Energy Market – Page 7 – Solar Magazine

The president of China Solar was arrested in China

China Solar chairman arrested

China Solar’s president along with other two company leaders, as well as the president’s son were jailed by the Dali authotities from August 26. The three are beeing questioned for false reporting of registered capital for two subsidiaries.

Maybe the most interesting matter of the arrested chairman of China’s Solar is the following statement: “The board confirms that the company is not able to contact the relevant directors since around August 2013,” as, surprisingly, a company report shows.

The directors in question are chairman Yeung Ngo, his son – and executive director – Yang Yuchun and non-executive director Hao Guojun arrested in the People’s Republic on August 26.

The three learders were jailed by the Public Security Bureau of Dali under the conjecture of misleading reporting of registered capital related to two China Solar subsidiaries.

The Dali subsidiary of China solar was settled in January 2008 and has paid over none of the registered capital of US$49,460,000 which was due to be paid by January 24, 2009.

The Hong Kong stock exchange was confirmed that five-and-a-half-year-old subsidiary is not running at the moment and all the company’s belongings are blocked, as China solar board announced them.

Another sub subsidiary of the Bermuda-registered China Solar, the Changzhou unit, has had it’s bussiness registration abolished by the Changzhou Administration for Industry and Commerce, meaning only $19,358,000 of the $99,980,000 registered capital of the unit, was paid and another $80 million were due since June 23, 2010.

Both subsidiaries could lead to the abolishment of the business licences and could be sentenced with penalties.

The China Power board announced that the subsidary is not working and the production plant is going to be relocated.

At the moment the trio has bee suspended from duties until the results of the investigations are through.

The black polycristaline modules are going to be introduced in the European market by AxSun Solar

black polycristaline module introduced by AxSun

Black polycristaline module available from next year

A new 60 cell black polycrystaline module belonging to AxSun, named AX P-60 premium black “black poly hammer” was successfully been brought to the public, into the European PV market.

The AxSun 60 cells module range has been expanded with the Wp fully black module that includes black cells, black back sheet and black frame. Because the cell technology has been improved with the help of a 260 Wp black poly module will bee accessible to the public starting next year

The CEO of the AxSun, Axel Skuthan, has the following opinion: “AxSun Solar always ensures that the latest technical know-how incorporates into the enhancement of our products. The new black poly module is a great option for homeowners who focus on aesthetical matters.”

The householders but also the installing firms are happy with the idea that they can purchase black polycrystalline modules rather than the more expensive black monocrystalline modules. AxSun Solar have credits for designing modules that are not only remarkable for their longevity, high quality workmanship and above-average performance and also for their robustness.

“We are proud that all AxSun PV-systems that are located in the specific South German area where severe hail storms have damaged almost every house in late July, have withstood the hail stones which reached the size of golf and tennis balls,” as AxSun area partner, Mr. Voehringer, said. AxSun solar modules come with a 12 year product warranty and a 25 year linear performance warranty.

A new research center for solar energy was launched in Wales with a EUR 7 million investment

Solar research center chaired by Prof. Durrant

New PV research center built in Wales

Financed by the Welsh government Swansea University has inaugurated the Ser Solar Initiative at Baglan Energy Park, lead by Professor James Durrant.

In Swansea was built brand new solar energy research center worth €7 million or $10.5 million. The center is located at the Baglan Energy Park in Swansea and was constructed by local higher education establishment, Swansea University.

The Ser Solar initiative, as the research center is named, was supported financially by the Welsh government and has been inaugurated this week by Welsh Government economy minister Edwina Hart. The center will be lead by one of the most honored research scients, Professor James Durrant of Imperial College London

“I am very pleased to welcome Professor Durrant to Wales and Swansea University, where his experience and knowledge will help to create a world-class research team in the field of solar energy,” in Hart’s words.

“The Ser Cymru programme is helping us deliver our commitment to developing science and innovation in Wales, which is an important driver in economic growth.”

“This research in the field of low carbon energy will also help us meet our commitments to reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.”

When asked about the competitions with China Prof. Durrant replied honestly that it wouldn’t make sense to compete with China in domains as PV production and solar cell manufacturing, and highlighted the fact that for countries such as the U.K. would be best if they concentrated on research and development.

“We have to realize that the current solar market is dominated by cells made in China,” he said.

“These cells are efficient, stable and not that expensive. Therefore, if the U.K. is going to be part of the manufacturing of new solar technology there is no point trying to compete with China at what they are good at.

“We have to build on what we are good at, which is innovation, and develop technologies that are not just cheaper and more stable but things that are fundamentally different to the current technologies.”

The professor applauded the commitment of the Welsh government and its purpose to accelerate the de-carbonization process of Wales and the U.K.
Professor Richard B. Davies, Swansea University’s vice chancellor, says: “The Ser Solar initiative is brave and bold, but I really believe it is going to develop big time for Wales. “It is very much based on building strengths. We know we cannot create world-leading excellence over night” he added.

The center will collaborate with the Imperial College London and local scientists, Bangor University working in close collaboration with Swansea University in order to study the solar progress.

Google puts over $100 million in 265 MW Californian solar plant

Google invests in renewable

The giant has made a partnership with Silver Ridge Power LLC for the investment of $103 million in the 265 MW Mount Signal Solar project in Imperial County, in California.

The search engine shook hands with Silver Ridge Power LLC that will look at next level of commitment to green energy made with the help of a $103 million investment in a new solar power plant.

The 265 MW Mount Signal Solar utility-scale PV plant is in the stage of construction at the location mentioned, in California. The project is due to 2014 and San Diego Gas and Electric has agreed by now to a long-term power purchase agreement with the plant.

This power plant is the project with number 13 and counts as a major contribution to the clean energy world. More over, Google already has more than $1 billion invested in renewable energy in the U.S, but also worldwide. The purchase made now will produce sufficient energy to sustain 500,000 American homes every year.

“Our investment in Mount Signal Solar is a reflection of Google’s ongoing commitment to the renewable energy industry and our strong belief that investing in renewable energy makes business sense,” announced Google’s head of corporate finance, Kojo Ako-Asare. “This is the first time Silver Ridge Power has partnered with a technology company; we appreciate their innovative approach and we hope to see more such partnerships in the future.”

Robert Hemphill, Silver Ridge Power’s CEO, completed: ”We are pleased to have a world-class partner in Google on our flagship Mount Signal Solar project.

“We are on schedule to complete the project in 2014 and, when completed, it will be one of the largest single-axis tracker PV plants in the world.

“Mount Signal Solar represents over half of Silver Ridge Power’s total installed capacity and will provide clean, renewable energy to more than 80,000 homes in California.”

Google’s top arrangement to investment is for Mount Signal to start the operation, which is a common condition that the giant asks from its investments. The solar farm will have panels from First Solar who will also supply the farm’s single-axis trackers.

The second biggest manufacturer in China is to launch new inversters

Zeversolar to launch new Pv inverter

The Chinese from Zeversolar reported a cooperation with Proinso at the Solar Energy UK.

The second biggest PV inverter manufacturer from China, Zeversolar, is now associated with a leading global distributor of solar equipment, Proinso, for the introduction of new inverters to selected global markets. This announcement was made at the Solar Energy exhibition that took place in Solar Energy exhibition in the 8th of October this year. There was where Zeversolar brought to light its latest portfolio.

So, starting this month Prosino will deliver Zeversolar’s inverter-line. Prosino is known as a global distributor being popular in 15 countries. This firm has distributed next to 1.4GW until now and employed has 2407 Qualified Installers worldwide.

Zeversolar comes in with a wide variety of superefficient string-inverters for solar energy systems that already got certified in the UK, i.e. single phase inverters with a nominal input power ranging from 1,5 KWp to 5 KWp and three phase inverters with nominal ranging from 4 KWp to 20 KWp. These inverters have a 96% European efficiency and nominal output power reaching up to 1,5 KWp – 20KWp. Because of all these, they are an excellent choice both for commercial and for domestic purposes. Regardless of their power, all the inverts have either the G83, or the G59/2 certificate.

“With Proinso we have found a reliable partner, who maintains a well established customer network in UK as well as in other international markets, such as Australia and India. Our portfolio represents an excellent mix of quality, liability and budget price point. We are looking forward to meet visitors in Birmingham to show them the updated product line and its possibilities for the UK market,” said the Executive Vice President for Sales, Service and Marketing at Zeversolar, Sven Schreiber.

This was confirmed by the head of Prosino, Mark Randall “with Zeversolar we found a well established inverter manufacturer from China. Proinso has always been extremely careful in selecting inverter partners and with Zeversolar we have found a supplier, who complements our very high profile inverter portfolio, with inverters addressing the budget segment in major markets.”

New photovoltaic plants are going to give energy in Romania

The Colibasi plant brings up PV energy in Romania

Romania solar potential is building up

The energy supplier, Enel Green Power has connected to the PV plant situated in Colibaşi, located south-eastern Romanian county of Giurgiu, to the grid.

More capacity was accepted to the grid by Romania during this week when Rome-based Enel Green Power wired its 6.5 MW Colibasi PV plant.

This plant is situated in the south-east of the country, in Giurgiu county to be precise, and it is said to be responsible for generating nearly eight million kWh of power per year. This supply is said to be able to provide green energy for 7,000 Romanian households and minimize carbon emissions in the region by as much as 4,000 tones each and every year.

The plant from Colibaşi is the third solar installation in Romania from Enel Green Power, an institution that now has have 26 MW of solar PV capacity in the country. The other two Photovoltaic plants owned by them are Berceni 1 and Berceni 2.

Still, the company manages to go all the way until its solar output matches the 498 MW wind capacity they currently boast in the country.

As a recent IHS reports shows, Romania is said to be situated within the fastest-growing solar markets in Europe, considering the 175.5 of solar power available since the first half of 2013 and the 2.7 GW about to be installed in the next couple of years.

The biggest Airport in North America based on a solar power system is about to open

The biigest Airport with a PV system to open this month

Indianapolis International Airport will have PV system

Indianapolis International Airport from the U.S.A is to have a 12.5 MW PV plant, meaning 41,000 solar panels. This puts it on the first place as the largest solar power system on any airport in the North of the continent.

Totaling a number of Comprising 41,000 solar panels, the biggest solar power plant on airport real estate in the U.S. is going to be put in use later in October. Totaling 41,000 solar panels, Indianapolis International’s 12.5 MW PV farm will be situated on 75 acres of land that has not been used before. The array will be providing power for the airport’s terminal.

The PV system is said to help the environment by bringing the airport’s carbon emissions down by 10,700 tons a year. In translation, this is going to be like getting rid of 2, 000 cars from the road. The produced energy is sufficient for about 1, 200 normal American homes per year. The system was built managed via a partnership between Telamon and Johnson Melloh Solutions, and will be wired to 20 Solectrica Renewables SGI 500XT inverters.

A 15-year old power purchase arrangement was made for the regional service company IPL over the plant, which will be connected to the airport terminal.

A raise in the collaboration between airports and solar plants has been noticed over the recent years. The pessimistic outlook about the bad influence induced by glare from the panels on the pilots has created general worry in regard with the combination of the two. Gradually this worry reduced. By 2012, an 8000-panel PV plant was completed within the security zone of the Dusseldorf airport.

The retailer IKEA will sell solar panels in all UK stores

Ikea will sell solar panels

The Swedish furniture retailer is going to sell solar panels in all 17 of it’s U.K. chain store in the up coming 10 months pursuing a succesful pilot within 10 months following a successful pilot business in one Essex store.

IKEA is responsible for a big amount of potency for the solar industry by deciding to sell solar panels into 17 British stores over the next ten moths.

This sale is going to be a premiere as it is the first time the world’s biggest furniture retailer is selling solar panels on a wide scale. This comes after the store tried a pilot scheme at the IKEA store at Lakeside, Essex (just east of London) that sold a PV system almost daily.

Customers have to give from thei pockets at least €6,800 for 18 panels, the cost of a thin-film PV panels made by China’s Hanergy Holding Group Ltd. An IKEA case study shows that homeowners that put money in this investment will recover the expenses in seven years.

“We know that our customers want to live more sustainably and we hope working with Hanergy to make solar panels affordable and easily available helps them do just that,” reported Joanna Yarrow , IKEA’s head of sustainability in the U.K. and Ireland,.
Like an in-store consultation sugests, customers will also beneft of installation and maintenance of the German-made panels.

This sale is part of IKE’s plan to gain a greener image. The sweedish retailer has a plan to gain a clean energy target and to recieve 70% of the energy the stores need fronm solar and wind power until 2015 it self.

The move is a further step by IKEA towards a greener image. The Swedish company has set its own ambitious clean energy target – to source at least 70% of the energy it needs from solar and wind power by 2015, and all of it by 2020.

The company already has solar panels on its factories, warehouses and stores, and owns some wind farm in Europe.

Greek municipalities decided to go solar

Greek Pv will be installed in municipalities

A program of which purpose is to bring up to date the local governments’ infrastructure and also the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in building throughout municipalities in Greece was approved by the Greek Ministry of the Interior

This ministry will take use of European Union funds for the upgrade of the local government infrastructure and management practices. The purpose of the project is to help local governments to have better services but also to reduce their cost and boost their income.

The ministry also chose the areas of action in need of reform. Throughout these areas are is renewable energy and environmental protection also. With the project of installation of PV in municipalities the governments intends to minimize reduce the environmental impact of the local government and provide income by selling the extra generated power.

When funding the project the ministry announced that €6 million and will come specifically through the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the reference document used for the security of European Union funds at the national level.

In the meantime, the capital of Elis in western Peloponnese, the Pyrgos municipality, said that solar PV systems are to be installed on over 200 bus stops.

The project is estimated at €301,305, a sum which includes the supply and the installation of solar systems, and is going to be auctioned in the next weeks. At the funding will also participate NSRF funds via the Environment and Sustainable Development Program, managed by the Greek Ministry of Energy. The cumulated capacity will be 6 KW. Another purpose of the project is to increase public awareness.

A new record was set by a cell structure

The four-junction solar cell set a new record

New efficiency record was set by a solar cell

A solar cell structure with four sub-cells has set a new world record efficiency regarding solar sunlight conversion. The cell succeeded to set a new record efficiency hitting 44.7% and it is the creation of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Soitec, CEA-Leti and the Helmholtz Center Berlin.

The German-French team from the mentioned associations made the announce of a a 43.6% efficiency for the german-french solar cell in this year’s May. But they managed to develop that groundwork and succeeded to expand the efficiency of the solar cell to 44.7%. This efficiency was measured at a concentration of 297 suns. This means that 44.7% of the solar spectrum’s energy, from ultraviolet through to the infrared, is transformed into electricity.

This four-junction solar cells have a utility in concentrated PV or CPV and are formed by several cells made out of different III-V semiconductor materials(composed of elements from III-V groups of the periodic table) one on top the other. The single sub-cells attract absorb different wavelength ranges of the solar spectrum.

“This four-junction solar cell contains our collected expertise in this area over many years. Besides improved materials and optimization of the structure, a new procedure called wafer bonding plays a central role. With this technology, we are able to connect two semiconductor crystals, which otherwise cannot be grown on top of each other with high crystal quality. In this way we can produce the optimal semiconductor combination to create the highest efficiency solar cells,” as Frank Dimroth, Department Head and Project Leader in charge of the development work at Fraunhofer ISE describes the success.

Soitec’s CEO and Chairman André-Jacques Auberton-Hervé thinks that with the accomplishment of this record this four-junction solar cell design based on Soitec’s bonding techniques and expertise can actually be a part of the competitiveness of Soitec’s own CPV systems.