today during his keynote address at the 33rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, the industry's most respected global gathering of leading scientists and engineers. Delivering a presentation entitled “Entrepreneurship on the Road from Science to Sales,” Dr. Stanbery joins David Eaglesham, vice president of technology for First Solar and Richard Swanson, president and chief technical officer of SunPower Corporation in the keynote session.
In October 2007 HelioVolt closed a $101 Million Series B funding round with investments from Masdar Clean Tech Fund, Paladin Capital Group, Sequel Venture Partners, Noventi Ventures, Solúcar Energia, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Morgan Stanley Principal Investments, Sunton United Energy, Yellowstone Capital and Passport Capital. The company is currently using those funds to scale FASST at its first 20 MW commercial production line in Austin, Texas and pursue its aggressive international expansion goals.
“In the lab, CIGS is already achieving the highest efficiencies of any thin film solar material. The challenge of course is transferring that efficiency to a high throughput, high yield, low cost process capable of delivering gigawatts worth of quality commercial product,” said Dr. BJ Stanbery, CEO and founder of HelioVolt. “We view these high-performance results as an indicator of FASST’s potential to meet that need. We’re already producing CIGS devices that are comparable with the highest efficiency thin film products on the market today, and we still see plenty of room to improve from here.”
Thin film technologies aim to lower the cost of photovoltaic (PV) products by reducing the amount of material required to produce electricity from the sun. HelioVolt’s FASST process further reduces costs by manufacturing CIGS thin film products ten to one hundred times more rapidly than competitive processes including co-evaporation and two-stage selenization. Confirmed by independent testing at Colorado State University, the high-throughput printing process delivers a uniform photovoltaic cell with high conversion efficiency, or percentage of sun energy the device converts into electricity. HelioVolt’s 12.2 percent efficiency devices consisted of CIGS photovoltaic thin film layer applied to a glass substrate. The FASST process can also be used to print high efficiency, low-cost thin film material directly on glass substrates for solar modules or onto building products including architectural glass and roofing tiles.
Dr. Stanbery will present HelioVolt’s efficiency results today during his keynote address at the 33rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, the industry's most respected global gathering of leading scientists and engineers. Delivering a presentation entitled “Entrepreneurship on the Road from Science to Sales,” Dr. Stanbery joins David Eaglesham, vice president of technology for First Solar and Richard Swanson, president and chief technical officer of SunPower Corporation in the keynote session.
In October 2007 HelioVolt closed a $101 Million Series B funding round with investments from Masdar Clean Tech Fund, Paladin Capital Group, Sequel Venture Partners, Noventi Ventures, Solúcar Energia, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Morgan Stanley Principal Investments, Sunton United Energy, Yellowstone Capital and Passport Capital. The company is currently using those funds to scale FASST at its first 20 MW commercial production line in Austin, Texas and pursue its aggressive international expansion goals.
Kohl's Becomes Largest Retail Host of Solar Power
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE:KSS) announced today that it plans to convert more than 50 of its existing New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland locations to solar power, representing nearly 80 percent of its locations in these three states. Currently Kohl’s operates 34 stores in New Jersey, 17 in Connecticut and 16 in Maryland.With the East Coast solar installation, Kohl’s is the largest retail host of solar power, and its distributed solar program is now the largest in the world among retailers. In a distributed solar program, silent, renewable energy is produced and used at the same location requiring no transmission infrastructure. Kohl’s has converted more than 25 of its 88 California locations to solar power with plans to activate approximately 50 additional sites in the state. Solar installations are also under way at three Wisconsin locations, and Kohl’s hopes to add other states to its growing solar offering before year-end.
Initial construction for the East Coast solar conversions began in January. On average, solar panels provide 30 percent of a store’s annual energy, or enough to power 54 homes annually. The total East Coast program is expected to offset 370 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the 20-year program and is equivalent to removing more than 36,200 cars from the road for one year.
“Our solar program is one of many ways Kohl’s is working to become a leading environmentally responsible retailer,” said Ken Bonning, executive vice president of logistics for Kohl’s. “We launched our California solar initiative one year ago and are excited to add East Coast locations to the program, making Kohl’s distributed solar power program the largest in the world among retailers.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), solar power is one of many green sources of power, which also include wind, geothermal and biogas. These power sources are partially or entirely generated from clean resources and are considered cleaner than conventional sources of electricity in part because of lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Kohl’s strives to be a leading green retailer by maximizing energy efficiency, minimizing waste, improving new building design, reducing climate damaging emissions, and encouraging environmental values. Recently Kohl’s opened a new state-of-the-art photo studio in Milwaukee that was constructed using the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria. In its May issue, Working Mother Magazine recognized Kohl’s as one of the Best Green Companies for America’s Children. In April 2007, Kohl’s made the largest commitment to solar energy in U.S. history. Following that, the EPA recognized Kohl’s with a Green Power Leadership Award for being the No. 2 retail purchaser of renewable energy.
T-Solar To Use SunFab Line From Applied Materials
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applied Materials, Inc. today announced another first for the solar industry with its SunFab Performance Service™ program. This unique service solution guarantees the performance cost and output of the Applied SunFab™ Thin Film Line for producing solar modules, enabling continuous cost reduction based on megawatt output. As the most comprehensive integrated support solution in the solar industry, the SunFab Performance Service allows customers to quickly ramp to volume production and optimize the efficiency and productivity of their SunFab™ Line.Applied has signed a multiyear agreement to provide the SunFab Performance Service to T-Solar Global S.A. of Spain for the Applied SunFab Thin Film Line. Using 5.7m2 glass panels, the SunFab Line can reduce the cost of utility-scale photovoltaic installations by more than 20%. “Based on Applied’s proven track record of providing service and technology to the chip industry, we are very confident that we have made the best choice for this key project,” said Juan Laso, general manager of T-Solar.
As part of this service agreement, Applied will manage and optimize T-Solar’s SunFab Line performance with a wide variety of engineering, logistics, technology and automation software solutions. In addition to all preventive and corrective maintenance and complete parts management, Applied will provide continuous improvement programs and total factory optimization to enable low operating cost and on-going productivity gains.
“By entrusting the equipment, maintenance and performance of our solar production line to Applied, we are guaranteed specific results that minimize our risk, shorten our time to production, and meet our profit goals,” stated Cesar Alberte, fab director of T-Solar. “We view this as the most economic solution to running our solar fab that over time will allow us to drop the cost per watt of solar energy.”
“Guaranteeing performance through cost of operation and associated megawatt output represents a major shift from the traditional service model,” said Manfred Kerschbaum, senior vice president and general manager of Applied Global Services. “We are pleased to pioneer the way in providing customers like T-Solar with a comprehensive service program that represents a step function improvement in value and the most complete and dependable choice for maintaining and optimizing their investment.”
In 2007, T-Solar became the first company in Europe to order an Applied SunFab Thin Film production line. The line is expected to have a nominal rated capacity of 40 megawatts per year when fully operational, enabling T-Solar to capitalize on the rapidly expanding market in Spain for photovoltaic installations.
T-Solar Global S.A. is an industrial group based in Spain focused on photovoltaic technologies. In addition to investing in next-generation manufacturing, T-Solar installs and operates its own PV power generation plants. At T-Solar, we are passionate about what we do, as we sow the seeds of a better world; it is our genuine belief that PV technology will in the long run significantly contribute to a more sustainable approach to power generation.
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