Solar Power Installers, Home Solar System, Energy Installers: April 2015

Thursday, April 30, 2015

French PV project developer Solairedirect postpones its IPO

On April 29^h, 2015 the international solar photovoltaic (PV) project developer Solairedirect SA (Paris, France) announced that despite broad-based and quality demand and interest from investors, the Company has not been able to allocate the deal in full and has accordingly decided to postpone its IPO.

Solairedirect launched and set the indicative price range for its Initial Public Offering on the regulated market of Euronext Paris on April 15^th, 2015.

The planned capital raising is supported by compelling PV market fundamentals, with solar energy becoming a competitive energy source in Solairedirect’s target markets, the company emphasizes.

2015-04-30 | Courtesy: Solairedirect | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Renusol solar PV module clamp nominated for the Intersolar Award

The new RS1 universal clamp developed by mounting systems manufacturer Renusol GmbH (Cologne, Germany) has been nominated for this year’s Intersolar Award in the category “Photovoltaics”.

The product is the world’s first clamp for mounting photovoltaic modules that can be used as either a mid or end clamp, the company reports. Since only one clamp is needed instead of two, planning, ordering materials and mounting are all made noticeably easier, Renusol emphasizes.

The innovation award pays tribute to outstanding solutions produced by the solar industry and is being presented at the Intersolar exhibition for the eighth time on June 10^th, 2015 in Munich, Germany.

“We are very proud that our RS1 clamp has been selected as one of the finalists for the Intersolar Award 2015. We have put a lot of energy into the development of this new clamp and used an innovative manufacturing process that is usually employed in the automotive industry; it’s the first truly universal clamp on the market that really does fit everywhere,” explains Stefan Liedtke, Managing Director of Renusol.

“The product has enabled us to make the work of installers markedly easier. Now the user always has the correct number of clamps on site, thus planning and installation becomes much more convenient.“ Using the RS1 pre-assembly work is no longer required, he notes.

2015-04-30 | Courtesy: Renusol GmbH | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron renounce merger

Applied Materials Inc. (Santa Clara, California, U.S.) and Tokyo Electron Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) on April 26^th, 2015 announced that they have agreed to terminate their Business Combination Agreement (BCA). No termination fees will be payable by either party, reads the press release.

The decision came after the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) advised the parties that the coordinated remedy proposal submitted to all regulators would not be sufficient to replace the competition lost from the merger.

Based on the DoJ's position, Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron have determined that there is no realistic prospect for the completion of the merger.

“We viewed the merger as an opportunity to accelerate our strategy and worked hard to make it happen,” said Gary Dickerson, president and chief executive officer of Applied Materials.

“While we are disappointed that we are not able to pursue this path, our existing growth strategy is compelling. We have been relentlessly driving this strategy forward and we have made significant progress towards our goals. We are delivering results and gaining share in the semiconductor and display equipment markets, while making meaningful advances in areas that represent the biggest and best growth opportunities for us.”

Dickerson emphasizes that Applied Materials has tremendous opportunities to leverage its differentiated capabilities and technology in precision materials engineering and drive a significant increase in the value the company creates for customers and investors.

2015-04-30 | Courtesy: Applied Materials | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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IHS: Unprecedented PV boom in the UK; more than 1.6 GW installed in Q1, 2015

According to a new report from IHS Inc. (Englewood, Colorado, U.S.), at least 110 solar photovoltaic (PV) projects with a combined capacity of 1.6 gigawatts (GW) were completed in the United Kingdom in the first quarter (Q1) of 2015, prior to the end of the Renewable Obligations (RO) scheme for projects larger than 5 megawatts (MW).

This latest PV push brings the total number of large U.K. solar farms to 311, with a combined capacity of 3.8 GW, which is more than half (51 percent) of the U.K.’s total installed PV capacity of 7.5 GW.

“As in markets like Germany, France and Italy, PV developers and installers in the United Kingdom try to demonstrate how fast they can build large PV plants, once the paperwork has cleared,” said Josefin Berg, senior analyst for solar power at IHS.

“In fact, some of these projects received their permits as late as early February of this year.”

Three largest PV investors control one third of the total capacity

According to the IHS UK Deal Tracker report, one third of the total capacity is controlled by the three largest PV investors in the U.K. – Lightsource, TerraForm Power and Bluefield LLP – and half of the total capacity is owned by the 10 largest developers.

“Financial investors dominate the ownership landscape in the U.K., and we will see many of these newly built plants being acquired over the coming months,” Berg said.

500 PV projects in the U.K. pipeline will either have to be reduced below 5 megawatts, submitted to tenders or scrapped entirely

The UK Deal Tracker contains data on locations; developers; engineering, procurement and construction contractors (EPCCs); and owners for 2,403 PV projects in the United Kingdom. Of these, 831 projects are at various stages of development.

“There are 500 projects in the U.K. pipeline that are larger than 5 megawatts, and which now will either have to be reduced below 5 megawatts, submitted to the highly oversubscribed Contracts for Difference tenders or scrapped entirely,” Berg said.

“After this rush in the U.K., less capacity will be installed per quarter, but the market has not cooled off,” Berg continued.

“How policy makers will react to this market pace remains to be seen, as we will not know much before the coming elections.”

2015-04-30 | Courtesy: IHS | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Solar PV backed off-grid innovator Powerhive to capitalize on Kenya experience based on more than two years of field-testing

Powerhive, Inc. (Berkeley, California, U.S.) on April 29^th, 2015 announced that its portfolio of off-grid metering and control solutions has successfully completed over two years of field testing in Kenya, paving the way for its commercialization and scale-up.

With financial and technical backing from First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona, U.S.) Powerhive pioneered the delivery of locally generated solar power in Kenya’s Kisii province, where over 90 percent of the population does not have access to electricity.

With plans to expand its coverage to over 200,000 households in Kenya, Powerhive leveraged the pilot projects to test and refine its range of innovative solutions, designed to enable micro-grid deployments in rural regions.

Through the pilot program, First Solar’s advanced PV module technology was deployed with Powerhive’s innovative metering and control platform, and its customers are currently able to pre-purchase electricity for commercial and residential use through mobile banking services.

Solar power for tens of millions of people in rural villages

“Powerhive’s technology and data-driven approach to micro-grid development and operations will enable the formation of a new asset class. It will enable us to cost-effectively reach tens of millions of people in rural villages unserved by grids while offering strong risk-weighted returns to investors,” said Powerhive CEO Christopher Hornor.

“We have uniquely combined the most cost efficient methods for billing, operations, customer service, and development at scale while respecting the local customs within the areas where we operate.”

First Solar made an investment of undisclosed value in 2013

First Solar’s backing of Powerhive is a major validation of the Berkley-based company’s technology, allowing it to prove its rural electrification solutions at commercial scale.

As part of its effort to enable Powerhive’s commercial strategy, First Solar made an investment of undisclosed value in 2013 and continues to contribute its expertise in scaling deployment, technology, and commercial development. Marc van Gerven, First Solar’s Vice President for Global Marketing, also serves on Powerhive’s Board of Directors.

Four pilot deployments have been operational for over two years

Powerhive has developed a series of innovations designed to enable micro-grid deployments in rural regions. Its portfolio includes the Honeycomb cloud-based remote monitoring and control platform, the Asali smart meter and the Site Wizard for Analysis, Reconnaissance, and Mapping (SWARM) project development tool.

Four pilot deployments have been operational for over two years, constituting a total generation capacity of 80 kW and serving four rural villages, benefitting over 1,500 people, ranging from residential users to small businesses deploying a range of services that were previously unavailable such as maize milling, welding, incubating chickens, and hair salons.

2015-04-30 | Courtesy: Powerhive | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Sungevity, Sonnenbatterie announce partnership to offer home energy storage in the U.S. and Europe

Sungevity Inc. (Oakland, California, U.S.) the largest private solar company in the U.S. on April 29^th, 2015 announced a new partnership with Sonnenbatterie GmbH (Wildpoldsried, Germany), Europe's leading smart energy storage provider.

Through the partnership, Sungevity will offer Sonnenbatterie smart energy storage systems to its network of customers in the U.S. and Europe, starting in the second half of 2015, the partners announce.

Sonnenbatterie's highly sophisticated storage systems incorporate Sony's “Fortelion” lithium ion cells with an industry-leading 10,000 charge cycles.

Sonnenbatterie chose to partner with Sungevity due to the solar provider's unparalleled customer experience and proprietary remote solar design technology, reads the press release.

“More than just solar”

Customers who participate in the program will consume more of their own solar power, enjoy reduced costs and have access to backup power during outages.

“Customers look to Sungevity for more than just solar; they look to us for the best energy experience that points towards the future,” said Peter Graf, Chief Product Officer, Sungevity.

“As the global leader in home energy systems, Sonnenbatterie delivers a compelling extension of our solar energy system for new and existing customers alike.”

By installing the storage system, customers will be able to bank any excess energy generated by their solar panels and store it for future use, such as at night, during peak pricing hours or when there is a power outage.

Sonnenbatterie's residential solutions are known for their reliability, beautiful design, and ease of use. Sonnenbatterie also provides commercial solutions for small businesses, hotels and other uses.

“We chose to work with Sungevity on this project because, like Sonnenbatterie, they have earned a reputation for delivering an unparalleled customer experience based on the highest quality solutions that feature the latest in solar and energy technology,” comments Boris von Bormann, CEO of Sonnenbatterie USA.

2015-04-30 | Courtesy: Sungevity, Inc. | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Kilowatt Financial announces USD 200 million debt facility with Citi to finance solar PV loans

Clean energy consumer finance company Kilowatt Financial LLC (Minneapolis, MA, US), on April 29^th, 2015 announced that it recently closed a USD 200 million debt warehouse facility with Citigroup Inc. (Citi, New York, U.S.) to finance residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for homeowners.

The transaction expands Kilowatt and Citi’s partnership to help meet the growing demand from consumers to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes, reads the press release.

Kilowatt and Citi expect to provide long-term, low-cost capital to finance residential solar PV

Through Kilowatt’s lending program, consumers can own their own residential solar system with no money down and with loan terms of up to 20 years at competitive interest rates, the partners emphasize.

Utilizing Kilowatt’s solar loans enables consumers to lower their monthly energy payments and offers them an attractive alternative to power purchase agreements or leases. Ultimately, Kilowatt and Citi expect to create asset-backed securities from the loans and to develop a market for institutional investors to provide long-term, low-cost capital to finance residential solar power.

Kilowatt offers solar financing across the United States, making solar ownership easier and more accessible for consumers in all of its markets, including those in which solar financing has not been widely available. By offering solar installers and homeowners the option of financing residential solar projects through loans, Kilowatt and Citi are making clean, renewable solar energy systems more affordable to more consumers in more markets.

“Kilowatt Financial’s industry leading solar loans help homeowners make the switch to solar and achieve a significantly greater return on their investment in renewable energy relative to the financing products historically available to them,” said Matt Melius, CEO of Kilowatt Financial.

“We appreciate Citi’s ongoing commitment to helping us make investments in solar energy a reality for more of the consumers and communities that we both serve.”

Last year Kilowatt and Citi announced a USD 100 million debt warehouse facility to finance energy efficiency consumer loans to fund a broad range of upgrades, including HVAC equipment, water heaters, windows, roofing and insulation.

Citi intends to provide USD 100 billion within the next 10 years to finance activities that reduce the impacts of climate change and create environmental solutions

In February, Citi announced a goal to lend, invest and facilitate a total of USD 100 billion within the next 10 years to finance activities that reduce the impacts of climate change and create environmental solutions that benefit people and communities, Salant noted. The USD 200 million debt warehouse facility with Kilowatt Financial represents an important step toward Citi’s USD 100 billion goal.

2015-04-30 | Courtesy: Kilowatt Financial, Citi | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Suntech introduces new generation HyPro PV module

Wuxi Suntech on April 28^th, 2015 announced the introduction of its new HyPro solar photovoltaic (PV) product line. The average mass production solar cell efficiency of HyPro can reach up to 20.5% with PERC technology, the company emphasizes.

Suntech has made an initial shipment of 236 kW of the HyPro module in March. The module will be available globally this July, for both commercial and residential projects.

Higher power output in weak lighting conditions

“We're very excited to add the HyPro to our portfolio of high efficiency PV modules. This four busbar module recently attained the VDE QT (Quality Tested) certification,” said Xiong Haibo, president of Suntech.

“This PV technology is part of Suntech's new generation of PV products that are cost efficient and energy efficient. The module sustains a higher power output of 200 W/m² compared to conventional modules in weak lighting conditions. We are proud to begin offering these enhanced modules to our customers around the world.”

At peak performance, the HyPro 60 cell module can produce an optimal 290 W, whereas the HyPro 72 cell module can produce up to a high 345 W.

As a four busbar module design, the HyPro has a lower probability of micro-cracks and hotspots, making the modules less susceptible to malfunctions that lead to significant power degradation. The HyPro model caters to markets that require high efficiency and durability under dynamic solar conditions such as the UK and Japan.

Suntech will be present at SNEC's International Solar Energy and Green Building Conference and Exhibition in Shanghai from April 28–30, 2015. It will be introducing the HyPro module, along with five other products: an anti-glaring module designed for airports, railways, and highway; a carbon nanotube plastic frame PV module, which is cost-saving and corrosion resistant; a double glass, transparent module designed for agricultural greenhouse projects; an integrated AC module designed for the residential market; and a standard module suitable for both rooftop installments and utility projects.

According to the producer, all six products are PID free, provide high performance yields in low lighting conditions, and come with Suntech's 10 year product warranty.

Suntech at SNEC: Booth N2-530.

2015-04-29 | Courtesy: Suntech Power Co., Ltd. | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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United Nations Diplomatic Council und BYD form global alliance for renewable energy, electric mobility

The Global E-Mobility Forum of the Diplomatic Council (DC, The Hague, The Netherlands) has formed an alliance with one of the world leaders for renewable energy, the Chinese BYD Company (Chenzhen, China).

The cooperation agreement between DC and BYD was signed by DC Global E-Mobility Forum Chairman Steef Korfker and BYD Senior Director Isbrand Ho in the presence of Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Royal Kingdom of The Netherlands in Chenzhen, China.

The Diplomatic Council is a United Nations (UN) registered global Think Tank founded with the objective to serve as a bridge between diplomacy, economy and society. It calls for innovative and smart solutions that significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases from energy, industry and transport.

Cooperation aims at more environmentally sustainable transport all over the world

The aim is to establish safe, equitable, environment- and people-friendly transport systems by accelerating the shift towards more environmentally sustainable transport all over the world in line with the post-2015 agenda about sustainable development of the United Nations.

For this purpose, the DC E-Mobility Forum is developing a global master plan to introduce the benefits of electric mobility worldwide, making use of the global Diplomatic Council business and diplomatic network.

The aim is to build an economical and ecological responsible transport system free of pollution taking into account the cost of health caused by road transport. The benefits of utilizing natural and renewable resources are obvious and the obligation to live up to the Kyoto protocol is mandatory.

Global shift to solar power, intelligent energy storage, and worldwide seamless electric transport solutions

Against this background, the Diplomatic Council initiated a standard type masterplan together with BYD and other future partners. In this context, the DC values the three „Green Dreams“ of BYD (which stands for Build Your Dreams) as major pillars of this masterplan.

The „Green Dreams“ are: increase the efficient use of solar power all over the world and build a global energy grid with peak load balancing and intelligent energy storage and worldwide seamless electric transport solutions.

2015-04-29 | Courtesy: BYD; Diplomatic Council | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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NREL estimates U.S. market share of community solar PV at 32 to 49% in 2020

Analysis from the U.S. Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) finds that by making shared solar programs available to households and businesses that currently cannot host on-site photovoltaic (PV) systems, shared solar could represent 32 to 49 percent of the distributed photovoltaic (PV) market in 2020.

Shared solar models allocate the electricity of a jointly owned or leased solar PV system to offset individual consumers' electricity bills, allowing energy consumers to share the benefits of a single solar array.

Benefits of distributed PV will be available to all consumers

“Historically, PV business models and regulatory environments have not been designed to expand access to a significant portion of potential PV system customers,” said David Feldman, NREL energy analyst and lead author on the report.

“As a result, the economic, environmental, and social benefits of distributed PV have not been available to all consumers. Shared solar programs open up the market to the other half of businesses and households.”

The report ”Shared Solar: Current Landscape, Market Potential, and the Impact of Federal Securities Regulation”, provides a high-level overview of the current U.S. shared solar PV landscape, analyzes the impact that a shared solar program's structure has on how it is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and estimates market potential for U.S. shared solar deployment.

Key findings include:

At least 49 percent of U.S. households and 48 percent of businesses are currently unable to host a PV system when excluding residential renters, those without access to roof space (e.g., multi-unit housing, malls), and/or those living or working in buildings with insufficient roof space. There are several factors, including easier and less restrictive participation and economies of scale, that may cause shared solar deployment to be significantly higher than these estimates.
After accounting for the development necessary to expand the shared solar market as well as state-level policy limiting factors such as net-metering caps, shared solar could lead to cumulative U.S. PV deployment growth of 5.5–11.0 gigawatts between 2015 and 2020 and represent $8.2 to $16.3 billion of cumulative investment.
Shared solar offerings that are marketed and structured to reduce customers' retail electricity bills are less likely to be treated as securities than those marketed and structured primarily as profit-generating programs.

The research was supported by funding from the Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in support of its SunShot Initiative.

Report download: Shared Solar: Current Landscape, Market Potential, and the Impact of Federal Securities Regulation

2015-04-29 | Courtesy: NREL | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Panasonic announces fiscal 2015 results, strong sales of residential PV

Panasonic Corporation (Osaka, Japan) on April 28^th, 2015 reported its consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31^st, 2015 (fiscal 2015). Consolidated group sales for fiscal 2015 were 7,715.0 billion yen (approx. USD 65 billion), at the same level as 7,736.5 billion yen in the year ended March 31^st, 2014 (fiscal 2014).

In Japan, although sales in housing-related and consumer electronics businesses decreased due mainly to weakening demand after the consumption tax hike in April 2014, sales of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems were strong.

Overseas sales increased due mainly to strong sales in automotive-related business along with robust demand, and a positive effect from yen depreciation.

Operating profit significantly increased by 25% to 381.9 billion yen (approx. USD 3.2 billion) from 305.1 billion yen (approx. USD 2.6 billion) a year ago due to improvement of challenging businesses including business restructuring benefits, fixed cost reductions and materials cost streamlining. This led that the company achieved its CV2015 (Cross-Value Innovation 2015) financial targets of operating profit and cumulative free cash flow one year ahead of schedule.

Sales of Panasonic's Eco Solutions subsidiary, which includes the company's PV business, decreased slightly by 1% to 1,666.0 billion yen (approx. USD 14 billion) from 1,674.4 billion yen a year ago.

Eco Solutions profit increased mainly due to sales increase in residential PV

Overseas sales increased due to newly-consolidated VIKO, a Turkish company. Meantime, housing-related sales in Japan decreased due to weakening demand in housing market after the consumption tax hike. Segment profit increased by 3% to 95.3 billion yen from 92.1 billion yen a year ago due mainly to sales increase in residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, streamlining initiatives and fixed cost reduction.

2015-04-29 | Courtesy: Panasonic Corporation | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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SunEdison completes two solar PV plants in Ontario totaling 35.7 MW

SunEdison, Inc. (Belmont, CA, US) on April 28^th, 2015 announced the interconnection of the 17.8 megawatt (MW) Solar Spirit and the 17.9 MW Bruining solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, both located in Ontario, Canada.

SunEdison has now installed more than 250 MW of utility-scale and commercial roof-top solar power plants in Canada.

20-year feed-in tariff agreement

The solar power plants will provide clean energy to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) through a 20-year feed-in tariff agreement. This is enough electricity to power more than 4,000 homes for 20 years.

“We're proud to support Ontario's goal of increasing the availability of clean, renewable energy,” stated Michelle Chislett, Vice President and Canadian Regional Manager at SunEdison.

“We're also pleased to create jobs for the people of Ontario – these two solar power plants provided over 200 construction jobs.”

The Solar Spirit PV plant was purchased by BluEarth Renewables, and the Bruining solar power plant was purchased by Firelight Infrastructure Partners. Operation and maintenance of the plants will be performed by SunEdison Services, which provides global 24/7 asset management, monitoring and reporting services.

2015-04-29 | Courtesy: SunEdison | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

TSMC Solar announces commercial-size CIGS PV module efficiency record at 16.5%

TSMC Solar Ltd. (Taichung, Taiwan) on April 28^th, 2015 announced confirmation by TUV SUD that its latest commercial-sized (1.09 m²) CIGS champion C2 solar photovoltaic (PV) panel has achieved 16.5% total module area efficiency.

This improves on TSMC Solar's previous record of 15.7% set in 2013. The module was produced using the current manufacturing equipment and materials at the company's manufacturing facility in Taichung, Taiwan, TSMC Solar emphasizes.

Current production provides an average 14.7% module efficiency

“We continue to prove our ability to develop record-setting process improvements in full-size modules. By bringing past innovations to mass production, our current production line efficiency has improved to an average 14.7% module efficiency,” said Chia-Hsiang Chen, President of TSMC Solar.

TSMC Solar also announced the introduction of its new TS-CIGS Series Model C2 HV module with nameplate power spanning 150 W–165 W. Certified by UL for 1,000 volt system operation, the high- modules have a double-glass module design and are produced with 100% electroluminescence (EL) quality screening.

“Our tariff-free Model C2 HV modules are designed for the North America MW-scale market, delivering high energy yield, low system costs and high reliability,” said Marc Spaulding, TSMC Solar Worldwide Sales & Marketing VP.

2015-04-28 | Courtesy: TSMC Solar | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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SolarReserve receives Edison Award for solar thermal energy storage technology

SolarReserve LLC (Santa Monica, California, U.S.), a leading developer of utility-scale concentrating solar power projects (CSP) and advanced solar thermal energy storage technology, has been named a 2015 Silver Winner for innovation by the internationally renowned Edison Awards.

The distinguished awards recognize innovation, creativity and ingenuity in the global economy. Being recognized with an Edison Award has become one of the highest accolades a company can receive in the name of innovation and business.

The awards are named after Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) whose inventions, new product development methods and innovative achievements literally changed the world, garnered him 1,093 U.S. patents, and made him a household name.

CSP technology and thermal storage generate renewable baseload and dispatchable power

As renewable energy penetration grows, the need for utility-scale renewable generation with storage technology is increasingly important to mitigate intermittency problems, deliver power into peak demand periods, and support transmission system reliability.

With over 50 US and global patents, SolarReserve's proven US-developed technology generates renewable baseload and dispatchable power and can compete with traditional fossil-fired and nuclear electricity generation.

The company currently has more than USD 1.8 billion of projects in construction and operation worldwide, with development and long-term power contracts for 482 megawatts (MW) of solar projects representing USD 2.8 billion of project capital.

Game-changing products and services

“It's exciting to see companies like SolarReserve continuing Thomas Edison's legacy of challenging conventional thinking,” said Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards' executive director.

“Edison Awards recognizes game-changing products and services, and the teams that brought them to the market.”

“We are honored to receive recognition from the Edison Awards and its distinguished panel of judges for our success in developing and commercializing breakthrough technology that solves the intermittency issues experienced with other renewable energy sources,” said SolarReserve's chief executive officer, Kevin Smith.

“It is gratifying to have industry experts recognize the value and strategic vision of this technology as well as SolarReserve's leadership in solar power and energy storage.”

The ballot of nominees for the Edison Awards was judged by a panel of more than 3,000 leading business executives including past award winners, academics and leaders in the fields of product development, design, engineering, science and medical.

2015-04-28 | Courtesy: SolarReserve, LLC | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Off-Grid Experts Awards search for special achievements and experiences with off-grid power supply

The Off-Grid Experts Awards 2015 are looking for companies, institutions and individuals that have set inspiring examples in driving forward the energy revolution with off-grid power based on renewable energies or made sustainable experiences in the field of energy independence. The deadline for submissions is May 30^th, 2015.

Phaesun GmbH (Memmingen, Germany) initiated the competition. The winners will be selected by a jury in cooperation with the Alliance for Rural Electrification and a public online voting.

Products, Projects, Pictures and Filmlets on Energy Independence

The Off-Grid Experts Awards integrate four different categories to draw a comprehensive picture of energy independence: Category A “Product” searches innovative technical solutions that improve or facilitate off-grid power supply. Category B “Project” award projects or initiatives in the field of rural electrification, solar water supply or industrial applications.

The category C “Picture” is a contest for photos that reflect the key word “Energy Independence” from every possible field of vision, and the Category D “Filmlet” honours both documentary filmlets illustrating the development of energy projects and initiatives as well as abstract movies touching the topic ”Energy Independence” indirectly.

The board members of the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) support the Off-Grid Experts Awards as a jury for the categories A and B. The Alliance for Rural Electrification is an international business association focusing on the promotion and the development of Off-Grid renewable energy solutions for rural electrification in developing countries.The best picture and filmlet will be selected via a public online voting.

Applications can be sent via the website http://ift.tt/1bzx0sJ.

Deadline for submissions in category A and B is May 30^th, 2015, for category C and D it is June 30^th, 2015.

2015-04-28 | Courtesy: Phaesun | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Solar Frontier completes acquisition of Gestamp Solar’s 280 MW US PV pipeline, begins construction

Solar Frontier K.K. (Tokyo, Japan) on April 27^th, 2015 announced that it has completed the acquisition of Gestamp Solar’s 280 MW US pipeline. Gestamp Solar is a global developer and operator of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants.

The acquired 280 MW pipeline is comprised of ten PV projects in various stages of development and located primarily in California. Construction has been initiated on a 15 MW project located in Kern County, CA. The second project is a 20 MW site and construction is slated to begin this quarter. Talks are underway with a select group of long-term investors regarding the sale of designated solar projects, Solar Frontier notes.

Charles Pimentel has been named the CEO of Solar Frontier Americas’ new division, Solar Frontier Americas Development LLC, and Cary Vandenberg has been appointed Managing Director of the development organization. Pimentel will continue in his role as COO of Solar Frontier Americas.

Solar Frontier strengthens its position as a solar energy solutions provider

A key attribute of the acquisition is the addition of an experienced development team, Solar Frontier emphasizes. This expansion of the U.S. organization provides the platform to scale the US business and underscores Solar Frontier’s commitment to the US market.

The move comes as part of Solar Frontier’s global expansion plans, which include strengthening the company’s position as a comprehensive solar energy solutions provider in international markets.

“Solar Frontier is making substantial investment within the Americas and with this acquisition, we expect to build and deliver some of the highest performing solar energy projects in the industry thanks to Solar Frontier’s state-of-the-art CIS technology,” comments Charles Pimentel, newly appointed CEO of Solar Frontier Americas Development LLC.

“Solar project investors and developers are keenly focused on long-term energy yield and they are starting to recognize and understand the value of partnering with Solar Frontier to maximize the value of their PV plants.”

Atsuhiko Hirano, CEO of Solar Frontier, added: “Solar Frontier has a powerful track record of delivering projects that perform. We are confident that our investment in this highly-skilled team will be a catalyst to broaden our services in the Americas and drive world-class value to our customers.”

2015-04-28 | Courtesy: Solar Frontier | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Trina Solar signs cooperation framework agreement with Hefei Xinzhan General Pilot Zone for up to 300 MW DG solar PV plants

Trina Solar Limited (Changzhou, China) on April 27^th, 2015 announced that it has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the Administrative Committee of the Hefei Xinzhan General Pilot Zone to develop up to 300 MW of distributed generation (DG) solar power and related projects in Hefei, Anhui Province.

30 MW PV project construction will start in Q2, 2015

The first phase of the project consists of a 30 MW commercial rooftop PV project, on which the Company will start construction in the second quarter of 2015 and will be one of the largest single-unit commercial rooftop projects in China once completed.

The 300 MW project will be developed in Hefei City, a pioneer in promoting local DG solar power development and had a great amount of installed capacity of DG solar power in China as of the end of 2014.

The Xinzhan General Pilot Zone is the primary area for PV industry development in Hefei, and will assist Trina Solar to gain local government support.

In return, Trina Solar will use its leading technology, human resource, products, and industry leading position to help further develop DG solar power projects in Hefei.

“This partnership is a strong strategic fit and marks the first significant step in our journey to build on our DG solar power business this year,” commented Jifan Gao, Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar.

2015-04-28 | Courtesy: Trina Solar Limited | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Monday, April 27, 2015

JinkoSolar supplies 3 MW of PV modules for Honduras’ largest rooftop system

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China) on April 27^th, 2015 announced that it has supplied approximately 3 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to Embotelladora de Sula S.A. (EMSULA) for Honduras’s largest rooftop solar system, which is also the largest solar PV rooftop project in Central America.

Located in San Pedro Sula, the approximately 3 MW rooftop PV project covers an area of 34,000 m² and sits on top of a modern production facility for bottled soft drinks, juices and purified water.

3 MW rooftop PV plant to produce 3.8 million kWh of solar power per year

The PV plant is developed by Smartsolar, a company dedicated to the development of PV projects on roofs for commercial and industrial use in Central America. The project was successfully completed in March 2015.

The project uses 11,650 pieces of JinkoSolar’s high-efficiency PV modules that are expected to produce 3,815,830 kWh of solar power per year.

“Energy prices tend to be higher in Central America than elsewhere given the region’s dependence on imported fossil fuels which accounts for 45% of all energy generated. For countries that rely disproportionately on oil for power generation, volatility of energy prices forces people to plan for the medium to long-term, and solar becomes the best substitution of energy,” said Alberto Cuter, JinkoSolar’s Sales Director for Emerging Markets.

“We are proud to supply JinkoSolar modules for this project that makes this rooftop system not only the largest in Central American but also an example to the rest of the region.”

Ramzy Massu, General Manager of Smartsolar added: “We are very proud to work with JinkoSolar on this meaningful project in Central America. This project was 100% designed, supervised and installed by Hondurans. Smartsolar has built the largest rooftop solar system in Central America, placing Honduras on the world map in solar section.”

2015-04-27 | Courtesy: JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.; Image: Smartsolar | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Intersolar Europe to offer comprehensive accompanying program on solar PV, energy storage and new business models

From June 10–12, 2015, solar industry representatives meet at Intersolar Europe in Munich, Germany. Visitors can expect a comprehensive accompanying program: New trends are presented at the Innovation Exchange, while outstanding developments are recognized with the Intersolar AWARD. Workshops and presentations offer those interested the opportunity to expand their knowledge.

Intersolar Europe is accompanied by the Intersolar Europe Conference, which sees participants report on and discuss topics such as international market developments and political conditions.

New financing and business models for photovoltaics

This year’s Intersolar Europe as well as the accompanying program focus on new financing and business models for photovoltaics. According to market research company IHS, 2015 will see demand grow by 16% to 25% and an additional 53 to 57 gigawatts installed. While steady growth is on the cards for Europe, it is markets like China, Japan and the USA that are driving the industry forward.

Drastic reductions in system costs and expiring government subsidies have led to the emergence of both challenges and opportunities. New financing and business models are required to drive the market forward.

Innovation Exchange: A platform for outstanding developments

Numerous Intersolar Europe exhibitors are set to showcase the technologies, products and services required for this at the Innovation Exchange from June 10–12 (hall B3, booth B3.450). Especially innovative developments will be recognized at the Intersolar AWARD and ees AWARD ceremonies. At this year’s ees Europe the ees AWARD will honor the innovative strength of exhibitors for the second time. The award ceremony takes place on June 10 from 4:30 pm–6:00 pm after the nominated companies have held short presentations on their solutions.

Intersolar Europe Conference, ees Europe and special exhibit on innovative mobility

The Intersolar Europe Conference takes place in parallel to Intersolar Europe from June 9–10. At the conference, 200 speakers and around 1,100 attendees will expand on the topics of the exhibition and explore new trends.

Energy storage solutions play an important role in photovoltaics. This is the focus of ees Europe, which takes place in parallel to Intersolar Europe. ees Europe is Europe’s largest exhibition for batteries, energy storage systems and innovative production, as well as the industry platform for suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and users of stationary and mobile electricity storage systems.

This year for the first time, ees Europe will be joined by its own conference: the ees Europe Conference. The special exhibit on innovative mobility focuses on e-mobility, providing visitors with information on pioneering vehicle concepts and charging technologies.

2015-04-27 | Courtesy: Solar Promotion GmbH | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Panasonic to demonstrate PV module and battery storage innovations at Intersolar Europe

Panasonic Corp.'s (Osaka, Japan) Eco Solutions subsidiary will be demonstrating two new products at Intersolar Europe, which takes place between 10^th and 12^th June 2015 in Munich: the N285 solar photovoltaic (PV) module from the highly efficient HIT Series and a lithium-ion battery domestic solar power storage system.

In addition, the Japanese company this year celebrates 40 years of developing solar photovoltaic cells. Decades of experience in cell and module research and PV manufacturing have resulted in extremely high-quality modules with very high efficiency, the company notes.

Panasonic is one of the few module manufacturers that are already producing photovoltaic modules based on pioneering heterojunction technology. In doing so, the advantages of crystalline and thin film technology are incorporated to achieve peak module efficiency.

Improved performance using a more compact PV module

Panasonic developed the N285 solar module, which has nominal power of 285 watts, specifically for installations on residential and commercial buildings. One of the most important developments compared with the Panasonic N240 and N245 products, on which the N285 module is based, is the inclusion of highly efficient heterojunction cells in a more compact format. With dimensions of 1,463 x 1,053 mm the new module is particularly suitable for portrait roof installations. This means that there is room for more solar modules on a domestic roof, while on flat roofs of commercial buildings less room is needed between module rows.

Private operators and traders will benefit from increased solar performance. Furthermore, the module has four shading zones instead of three reducing the risk of performance losses resulting from shading.

Battery storage for homes and energy suppliers

The PV-battery storage system from Panasonic is the perfect complement to existing and new solar systems on residential buildings, the company emphasizes. The AC-coupled, single-phase system contains long-established, high-performance lithium-ion batteries from Panasonic and has a storage capacity of 6.8 kWh.

By means of its compact design (dimensions: 1,380 x 966 x 278 mm), the storage unit can be readily installed in small spaces. By making use of intermediate storage the user can increase their self-sufficiency using the solar power they have themselves produced and so reduce their energy costs. Furthermore, thanks to its emergency power function, users are protected from the consequences of power outages on the public network.

During development Panasonic has also taken into account the interests of energy suppliers that are developing ever-increasing decentralised energy supply solutions using third party regenerative systems. By interconnecting and benefiting from private storage systems energy suppliers can increase the flexibility of their energy supply. Storage units contribute to network stability and allow load management, so that investment in the development of local networks can be reduced.

The new Panasonic products are showcased at Stand A2.160 at Intersolar Europe, between 10^th and 12^th June 2015.

2015-04-27 | Courtesy: Panasonic Eco Solutions | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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EPIA calls for free and fair PV trade between Europe and China, endorses end of Minimum Import Price

Speaking at the 9^th SNEC International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai on April 27^th, 2015, EPIA President Oliver Schaefer outlined the new position of EPIA on the PV modules and solar cells trade case between China and the EU.

Schaefer stated that the European Photovoltaic Industry Association is a strong supporter of free and fair trade and would like to see PV trade relations between Europe and China return to normal undistorted, fair trade as soon as possible, when the duties and respective price undertaking expire in 2015.

End of the Minimum Import Price (MIP) and quota expected to support PV growth in Europe

Since December 2013, anti-dumping and countervailing duties have been applied in Europe on crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules and solar cells originating in or consigned from China.

An undertaking submitted by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) articulated around a Minimum Import Price (MIP) and quota was accepted by the EU.

The duties and MIP are due to expire in December 2015. European duties on Chinese solar products, and the associated price undertaking, are a likely factor in the slowdown in annual growth of installations in Europe, EPIA notes.

“The Board has agreed this position, as we believe that a return to a level playing field will help solar power in Europe to grow, and support the European electricity market in achieving its challenging emission reduction goals. Consumers will also be able to buy quality products manufactured at scale, at the best possible prices,” said Schaefer.

EPIA supports all actions that can contribute to increased solar job creation in Europe

EPIA estimates that employment in the solar sector comprised about 265 thousand full time jobs in 2011. More than half of these are now gone according to IEA estimates, the majority of them in the installation sector, which is labour intense. But the solar value chain offers economic growth and employment opportunities for Europe now.

“We support all actions that can contribute to increased solar job creation in Europe along the solar value chain,” said Schaefer.

“We believe that taking this position on the trade case supports this objective.”

Global value chains reflecting real costs of production and free from trade barriers are a prerequisite for economies of scale and related cost reductions, the industry association emphasizes.

“By having more competitive, high-quality solar panels from the world's leading companies from all over the world, we can increase the rate and quality of solar installations in Europe,” concluded Schaefer.

2015-04-27 | Courtesy: EPIA | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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SolarWorld boosts PV shipments of by 44%, increases revenue by 50% in Q1, 2015

In Q1, 2015 SolarWorld AG (Bonn, Germany) increased group-wide shipments of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and kits by 44 percent to 202 megawatts (Q1 2014: 140 MW) the company reports in an ad hoc announcement.

The company achieved strong growth above all in the United States, where SolarWorld boosted shipments by 170 percent to 116 MW (Q1 2014: 43 MW). This market had a share of 57 percent of total shipments of modules and kits.

In Japan, Australia and South Africa, SolarWorld managed to grow, too. While export business outside the euro zone benefited from the low rate of the euro, the European market including Germany decreased. Thus, the foreign quota of shipments further increased to 90 percent (Q1 2014: 81%).

Revenue increased disproportionally compared with shipments

Consolidated revenue in Q1, 2015 grew by 50 percent, thus increasing disproportionally compared with shipments to EUR 149 million (Q1 2014: EUR 99 million).

Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose to EUR 3 million (2013: 1.6 million).

This positive trend can be attributed among other factors to operative measures to improve efficiency and the cost structure at all locations, the company notes.

EBITDA of previous year's first quarter included positive one-off effects amounting to EUR 136 million which resulted from the initial accounting of the acquisition of the solar activities from Bosch Solar Energy AG. Including this one-off effect, EBITDA in Q1 2014 amounted to EUR 137 million.

Consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached EUR minus 8 million (Q1 2014: 127 million). Previous year's quarter also included the one-off effects mentioned above.

Liquid funds decreased through interest payments

At the end of the quarter, the group had liquid funds in an amount of EUR 148 million (December 31^st, 2014: 177 million). The reduction can mainly be attributed to interest payments and repayments including an unscheduled partial repayment as well as investments in the expansion of production capacities.

2015-04-27 | Courtesy: SolarWorld AG | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Greenbriar Capital retains CV Brokerage as finance advisor for its 100 MW Montalva solar PV project in Puerto Rico

Greenbriar Capital Corp. and Atherton Pacific Green (APG), both headquartered at Newport Beach, California, US, on April 27^th, 2015 announced their partnership for engineering, procurement, and construction of the 100 MW (AC) "Smart Grid" Montalva solar photovoltaic (PV) project located in Puerto Rico, US.

Greenbriar has also retained CV Brokerage Inc. of the Philadelphia area as its financial advisor to arrange project financing for the PV Project.

Annual solar power production is estimated at 240 million kWh

Financial close for this project will be subject to the usual and customary due diligence for a solar PV project of this size as well as third party approvals.

CV Brokerage will arrange a conventional project capital structure comprising of senior lenders, tax equity investors and appropriate subordinate mezzanine lenders wherever needed. Greenbriar will build and own 100% of the PV project. The annual solar power production is estimated at 240 million kWh, and about USD 60 million in annual revenues.

Project includes PV, storage, and smart grid technology

APG will collaborate with Greenbriar by providing solar, storage, and smart grid technical oversight. In this regard, Jane Wu, CEO of APG with over 20 years of clean tech experience, will be providing technical peer review and expertise necessary for a solar project of this importance and magnitude to reach completion.

“We are delighted to have APG join the project. Montalva is a fully integrated large utility scale (up to 146 MW dc – 100 MW ac) solar photovoltaic project with storage and smart grid solution,” said Jeff Ciachurski, CEO of Greenbriar Capital Corp.

Largest PV project in the Caribbean

“The size and sheer output of this project will be the largest in the Caribbean, providing the citizens of Puerto Rico with a source of inexpensive, reliable, and clean renewable energy for decades to come, offsetting expensive and dirty oil based generation that has been plaguing the Island for over half a century.”

Jane Wu added:”I am thrilled to be collaborating with Greenbriar on this exciting project. With the best solar irradiation on the Island and available superior technology, the Montalva project is a showcase for both the people of Puerto Rico and the stakeholders of Greenbriar Capital Corp.”

2015-04-27 | Courtesy: Greenbriar Capital Corp. | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Manz announces new world record efficiency for CIGS thin-film solar PV modules at 16%

With a module efficiency of 16 percent, Manz AG (Reutlingen, Germany) presents a new efficiency world record for CIGS thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) modules on April 27^th, 2015 at SNEC in Shanghai, the world's leading trade fair for the photovoltaics industry.

In doing so, Manz is pushing forward into a new dimension and closing the efficiency gap that has previously existed in between CIGS and the multi-crystalline PV technology that is still prevalent today, the company emphasizes.

In the fall of 2014, the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research of Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW), Manz's exclusive development partner, was able to demonstrate the superiority of CIGS technology in comparison to crystalline solar cells in the laboratory, with a world-record efficiency of 21.7% in cell format.

Significant PV module performance reached on equipment for mass production.

With Manz's new world record for module size, this superiority has now been proven in production. The significance of this result is all the greater since the high-tech equipment manufacturer produced the world record module on its innovative production line for CIGS technology at its location in Schwaebisch Hall, on equipment for mass production.

The significant increase in performance was achieved mainly by the next generation of CIGS semiconductor material, which Manz applies to a glass substrate in the so-called co-evaporation process. Additional technological innovation is a new module design for increasing the active module surface. In addition, Manz engineers were able to sustainably reduce optical losses.

Dieter Manz: Today, CIGS modules from Manz already offer the lowest electricity generation costs in comparison to the still prevailing crystalline silicon technology

“Our performance parameters are world-class. With significantly lower production costs compared to crystalline solar cells, CIGS technology will play a large role in the coming investment cycle of the photovoltaics industry,” Dieter Manz, founder and CEO of Manz AG, is convinced. Today, CIGS modules from Manz already offer the lowest electricity generation costs in comparison to the still prevailing crystalline silicon technology, he emphasizes.

Manz pledges a secure investment option with maximum profitability

With Manz CIGSfab, the Reutlingen equipment manufacturer is currently the only supplier of turnkey CIGS production lines in the world, with a scalable production capacity of 50 to 350 Megawatts per year.

With an internal rate of return of more than 15 percent, an investment in a fully integrated CIGS line from Manz is one of the most profitable in the entire energy sector, the company notes.

“As a high-tech equipment manufacturer with unique process know-how, we offer an unbeatable combination of arguments in favor of investment in a CIGS production line,” explains Dieter Manz.

“A lower total investment in comparison to crystalline systems, significantly shorter implementation time for the plant, as well as the unrivaled low production costs. An investor in Manz CIGS technology is guaranteed absolute investment security, with the highest margins in the entire energy sector – in the future, and even today. The future potential of CIGS technology is enormous and will lead to further cost reductions.”

21.7 percent cell efficiency achieved in the laboratory

Manz's 16 percent efficiency world record is the result of a long-term development partnership with the Stuttgart Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research of Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW). Following the presentation of 21.7 percent cell efficiency in the laboratory by the globally leading research institute for CIGS thin-film technology in the fall of 2014, Manz was able to transfer the essential insights of the technology that was used to mass production.

“This great success demonstrates the future potential of CIGS thin-film technology and emphasizes nothing less than our claim to technology leadership,” says Dieter Manz.

“Building on the know-how of ZSW and our own experts, it is thus absolutely realistic that we will already be able to present module efficiencies of significantly higher than 17 percent in the near future, produced on our innovative production line in Schwaebisch Hall. We have already mastered the necessary processes in the lab, such as the after-treatment of CIGS coatings. The goal of our joint efforts is the further reduction of electricity costs – around the world, under all climatic conditions.”

TUV Rheinland certifies 16 percent record efficiency

Manz's world record with 16 percent efficiency was certified last week by the testing organization TUV Rheinland. Manz AG offers potential investors in CIGS production systems a long-term road map for further efficiency increases, whose milestones have always been achieved ahead of schedule in recent years.

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PV producer Hanwha Q CELLS debuts in China, displays solar technology “Engineered in Germany” at SNEC

Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd. (Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany), the world's largest solar cell manufacturer and one of the largest photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers, will display its “Engineered in Germany” technologies and PV products at the 2015 SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai from April 28^th to 30^th.

“The recent merger of Hanwha SolarOne and Hanwha Q CELLS has created the largest solar cell manufacturer in the world, with annual production capacity reaching 3.28 GW,” noted Hanwha Q CELLS president Mr. Nam Seong Woo.

Hot Environment PV module and half-cell module on display

“However, we are not just satisfied with our capacity; Hanwha Q CELLS is dedicated to commercializing the world’s leading PV technology. We are very excited to present our next generation HSL S series modules and Q.ANTUM technology at 2015 SNEC. As an extension of our leading technology, we will also exhibit our Hot Environment S module and Q.ANTUM Half Cell module designed to meet specific needs from customers around the world.”

The HSL S series modules are manufactured at fully-automated production facilities and come equipped with new four bus-bar cells leading to improved performance, quality, and guarantees. The new HSL S series modules improve Hanwha Q CELLS’ solutions for each segment, including residential, commercial, and utility, and provide superior value to customers.

“We are also proud to show our Q.ANTUM technology in China for the first time. Q.ANTUM has achieved the world’s highest efficiency for polycrystalline solar cells at 19.5%,” Mr. Nam said.

“Q.ANTUM has been proven in mass production, with 60 cell module efficiency at 18.5%. Its excellent low light behavior, temperature coefficients, anti-PID, and hot-spot protect technologies guarantee yields for customers and protect their investment.”

Hanwha Q CELLS strives to become the top player in the China PV market, aided by the bankability of its parent company Hanwha Group, a Fortune GLOBAL 500 company and a top-ten business enterprise in South Korea.

Hanwha Q CELLS is aggressively developing its downstream business, as well as growing its position as a leading module supplier. Hanwha Q CELLS has targeted cumulative installation of 3 gigawatts in power generation projects in China by 2020, including distributed generation and utility-scale rooftop and ground mounted applications.

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Fraunhofer ISE’s “CalLab” is the first accredited calibration laboratory for solar PV panels with measurement uncertainty of 1.6%

Testing and quality control of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules on a high level are becoming more and more important for banks and investors.

Fraunhofer ISE (Freiburg, Germany) is keeping pace with this demand by recently achieving accreditation status for its PV module calibration laboratory, thus turning CalLab PV Modules into the first accredited lab with a measurement uncertainty of 1.6%.

On March 24^th, 2015 the German accreditation body “Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH Dakks” confirmed the competence of CalLab PV Modules under the terms of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 to carry out calibrations in the field of photovoltaics.

Quality assurance supports PV projects in achieving technical bankability and safe solar power yields for their investors

“We are very proud to have become the first accredited calibration laboratory for PV Modules with a measurement uncertainty of 1.6% worldwide,” says Dr. Harry Wirth, Division Director of Photovoltaic Modules, Systems and Reliability.

“This independent confirmation of the quality of our measurements helps us to provide our customers around the globe with unique quality assurance services and enables us to support PV projects in achieving technical bankability and safe yields for their investors.”

Fraunhofer ISE has a longstanding experience in quality control for PV modules and power plants. The newly accredited CalLab PV Modules combines the highest level of scientific know-how with cutting-edge measurement technology.

Leading module manufacturers rely on module calibration carried out by Fraunhofer ISE, in order to validate inline flasher measurements in their production lines, thus allowing accurate module labeling. Prototype modules with ground-breaking PV technologies and record efficiencies are characterized at the laboratory based in Freiburg, Germany.

CalLab PV Modules goes beyond Standard Testing Conditions (STC) by offering comprehensive characterization of modules in accordance with the energy rating standard IEC 61853 and quality benchmarking with individual testing procedures.

The expertise of the Fraunhofer ISE calibration specialists ranges from precisely calibrating single solar cells and PV modules through to customized tasks, such as accurately calibrating bifacial modules. With an uncertainty of only 1.6%, CalLab PV Module provides worldwide leading measurement accuracy under standard test conditions and quality assurance services.

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Sunday, April 26, 2015

IHS solar analysts at SNEC: Global solar PV demand grows by up to 30%; Need for energy storage rises

IHS Inc. (Englewood, Colorado, U.S.) on April 27^th, 2015 released updated solar photovoltaic (PV) industry forecasts from IHS analysts speaking at the SNEC 9^th (2015) International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition (SNEC PV Power Expo) in Shanghai. Top-line analyst presentation insights on solar demand, PV inverters, energy storage, and PV module supply include the following:

IHS forecasts that global solar demand will grow up to 30 percent in 2015 compared to 2014, reaching 57 gigawatts (GW), which is 10 times the size of the solar-PV industry just seven years ago.

China leads the global PV market

“For the third year running, China will be the largest end-market and the key driver of global demand in 2015,” said Ash Sharma, senior research director for IHS. The other top growth markets will be Japan, the United States, United Kingdom, and India.

“China will be the largest driver of global growth, but it also presents the largest single risk to the industry’s supply-demand balance,” noted Sharma.

“If the country manages to install in excess of 17 GW in 2015 - which is likely - it will generate much healthier operating conditions for solar companies and a return to healthy profit margins.”

PV inverters return to growth

IHS also expects the PV inverter market to return to growth. According to Cormac Gilligan, senior analyst for PV Inverters and Balance of System, revenue from PV inverter sales will increase by more than 10 percent, from USD 6.6 billion in 2014 to USD 7.5 billion in 2018.

Global inverter unit shipments will also increase to nearly 70 GW of alternating current (AC) in 2018, due to strong growth in China, Japan, and emerging markets. However, pricing pressure will remain, as average global inverter prices are forecast to decrease by 9 percent each year, declining to USD 0.11 per watt (W) in 2018 from USD 0.17 per W in 2013.

Three-phase low-power inverters less than 36 kilowatts (kW) will account for the majority of revenue, garnering a 34 percent share of the market in 2018.

“Low-power inverters are gaining traction in commercial- and utility-scale installations globally, particularly in China, United States, and other key markets,” said Gilligan.

Need for energy storage rises

The number of newly installed energy storage systems with solar power is increasing fast. In a very optimistic scenario, with moderate policies and rapid decrease in battery prices, IHS predicts 3.6 GW of new energy storage systems will be installed in 2018, which is 15 times greater than the 231 megawatts (MW) installed in 2014.

“Rising demand for electricity and increasing renewable penetration are driving a need for more energy storage,” said Isabella Ni, senior analyst for energy storage and PV demand.

Currently the biggest barrier to wide-scale deployment is the high price of batteries; however, significant cost reductions are expected for the future, and lithium-ion battery prices will fall by 40 percent over the next three years.

“Lithium-ion is currently the technology to beat, and will account for the majority of the grid-connected PV energy storage market,” said Ni.

Crystalline PV module pricing drop slows in 2015

Global crystalline module capacity will expand significantly in 2015 and is forecast to reach to 76.6 GW; meanwhile, capacity utilization will rise, due to strong downstream demand. IHS forecasts that year-over-year crystalline module utilization will increase to 72 percent this year.

IHS expects average global prices of crystalline modules to decline just 5 percent in 2015, compared to 13 percent in 2013 and 11 percent in 2014.

“Surge demand of downstream installations and high utilization rates will keep module prices from decreasing in 2015,” said Jessica Jin, senior analyst for the solar supply chain.

IHS Analysts at SNEC PV Power Expo

Now in its ninth year, the SNEC PV Power Expo is the largest photovoltaic power-generation conference and exhibition in Asia. IHS, which acquired Solarbuzz in 2014, is a co-organizer of the “Industry Workshop on Global PV Market-Outlook and Development Strategies,” to be held on April 29^th, 2015.

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Trina Solar announces new efficiency record for multi-crystalline silicon PV modules: 19.14% independently confirmed

Trina Solar Limited (Chnagzhou, China) on April 24^th, 2015 announced that the company’s State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology of China has set a new world record for high efficiency p-type multi-crystalline silicon PV modules.

Trina Solar's Honey Plus multi-crystalline silicon module reached a new module efficiency record of 19.14% with an aperture area of 1.515 m², as independently confirmed by the National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Product Quality (CPVT) in Wuxi, China.

This result is a new world record for a multi-crystalline silicon module composed of 60 high-efficiency Honey Plus multi-crystalline silicon cells (156×156 mm²), fabricated with advanced technologies including back surface passivation, local back surface field and half-cell module technologies developed by Trina Solar.

PERC in mass production

The multi-crystalline Honey Plus solar cells, the brand name for Trina's PERC solar cells, are now in mass production. The half-cell module technology is not currently part of the Honey Plus products, but will be incorporated at a later date, Trina Solar announced.

“We are very pleased to announce these new exciting efficiency results achieved by Trina Solar's researchers at the State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology,” said Dr. Pierre Verlinden, Vice-President and Chief Scientist of Trina Solar.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a multi-crystalline Silicon PV module reaches an efficiency higher than 19%. It demonstrates that multi-crystalline Silicon PV modules can reach an efficiency level that was reserved to the most efficient solar cells before, such as mono-crystalline IBC or heterojunction cells. This milestone achievement is the result of a very close collaboration among our silicon crystallization, solar cell and module scientists. We believe that innovation is playing the very essential role to Trina's sustainable growth and long-term success. Our focus remains on developing innovative and cutting-edge solar power products and technologies to strengthen our leadership in the PV industry.”

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Allianz Climate Solutions, Fraunhofer ISE and VDE Institute partner on integrated financial and technical services for PV power plants

Solar photovoltaic (PV) projects world-wide must demonstrate a high level of quality and performance that can be relied on by investors, commercial banks and insurance companies.

To meet this demand, Allianz Climate Solutions, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), and the VDE Testing and Certification Institute (VDE Institute) have entered into a partnership to offer integrated financial and technical services for PV power plants to support PV projects with the achievement of "investability", "bankability" and "insurability".

PV plant certification includes over 300 technical pass/fail criteria

The integrated service incorporates a comprehensive project risk assessment and complete certification for the entire PV system. The risk assessment covers project risks during the construction and operational phase.

For instance, technical risks of components, financial risks related to the financing structure, key project contracts and risks resulting from the regulatory environment are analyzed.

The PV system certification process includes over 300 technical pass/fail criteria that cover the entire project development cycle from design to execution and start of operation. The certification process takes a holistic view of all stakeholder requirements, which also allows the quality assurance process of the project to be streamlined from a cost and effort perspective.

Through this combination, the integrated service for PV projects ensures that risks are well documented and that the safety, performance and quality of the PV system are validated, the partners emphasize.

“This integrated service helps lower the risk and provides a clear decision framework for banks and investors when determining the quality of a PV project. Through our partnership with the VDE Institute and Fraunhofer ISE, we join forces and build upon our vast experience in the PV markets in Germany, Europe and globally,” said Karsten Loeffler, Managing Director, Allianz Climate Solutions.

“For the first time, project developers now have access to a clearly structured and well-defined integrated service that comprehensively covers the myriad of financial and technical aspects of a project that must be taken into consideration. This reassures investors and financiers that the PV project can provide the expected returns,” added Prof. Eicke Weber, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.

Joint services for established and emerging PV markets

“We look forward to supporting the project development industry in established and emerging PV markets with this joint service. Through this partnership, we hope to continuously improve the quality and user experience of solar systems globally,” concluded Michael Jungnitsch, Managing Director of the VDE Institute.

2015-04-27 | Courtesy: Allianz Climate Solutions; Fraunhofer ISE; VDE Institute; Image juwi | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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solar-powered boat cruises to lift power focus

a number of years after mechanical engineer Carter Quillen purchased the 50-foot concrete sailboat Ketch du Jour, he changed the vessel’s name to the Archimedes.

For one issue, Quillen had replaced the masts with solar panels, so the Ketch turned into no longer a ketch (a two-masted fore-and-aft-rigged sailboat).

“i used to be hunting for a name that had some symbolism,” Quillen referred to. “Archimedes changed into an innovator. He become the first engineer and a thought leader of his time. He blended expertise with intellectualism. i needed to follow his path of innovation. We’re due for some trade.”

That alternate is toward energy independence, and the device is photo voltaic vigour.

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NRG energy Exec Questions Why solar Is the ‘dangerous Boy’

Is there a method to integrate increasing quantities of rooftop photo voltaic, enabling consumer choice and a cleaner grid, whereas guaranteeing that utilities are compensated for lost salary?

It’s a query on the minds of many experts within the vigor sector. For Steve Corneli, senior vice chairman of sustainability, coverage and method at NRG energy, the reply isn't to place up barriers for photo voltaic adoption by means of including grid costs, in hopes that incentives may run out and rooftop photo voltaic will ultimately go away.

“Our primary motivation is to believe via a variance on [solar and utility] guidelines with a purpose to basically fulfill the regulators’ responsibility to make certain the utilities get their cost lower back and charges are only and economical with out appearing like a tire-slasher or a roadblock,” talked about Corneli, in an interview on the sidelines of a Public Utility Fortnightly event remaining week in Washington, D.C.

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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

document: EV “latitude anxiousness” is barely perception

electric cars (EV) can be the long run, but except the “range anxiety” is looked after, they may additionally no longer be in a position to obtain widespread adoption. Tesla CEO Elon Musk drilled this point home last month with the announcement of “range assurance” and shuttle planner tools.

however is range anxiousness all within the heads of viewpoint EV homeowners? a new analyze, by the department of power’s (DOE) Lawrence Berkeley country wide Laboratory (LBNL), discovered that the belief of range anxiety may no longer suit up with truth.

The researchers found that most daily go back and forth needs of drivers may also be met by EVs. So what is causing the problem over range?

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How HECO is using Enphase’s information to Open its Grid to extra photo voltaic

On the island of Oahu, Hawaiian electric powered Co. is opening a backlog of about 4,000 customer photo voltaic systems it once feared may destabilize its distribution circuits. That circulation is being helped alongside by way of Enphase microinverter information that may provide a tons clearer view of what’s in fact going on on the sides of HECO’s grid.

On Tuesday, Enphase revealed details on a months-lengthy collaboration with HECO to map out how customer-owned rooftop photo voltaic affects its distribution grid on a circuit-by means of-circuit basis. The effects have allowed HECO “to clear just about all of the backlog of consumers looking ahead to approval to interconnect their rooftop photo voltaic programs in a secure and reputable manner,” Jim Alberts, the utility’s senior vp of client carrier, spoke of in a prepared remark.

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

a number of years after mechanical engineer Carter Quillen purchased the 50-foot concrete sailboat Ketch du Jour, he changed the vessel’s name to the Archimedes.

Is there a method to integrate increasing quantities of rooftop photo voltaic, enabling consumer choice and a cleaner grid, whereas guaranteeing that utilities are compensated for lost salary?

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

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