The three massive solar panels that will provide power for NASA's Juno spacecraft during its mission to Jupiter have seen their last photons of light until they are deployed in space after launch.
The last of the Jupiter-bound spacecraft's panels completed pre-flight testing at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., and was folded against the side of the spacecraft into its launch configuration Thursday, May 26.
The solar-powered Juno spacecraft will orbit Jupiter's poles 30 times to find out more about the gas giant's origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere.
"Completing the testing and stow of solar panels is always a big pre-launch milestone, and with Juno, you could say really big because our panels are really big," said Jan Chodas, Juno's project manager from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.
"The next time these three massive solar arrays are extended to their full length, Juno will be climbing away from the Earth at about seven miles per second."
This is the first time in history a spacecraft has used solar power so far out in space (Jupiter is five times farther from the sun than Earth). To operate on the sun's light that far out requires solar panels about the size of the cargo section of a typical tractor-trailer you'd see on the interstate highway.
Even with all that surface area pointed sunward, all three panels, which are 2.7 meters wide (9 feet), by 8.9 meters long (29 feet), will only generate about enough juice to power five standard light bulbs - about 450 watts of electricity. If the arrays were optimized to operate at Earth, they would produce 12 to 14 kilowatts of power.
In other recent events, the 106-foot-long (32-meter-long), 12.5-foot-wide (3.8-meter-wide) first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle that will carry Juno into space arrived at the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 24, aboard the world's second largest cargo aircraft - a Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100.
The two-stage Atlas V, along with the five solid rocket boosters that ring the first stage, will be assembled and tested on site at Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral this summer.
The launch period for Juno opens Aug. 5, 2011, and extends through Aug. 26. For an Aug. 5 liftoff, the launch window opens at 8:39 a.m. PDT (11:39 am EDT) and remains open through 9:39 a.m. PDT (12:39 p.m. EDT).
2011年5月29日星期日
India’s Lanco “Open” to Deals as Solar Industry Poised for Consolidation
Lanco Infratech Ltd. (LANCI), set to emerge as India’s biggest builder of solar power plants, said it’s willing to consider overseas acquisitions amid signs the industry is poised for consolidation.
“There’s a shake-up happening in the solar industry,” said V. Saibaba, chief executive officer of Lanco Solar Pvt., a unit of India’s largest non-state power producer. “If any interesting opportunities come our way, we are definitely open to it.”
Clean-energy companies are likely to become the most active in merger and acquisitions as conglomerates seeking to enter the sector could find cheap targets in a fragmented industry, said Morgan Stanley analyst Allen Wells in a May 16 note. Last month Total SA (FP), Europe’s third-largest oil company, made the largest purchase ever of a solar cell and module maker with a $1.38 billion deal for 60 percent of SunPower Corp. (SPWRA), said Nathaniel Bullard, solar analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Smaller companies may come under pressure to find buyers in Europe, where tariffs paid to renewable energy generators are falling, and China, whose equipment suppliers face declining prices, Saibaba said.
“It will be difficult for many of the small companies to go to the next level,” Saibaba said in an interview in Gurgaon, near the capital of New Delhi on May 27.
“There’s a shake-up happening in the solar industry,” said V. Saibaba, chief executive officer of Lanco Solar Pvt., a unit of India’s largest non-state power producer. “If any interesting opportunities come our way, we are definitely open to it.”
Clean-energy companies are likely to become the most active in merger and acquisitions as conglomerates seeking to enter the sector could find cheap targets in a fragmented industry, said Morgan Stanley analyst Allen Wells in a May 16 note. Last month Total SA (FP), Europe’s third-largest oil company, made the largest purchase ever of a solar cell and module maker with a $1.38 billion deal for 60 percent of SunPower Corp. (SPWRA), said Nathaniel Bullard, solar analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Smaller companies may come under pressure to find buyers in Europe, where tariffs paid to renewable energy generators are falling, and China, whose equipment suppliers face declining prices, Saibaba said.
“It will be difficult for many of the small companies to go to the next level,” Saibaba said in an interview in Gurgaon, near the capital of New Delhi on May 27.
2011年5月25日星期三
No easy options to solve power crisis
When chief minister J Jayalalithaa promised on Tuesday that she will soon have good news on solutions to the ongoing power crisis in the state, many felt that the government may aggressively promote solar and biogas power. But experts caution that any new initiative should be implemented after considering all the consequences.
Solar, for instance, is a pricey option, they point out. The state's power deficit is around 3,000 MW. To bridge the deficit using solar alone may require an investment of around Rs 50,000 crore. Further, solar producers are paid Rs 18 per unit generated, as per central norms. This would be at least three times the price paid by consumers, and hence add to the government's subsidy burden, experts say. Typically every solar plant needs five acres of land for one MW. Mass solar plants may require large-scale land acquisition.
Proponents of solar power, however, point out that the plants require no fuel, generate no emissions and are clean. There is a global thrust toward solar power, and the government can easily get monetary help from the centre through the National Solar Mission and international funding agencies. More importantly for Tamil Nadu, the solar plants can be up and running relatively quickly. "It is just a question of assembling the ready-made solar panels, which can be accomplished in less than six months," said P Boniface of energy consultancy Ulaginoli Energy Solutions.
Large-scale solar plants are a novelty in the country, and therefore the state will be treading on new territory. Sources close to the government say Tamil Nadu was a pioneer in putting up new wind power plants, which shows that it has the engineering resources to embark on a solar drive.
Critics warn that the lessons from wind power development should be applied in solar, too. Solar power, like wind, is intermittent. The power is available typically for eight hours, and a sudden cloud cover can damp down generation. The ongoing power cuts are largely because wind generation has reduced to a few hundred MW, despite the state boasting of a total capacity of 5,000 MW. "The deficit of 3,000 MW is largely due to the fact that the state had not planned for backup power sources when wind is not blowing and not enough wind power is being generated," a central agency source said.
While solar could be an attractive option to quickly install power-generating sources, the state may be helped by the setting up of a power plant in Simhadri, Karnataka in July. This plant could provide 500 MW to Tamil Nadu.
Help can also come from Cauvery water, TNEB sources say. "If enough water can be supplied from Mettur for irrigation in the summer, then many agricultural pumpsets that consume power can stop working, and help to reduce the gap between demand and supply," they say. The officials are also hoping that wind generation will increase from the current levels of less than 300 MW.
Power purchase from other states is another option available through central power exchanges and short-term contracts with other generators. The power can be obtained at around Rs 4 per unit, a central official says. But there is a limitation on the power that can be transferred through the grid to the state, he says. "A new transmission line is proposed, but will take at least another two years to be installed," he says
Solar, for instance, is a pricey option, they point out. The state's power deficit is around 3,000 MW. To bridge the deficit using solar alone may require an investment of around Rs 50,000 crore. Further, solar producers are paid Rs 18 per unit generated, as per central norms. This would be at least three times the price paid by consumers, and hence add to the government's subsidy burden, experts say. Typically every solar plant needs five acres of land for one MW. Mass solar plants may require large-scale land acquisition.
Proponents of solar power, however, point out that the plants require no fuel, generate no emissions and are clean. There is a global thrust toward solar power, and the government can easily get monetary help from the centre through the National Solar Mission and international funding agencies. More importantly for Tamil Nadu, the solar plants can be up and running relatively quickly. "It is just a question of assembling the ready-made solar panels, which can be accomplished in less than six months," said P Boniface of energy consultancy Ulaginoli Energy Solutions.
Large-scale solar plants are a novelty in the country, and therefore the state will be treading on new territory. Sources close to the government say Tamil Nadu was a pioneer in putting up new wind power plants, which shows that it has the engineering resources to embark on a solar drive.
Critics warn that the lessons from wind power development should be applied in solar, too. Solar power, like wind, is intermittent. The power is available typically for eight hours, and a sudden cloud cover can damp down generation. The ongoing power cuts are largely because wind generation has reduced to a few hundred MW, despite the state boasting of a total capacity of 5,000 MW. "The deficit of 3,000 MW is largely due to the fact that the state had not planned for backup power sources when wind is not blowing and not enough wind power is being generated," a central agency source said.
While solar could be an attractive option to quickly install power-generating sources, the state may be helped by the setting up of a power plant in Simhadri, Karnataka in July. This plant could provide 500 MW to Tamil Nadu.
Help can also come from Cauvery water, TNEB sources say. "If enough water can be supplied from Mettur for irrigation in the summer, then many agricultural pumpsets that consume power can stop working, and help to reduce the gap between demand and supply," they say. The officials are also hoping that wind generation will increase from the current levels of less than 300 MW.
Power purchase from other states is another option available through central power exchanges and short-term contracts with other generators. The power can be obtained at around Rs 4 per unit, a central official says. But there is a limitation on the power that can be transferred through the grid to the state, he says. "A new transmission line is proposed, but will take at least another two years to be installed," he says
A Few Things to Know About Solar
Thinking of saving electricity by investing in a solar photovoltaic (PV) system? Here are a few good things to know, pulled from a recent Greenbiz.com webinar on Solar Powered Buildings: Worth Another Look as Prices Fall.
Powerhouse Solar Shingles
Federal tax credits— The 30 percent residential renewable energy tax credit is good through 2016. This gives you up to a 30 percent credit for the cost and installation of a solar PV, solar thermal, wind, geothermal heat pump and fuel cells. There is no ceiling, and excess credit can generally be rolled forward to the next tax year. So if you’re interested in solar technology, it’s a good idea to start pricing and planning now. You can find federal and local incentives at dsire.com
Micro-inverters— The traditional solar PV setup includes an inverter that converts the DC energy created at the solar panel to AC for your home’s use. But one inverter for an entire array can pose limitations on how much energy you realize from your PV system. It’s complicated, but by using one inverter, a solar panel that’s shaded or not performing well can lower a centralized inverter’s maximum power point, and thus the amount of electricity you receive from the system. So in some smaller systems, a micro-inverter is used for each panel. These cost more, but your system may perform better. Some reports indicate that micro-inverters can boost energy harvesting in residential systems up to 15 percent.
DC optimizers—< Also called power boosters, these can be placed on every panel and used with a central inverter to maximize the power coming from the panels and eliminate issues such as shading on one of more panels.
Costs— According to Greg Sheppard, chief research officer for IHS iSuppli, residential solar costs continue to fall, from about $2.50 per watt per module (or panel) in 2009 to about $1.50 per watt today, and costs are expected to drop to almost $1 per watt (or about $200 per panel) in 2015. Though these are panel costs, not installation costs. According to the Open PV Project from NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab), the average cost for solar panel installation in the United States was $6.94 per watt in 2010. Manufacturing costs will certainly continue to decline. “Manufacturing is a lot more efficient,” Sheppard says. “A lot of [assembly of solar panels] was done by hand up to a couple of years ago.”
Thin Films are Coming— Most solar panels today are made with crystalline silicon, though expect to see more flexible, thin panels that use technologies like CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide), Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), and amorphous silicon, though for now the efficiencies of crystalline silicon are better. The best efficiencies in available high-end monocrystalline silicon panels are about 19 percent, according to Sheppard. Look for thin-film technologies in BIPV (built-in photovoltaic) systems like roofing shingles. This year Dow Chemical will introduce its Powerhouse Solar roofing shingles, with the solar panels provided by Global Solar. The flexible CIGS panels are built right into asphalt shingles.
Energy Monitoring— Good energy monitoring systems exist for solar arrays, and are recommended to properly measure a PV system’s performance. An inverter, for example, will display the output of electricity but not what goes into it. So an improperly working inverter may go unnoticed without energy monitoring. Systems that can monitor a solar array’s energy production include eMonitor, EcoDog and Agilewaves.
Powerhouse Solar Shingles
Federal tax credits— The 30 percent residential renewable energy tax credit is good through 2016. This gives you up to a 30 percent credit for the cost and installation of a solar PV, solar thermal, wind, geothermal heat pump and fuel cells. There is no ceiling, and excess credit can generally be rolled forward to the next tax year. So if you’re interested in solar technology, it’s a good idea to start pricing and planning now. You can find federal and local incentives at dsire.com
Micro-inverters— The traditional solar PV setup includes an inverter that converts the DC energy created at the solar panel to AC for your home’s use. But one inverter for an entire array can pose limitations on how much energy you realize from your PV system. It’s complicated, but by using one inverter, a solar panel that’s shaded or not performing well can lower a centralized inverter’s maximum power point, and thus the amount of electricity you receive from the system. So in some smaller systems, a micro-inverter is used for each panel. These cost more, but your system may perform better. Some reports indicate that micro-inverters can boost energy harvesting in residential systems up to 15 percent.
DC optimizers—< Also called power boosters, these can be placed on every panel and used with a central inverter to maximize the power coming from the panels and eliminate issues such as shading on one of more panels.
Costs— According to Greg Sheppard, chief research officer for IHS iSuppli, residential solar costs continue to fall, from about $2.50 per watt per module (or panel) in 2009 to about $1.50 per watt today, and costs are expected to drop to almost $1 per watt (or about $200 per panel) in 2015. Though these are panel costs, not installation costs. According to the Open PV Project from NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab), the average cost for solar panel installation in the United States was $6.94 per watt in 2010. Manufacturing costs will certainly continue to decline. “Manufacturing is a lot more efficient,” Sheppard says. “A lot of [assembly of solar panels] was done by hand up to a couple of years ago.”
Thin Films are Coming— Most solar panels today are made with crystalline silicon, though expect to see more flexible, thin panels that use technologies like CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide), Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), and amorphous silicon, though for now the efficiencies of crystalline silicon are better. The best efficiencies in available high-end monocrystalline silicon panels are about 19 percent, according to Sheppard. Look for thin-film technologies in BIPV (built-in photovoltaic) systems like roofing shingles. This year Dow Chemical will introduce its Powerhouse Solar roofing shingles, with the solar panels provided by Global Solar. The flexible CIGS panels are built right into asphalt shingles.
Energy Monitoring— Good energy monitoring systems exist for solar arrays, and are recommended to properly measure a PV system’s performance. An inverter, for example, will display the output of electricity but not what goes into it. So an improperly working inverter may go unnoticed without energy monitoring. Systems that can monitor a solar array’s energy production include eMonitor, EcoDog and Agilewaves.
2011年5月22日星期日
Solar fare up
Slashing the solar panel rebate will undermine homeowner’s confidence in green programs, according to Ally Tesoriero from the solar power installation company Solar Switch.
Premier Barry O’Farrell will introduce retrospective legislation to cut the solar scheme from 60 cents to 40 cents in a move that is expected to save $471 million. More than 120,000 households already signed up will have their rebate slashed by 20 cents.
Mr Tesoriero said Mr O’Farrell was setting “a very dangerous precedent” that would undermine public confidence in the solar industry and the government itself.
“It will be shooting itself in the foot as it will say that NSW isn’t a safe place to invest your money,” he said.
More than 500 customers, employers and solar industry workers rallied in the city on March 18 to protest against the government’s decision to scrap the plan.
Maroubra MP Michael Daley slammed the decision to downsize the $1.9 billion program to help reduce the budget blowout that Energy Minister Chris Hartcher said was “threatening” the state.
“I think what the O’Farrell Government has done is a terrible thing, it is terrible for people who want to do the right thing and generate renewable energy and it says that when you enter into an agreement with this government, it can be changed at any time,” Mr Daley said.
But Mr Hartcher said the NSW Government was committed to renewable energy -“our focus will be sensible, sustained and affordable progress”.
Mr Hartcher said about 400,000 people are still waiting for their panels to be connected or have applications still pending. They will receive either a 40 or 20 cent rebate depending on which contract they signed up to.
The Greens have slammed the Government’s management of the scheme. Greens MP John Kaye said the suspension and the cuts would effectively gut the solar energy industry in NSW, cutting jobs and further opportunities. The scheme is slated to finish up in December 2016.
DID YOU KNOW?
During its first 10 months, from January last year, 99,000 customers connected or applied to connect under the solar scheme.The former Labor Government was forced to slash the feed-in tariff to 20 cents for new customers in November after a massive surge in installations. When former premier Kristina Keneally announced on November 18 that new applicants to the scheme would have their rebates scaled back from 60c to 20c, 37,000 people still applied to the scheme in three weeks. The three weeks of sign-ups cost $500 million and pumped 79 megawatts into the state electricity grid. The entire scheme has now blown out to 365mW.
Premier Barry O’Farrell will introduce retrospective legislation to cut the solar scheme from 60 cents to 40 cents in a move that is expected to save $471 million. More than 120,000 households already signed up will have their rebate slashed by 20 cents.
Mr Tesoriero said Mr O’Farrell was setting “a very dangerous precedent” that would undermine public confidence in the solar industry and the government itself.
“It will be shooting itself in the foot as it will say that NSW isn’t a safe place to invest your money,” he said.
More than 500 customers, employers and solar industry workers rallied in the city on March 18 to protest against the government’s decision to scrap the plan.
Maroubra MP Michael Daley slammed the decision to downsize the $1.9 billion program to help reduce the budget blowout that Energy Minister Chris Hartcher said was “threatening” the state.
“I think what the O’Farrell Government has done is a terrible thing, it is terrible for people who want to do the right thing and generate renewable energy and it says that when you enter into an agreement with this government, it can be changed at any time,” Mr Daley said.
But Mr Hartcher said the NSW Government was committed to renewable energy -“our focus will be sensible, sustained and affordable progress”.
Mr Hartcher said about 400,000 people are still waiting for their panels to be connected or have applications still pending. They will receive either a 40 or 20 cent rebate depending on which contract they signed up to.
The Greens have slammed the Government’s management of the scheme. Greens MP John Kaye said the suspension and the cuts would effectively gut the solar energy industry in NSW, cutting jobs and further opportunities. The scheme is slated to finish up in December 2016.
DID YOU KNOW?
During its first 10 months, from January last year, 99,000 customers connected or applied to connect under the solar scheme.The former Labor Government was forced to slash the feed-in tariff to 20 cents for new customers in November after a massive surge in installations. When former premier Kristina Keneally announced on November 18 that new applicants to the scheme would have their rebates scaled back from 60c to 20c, 37,000 people still applied to the scheme in three weeks. The three weeks of sign-ups cost $500 million and pumped 79 megawatts into the state electricity grid. The entire scheme has now blown out to 365mW.
Japan 'plans solar panels for all new buildings'
Japan is considering a plan that would make it compulsory for all new buildings and houses to come fitted with solar panels by 2030, a business daily said Sunday.
The plan, expected to be unveiled at the upcoming G8 Summit in France, aims to show Japan's resolve to encourage technological innovation and promote the wider use of renewable energy, the Nikkei daily said.
Japan has reeled from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the nuclear crisis they triggered as it battles to stabilise the crippled Fukushima Daiichi atomic power plant.
On Thursday, the first day of the two-day summit in Deauville, France, Prime Minister Naoto Kan is expected to announce Japan's intention to continue operating nuclear plants after confirming their safety, the Nikkei said without citing sources.
But he is also expected to unveil a plan to step up efforts to push renewable energy and energy conservation.
Kan believes that the installation of solar panels would help Japan realise such goals, the Nikkei said.
He hopes that technological innovation will drastically bring down costs of solar power generation and thereby make the use of renewable energy more widespread, it said.
The plan, expected to be unveiled at the upcoming G8 Summit in France, aims to show Japan's resolve to encourage technological innovation and promote the wider use of renewable energy, the Nikkei daily said.
Japan has reeled from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the nuclear crisis they triggered as it battles to stabilise the crippled Fukushima Daiichi atomic power plant.
On Thursday, the first day of the two-day summit in Deauville, France, Prime Minister Naoto Kan is expected to announce Japan's intention to continue operating nuclear plants after confirming their safety, the Nikkei said without citing sources.
But he is also expected to unveil a plan to step up efforts to push renewable energy and energy conservation.
Kan believes that the installation of solar panels would help Japan realise such goals, the Nikkei said.
He hopes that technological innovation will drastically bring down costs of solar power generation and thereby make the use of renewable energy more widespread, it said.
2011年5月18日星期三
Highly efficient solar product
A University of Missouri engineer has developed a flexible solar sheet that captures more than 90 per cent of available light, and he plans to make prototypes available to consumers within the next five years. Efficiency is a problem with today's solar panels; they only collect about 20 percent of available light.
The device his team has developed — essentially a thin, mouldable sheet of small antennas called nantenna — can harvest the heat from industrial processes and convert it into usable electricity. Their ambition is to extend this concept to a direct solar facing nantenna device capable of collecting solar irradiation in the near infrared and optical regions of the solar spectrum, according to a University of Missouri press release.
Patrick Pinhero, the team leader, an associate professor in the MU Chemical Engineering Department, says energy generated using traditional photovoltaic (PV) methods of solar collection is inefficient and neglects much of the available solar electromagnetic (sunlight) spectrum.
Working with his former team at the Idaho National Laboratory and Garrett Moddel, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Colorado, Pinhero and his team have now developed a way to extract electricity from the collected heat and sunlight using special high-speed electrical circuitry. This team also partners with Dennis Slafer of MicroContinuum, Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., to immediately port laboratory bench-scale technologies into manufacturable devices that can be inexpensively mass-produced.
“Our overall goal is to collect and utilize as much solar energy as is theoretically possible and bring it to the commercial market in an inexpensive package that is accessible to everyone,” Pinhero said. “If successful, this product will put us orders of magnitudes ahead of the current solar energy technologies we have available to us today.”
The second phase
The second phase features an energy-harvesting device for existing industrial infrastructure, including heat-process factories and solar farms.
Within five years, the research team believes they will have a product that complements conventional PV solar panels. Because it's a flexible film, Pinhero believes it could be incorporated into roof shingle products, or be custom-made to power vehicles.
Once the funding is secure, Pinhero envisions several commercial product spin-offs, including infrared (IR) detection.
These include improved contraband-identifying products for airports and the military, optical computing, and infrared line-of-sight telecommunications. — Our Bureau
The device his team has developed — essentially a thin, mouldable sheet of small antennas called nantenna — can harvest the heat from industrial processes and convert it into usable electricity. Their ambition is to extend this concept to a direct solar facing nantenna device capable of collecting solar irradiation in the near infrared and optical regions of the solar spectrum, according to a University of Missouri press release.
Patrick Pinhero, the team leader, an associate professor in the MU Chemical Engineering Department, says energy generated using traditional photovoltaic (PV) methods of solar collection is inefficient and neglects much of the available solar electromagnetic (sunlight) spectrum.
Working with his former team at the Idaho National Laboratory and Garrett Moddel, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Colorado, Pinhero and his team have now developed a way to extract electricity from the collected heat and sunlight using special high-speed electrical circuitry. This team also partners with Dennis Slafer of MicroContinuum, Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., to immediately port laboratory bench-scale technologies into manufacturable devices that can be inexpensively mass-produced.
“Our overall goal is to collect and utilize as much solar energy as is theoretically possible and bring it to the commercial market in an inexpensive package that is accessible to everyone,” Pinhero said. “If successful, this product will put us orders of magnitudes ahead of the current solar energy technologies we have available to us today.”
The second phase
The second phase features an energy-harvesting device for existing industrial infrastructure, including heat-process factories and solar farms.
Within five years, the research team believes they will have a product that complements conventional PV solar panels. Because it's a flexible film, Pinhero believes it could be incorporated into roof shingle products, or be custom-made to power vehicles.
Once the funding is secure, Pinhero envisions several commercial product spin-offs, including infrared (IR) detection.
These include improved contraband-identifying products for airports and the military, optical computing, and infrared line-of-sight telecommunications. — Our Bureau
Suntech to Churn Out More Panels
Suntech Power Holdings Company Ltd. (STP - Analyst Report) engaged a third production shift at its new solar panel manufacturing facility in Goodyear, Arizona. The expansion adds 30 more solar jobs to Arizona's fast-growing solar economy. Suntech Power increased churn-out of panels is in line with the growing demand for its panels in U.S.
As a result of the addition of new shift the module manufacturing facility will now run twenty-four hours per day with 107 employees. The expansion brings the facility's annualized production throughput to about 50MW, representing 15,000 high-quality solar panels per month.
The 117,000 square foot manufacturing facility features highly-automated manufacturing and product testing equipment and currently produces Suntech's 280W solar panels for commercial and utility-scale electricity generation. All modules produced at the facility are backed by a 25-year power output warranty and are compliant for procurement in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Buy American Act projects.
Suntech's Goodyear, Arizona, manufacturing facility was opened in October 2010, initially with 30MW of production capacity and 40 employees. The operation has grown steadily since, taking on a second shift in January 2011, and remains on-target to employ 150 employees by the end of 2011. The company plans to further expand annual capacity in the facility to 120MW within the next few years.
Wuxi, China-based Suntech is a leading solar energy company. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. The company is slated to release its first quarter of 2011 results on May 25, 2011.
For that quarter Suntech expects PV shipments to be relatively flat compared with the fourth quarter of 2010. Gross margin in the first quarter of 2011 is expected to be approximately 20%.
For fiscal 2011, Suntech expects to ship at least 2.2GW of solar products and generate revenues of $3.4 billion to $3.6 billion. Gross margin for fiscal 2011 is expected to be approximately 20% to 22%.
Suntech Power is one of the largest producers of PV solar modules with a geographically-diversified customer base. It uses its proprietary Pluto technology. The company by the end of 2011 expects to achieve an annualized production capacity of 2.4GW for cell and module; and 1.2GW for wafer. Full year 2011 capital expenditure is expected to be in the range of $250 million–$270 million.
Other positive factors for Suntech include ongoing expansion programs, higher conversion efficiency through its Pluto technology-enabled modules, subsidy program in China and improving operating efficiencies. However apprehensions over rising competition, subsidy cuts in Europe and financial stability of its customers overshadow the positives.
In the near-term (1 to 3 months) we feel the Zacks #3 Rank (Hold) stock would trade in line with peers like First Solar Inc. (FSLR - Analyst Report) and JinkoSolar Holding Company Ltd. (JKS - Snapshot Report). Over the longer run, our Outperform recommendation on the stock indicates that it should perform above the broader market.
As a result of the addition of new shift the module manufacturing facility will now run twenty-four hours per day with 107 employees. The expansion brings the facility's annualized production throughput to about 50MW, representing 15,000 high-quality solar panels per month.
The 117,000 square foot manufacturing facility features highly-automated manufacturing and product testing equipment and currently produces Suntech's 280W solar panels for commercial and utility-scale electricity generation. All modules produced at the facility are backed by a 25-year power output warranty and are compliant for procurement in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Buy American Act projects.
Suntech's Goodyear, Arizona, manufacturing facility was opened in October 2010, initially with 30MW of production capacity and 40 employees. The operation has grown steadily since, taking on a second shift in January 2011, and remains on-target to employ 150 employees by the end of 2011. The company plans to further expand annual capacity in the facility to 120MW within the next few years.
Wuxi, China-based Suntech is a leading solar energy company. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. The company is slated to release its first quarter of 2011 results on May 25, 2011.
For that quarter Suntech expects PV shipments to be relatively flat compared with the fourth quarter of 2010. Gross margin in the first quarter of 2011 is expected to be approximately 20%.
For fiscal 2011, Suntech expects to ship at least 2.2GW of solar products and generate revenues of $3.4 billion to $3.6 billion. Gross margin for fiscal 2011 is expected to be approximately 20% to 22%.
Suntech Power is one of the largest producers of PV solar modules with a geographically-diversified customer base. It uses its proprietary Pluto technology. The company by the end of 2011 expects to achieve an annualized production capacity of 2.4GW for cell and module; and 1.2GW for wafer. Full year 2011 capital expenditure is expected to be in the range of $250 million–$270 million.
Other positive factors for Suntech include ongoing expansion programs, higher conversion efficiency through its Pluto technology-enabled modules, subsidy program in China and improving operating efficiencies. However apprehensions over rising competition, subsidy cuts in Europe and financial stability of its customers overshadow the positives.
In the near-term (1 to 3 months) we feel the Zacks #3 Rank (Hold) stock would trade in line with peers like First Solar Inc. (FSLR - Analyst Report) and JinkoSolar Holding Company Ltd. (JKS - Snapshot Report). Over the longer run, our Outperform recommendation on the stock indicates that it should perform above the broader market.
Seattle Seahawks home to add Solyndra solar panels
The Seattle Seahawks stadium, Qwest Field Event Center, is adding solar panels to its roof.
The solar arrays from Fremont, Calif.-based Solyndra are racks of thin-film CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, and selenide) solar cells shaped like tubes. The racks will cover approximately 2.5 acres, about 80 percent, of Qwest Field, Solyndra announced yesterday.
Solyndra is known for its tube-shape solar cells that capture direct, diffuse, and reflected sunlight throughout the day without the need for a rotating mechanism, the method often used to maximize the efficiency of flat solar panels.
The arrays for Qwest Field will come from Solyndra's state-of-the-art solar manufacturing plant in California, which was built in part with a $535 million federal loan guarantee from the Department of Energy. The plant is a showcase for U.S. green-tech manufacturing: It employs over 1,000 people operating robotics manufacturing tools as a way to curb production costs and compete against inexpensive solar panels from China while keeping jobs in the U.S.
In this case, the arrays will also take advantage of the light reflected from the Seattle stadium's white "cool roof," which was originally installed to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the building. Because Solyndra's panels can capture reflected light, the white roof reflection should increase the system's electricity production, according to Solyndra.
The solar system is being installed by McKinstry, an energy solutions company that has also designed and installed Qwest Field's low-flow water fixtures and high-efficiency lighting systems.
When complete at the end of the summer, the solar installation is expected to generate enough electricity annually to power the equivalent of 95 homes, and result in a 21 percent reduction in the stadium's utility costs. As a way to promote and educate people about solar technology, fans will also be able to track the electricity production and use at computer kiosks on the stadium grounds, according to Solyndra.
The Seattle Seahawks team is owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who recently created the Green Sports Alliance in conjunction with the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Green Sports Alliance, which has the endorsement of six pro sports leagues as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, has made it its mission to persuade sports stadiums around the U.S. to upgrade their environmental efforts.
The solar arrays from Fremont, Calif.-based Solyndra are racks of thin-film CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, and selenide) solar cells shaped like tubes. The racks will cover approximately 2.5 acres, about 80 percent, of Qwest Field, Solyndra announced yesterday.
Solyndra is known for its tube-shape solar cells that capture direct, diffuse, and reflected sunlight throughout the day without the need for a rotating mechanism, the method often used to maximize the efficiency of flat solar panels.
The arrays for Qwest Field will come from Solyndra's state-of-the-art solar manufacturing plant in California, which was built in part with a $535 million federal loan guarantee from the Department of Energy. The plant is a showcase for U.S. green-tech manufacturing: It employs over 1,000 people operating robotics manufacturing tools as a way to curb production costs and compete against inexpensive solar panels from China while keeping jobs in the U.S.
In this case, the arrays will also take advantage of the light reflected from the Seattle stadium's white "cool roof," which was originally installed to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the building. Because Solyndra's panels can capture reflected light, the white roof reflection should increase the system's electricity production, according to Solyndra.
The solar system is being installed by McKinstry, an energy solutions company that has also designed and installed Qwest Field's low-flow water fixtures and high-efficiency lighting systems.
When complete at the end of the summer, the solar installation is expected to generate enough electricity annually to power the equivalent of 95 homes, and result in a 21 percent reduction in the stadium's utility costs. As a way to promote and educate people about solar technology, fans will also be able to track the electricity production and use at computer kiosks on the stadium grounds, according to Solyndra.
The Seattle Seahawks team is owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who recently created the Green Sports Alliance in conjunction with the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Green Sports Alliance, which has the endorsement of six pro sports leagues as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, has made it its mission to persuade sports stadiums around the U.S. to upgrade their environmental efforts.
2011年5月15日星期日
Saint-Gobain Solar Brings Avancis PowerMax® Solar Module to North America
Saint-Gobain Solar is expanding its product offering in North America through the introduction of Avancis PowerMax® premium class photovoltaic (PV) modules. Showcasing Avancis' industry-leading research and development product experience, PowerMax® combines Copper–Indium–Selenide (CIS) solar power technology with a sophisticated slim design, providing an ultra-efficient, cost-effective energy solution.
"In keeping with our commitment to help protect our global natural environment, we are thrilled to now be able to offer the Avancis PV modules to a new audience of architects, home builders and contractors," said Alain Garnier, general manager of Saint-Gobain Solar in North America. "PowerMax® combines sleek aesthetics with straightforward installation and sustainable functionality, making it much easier to incorporate a low cost design solution while reducing reliance on expensive traditional utility power."
The stylishly uniform PowerMax® black panels are extremely durable, easy to install and suitable for use on roofs, curtain walls, and canopies. Avancis' pioneering use of CIS technology incorporates thin layers (less than one micron) deposited on glass substrate, enabling the highest electricity conversion efficiency for thin film solar modules — particularly in low light — as verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). PowerMax® demonstrates the broadest spectral sensitivity in the entire field of photovoltaic, making the panels ideal for both single-dwelling and commercial roof installations. The modules are covered by 20-year performance and 10-year product warranties.
In terms of performance, PowerMax® offers significant energy savings and reduces the carbon emissions of buildings, as evidenced by the recent installation at Saint-Gobain Solar's headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz. The system will offset 20 percent of annual electricity consumption and reduce carbon emissions by 224,000 pounds over 20 years — the equivalent of a 23-acre forest.
"Installing PowerMax® at our facility not only helps Saint-Gobain Solar reduce its environmental impact, it offers a real-world application we can share with our customers," adds Garnier.
About Saint-Gobain Solar
Saint-Gobain Solar, a member of the Saint-Gobain family of companies, is a worldwide leader in solar energy products and services. For nearly 350 years, Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building products manufacturer, has offered solutions to architects. Today, Saint-Gobain is combining its know-how in construction products with its solar technology expertise to provide sustainable materials, engineered renewable energy solutions, and photovoltaic solutions for the architectural market.
Saint-Gobain develops solutions to help architects create a new generation of buildings that are safe, comfortable, economical and energy efficient. Saint-Gobain's family of companies offer: exterior and interior building products; architectural membranes and fabrics; paintable wall coverings; solar products; fire-rated, intelligent and electrochromic glass, and more. Saint-Gobain recently earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for ongoing and outstanding leadership in energy management.
"In keeping with our commitment to help protect our global natural environment, we are thrilled to now be able to offer the Avancis PV modules to a new audience of architects, home builders and contractors," said Alain Garnier, general manager of Saint-Gobain Solar in North America. "PowerMax® combines sleek aesthetics with straightforward installation and sustainable functionality, making it much easier to incorporate a low cost design solution while reducing reliance on expensive traditional utility power."
The stylishly uniform PowerMax® black panels are extremely durable, easy to install and suitable for use on roofs, curtain walls, and canopies. Avancis' pioneering use of CIS technology incorporates thin layers (less than one micron) deposited on glass substrate, enabling the highest electricity conversion efficiency for thin film solar modules — particularly in low light — as verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). PowerMax® demonstrates the broadest spectral sensitivity in the entire field of photovoltaic, making the panels ideal for both single-dwelling and commercial roof installations. The modules are covered by 20-year performance and 10-year product warranties.
In terms of performance, PowerMax® offers significant energy savings and reduces the carbon emissions of buildings, as evidenced by the recent installation at Saint-Gobain Solar's headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz. The system will offset 20 percent of annual electricity consumption and reduce carbon emissions by 224,000 pounds over 20 years — the equivalent of a 23-acre forest.
"Installing PowerMax® at our facility not only helps Saint-Gobain Solar reduce its environmental impact, it offers a real-world application we can share with our customers," adds Garnier.
About Saint-Gobain Solar
Saint-Gobain Solar, a member of the Saint-Gobain family of companies, is a worldwide leader in solar energy products and services. For nearly 350 years, Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building products manufacturer, has offered solutions to architects. Today, Saint-Gobain is combining its know-how in construction products with its solar technology expertise to provide sustainable materials, engineered renewable energy solutions, and photovoltaic solutions for the architectural market.
Saint-Gobain develops solutions to help architects create a new generation of buildings that are safe, comfortable, economical and energy efficient. Saint-Gobain's family of companies offer: exterior and interior building products; architectural membranes and fabrics; paintable wall coverings; solar products; fire-rated, intelligent and electrochromic glass, and more. Saint-Gobain recently earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for ongoing and outstanding leadership in energy management.
Omaha man uses billboards in fight to keep solar panels
The Omaha resident has turned a dispute with his neighborhood association into a public battle, putting up billboards, launching a website and taking to social media to publicize a lawsuit filed against him over the installation of solar panels on the roof of his home near Lake Zorinsky.
"It's not about money," Adams, 49, said. "It's about sticking up for principles. If it's about spending tens of thousands of dollars educating people, I will do it."
Adams, an orthodontist who lives in the upscale home with his wife and their eight children, said he didn't know he needed permission from the South Shore Heights Homeowners Association before putting up the $39,000 panels last fall. He made the decision, in part, because he wanted to switch to renewable energy and save money on his electricity bills. Adams said the panels are generating more than enough electricity to power his home and he's saving enough on energy bills to have his investment returned in 10 to 12 years.
That's if he's allowed to keep them.
The homeowners association that governs 226 homes asked Adams to take them down. He's refused, so the association got permission from its membership to take him to court. A lawsuit was filed in late March in Douglas County District Court.
Adams violated the association's rules — or covenants — that requires its permission before exterior home improvements or additions.
Al Williams, president of the homeowners association, declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but said residents are given copies of the neighborhood rules each year in their handbook, so they should know what they can and can't do. The rules were last renewed in 2006 and govern house size, improvements such as swimming pools, dog houses and flag poles, and storage of boats, campers and lawn mowers, among other things, in an attempt to protect home values.
Adams has pleaded ignorance of the rules. He's sought to drum up support to keep the solar panels and draw attention to the lawsuit through a barrage of letters to his neighbors, billboards posted at high-traffic intersections in Omaha and an online campaign that includes a website, Facebook page and Twitter account.
"This is a problem throughout the nation, where people want to put up solar panels but someone says they're ugly," Adams said.
Williams said there are homeowners in the association on both sides of the issue, and it's causing some friction.
"I don't wish this on any neighborhood," he said.
The Nebraska Energy Office does not keep track of the number of homes that generate solar power. Spokesman Jerry Loos said there is no permit process and homeowners aren't required to notify the state.
Loos said he wasn't aware of any specific disputes between Nebraska homeowners and their neighborhood associations over solar energy devices but noted such disputes aren't uncommon elsewhere.
Almost half of states have laws protecting homeowners' rights to install and operate solar energy devices, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Nebraska is not among them, but it does have a law allowing for easements and zoning variances to accommodate solar projects.
A handful of U.S. cities, including Madison, Wis., have passed local ordinances protecting homeowners' rights to solar access. Omaha's planning department is updating the city's master plan, and among the suggested changes is revising city codes to protect solar access. Adams' media blitz asks supporters to contact Omaha officials and push for such an ordinance.
Some of Adams' neighbors don't think solar panels are the real issue in his dispute with the homeowners association. They said it's really about being a good neighbor.
Wayne Gill, whose house faces Adams' solar panels, said: "Unfortunately, this has turned into an issue about solar power, when it's really about your neighbors and taking them into account before doing something."
He said he doesn't mind the solar panels and "when I first saw them up, I said, 'That's cool.'" But, he added, Adams didn't get permission to put them up and he never apologized for doing so.
Another neighbor, Jonathan McIntosh, said he doesn't think the association would have approved the solar panels had Adams sought permission. He said the rules are in place to protect the integrity and value of the neighborhood, and Adams is compromising that.
"It damages the neighborhood," he said. "If you don't have those covenants in place, you get a free-for-all. I don't want that. We have a great neighborhood."
Adams agreed that the dispute isn't really about installing solar panels without permission. He said he feels his homeowners association has been lax in enforcing its rules in the past but it is compelled to fight him after receiving a written complaint from another homeowner.
"It's about using this as a platform to reassert their authority," Adams said. "They're taking on the wrong case. Go after someone who's not cutting their grass or (is) putting up faulty siding."
"It's not about money," Adams, 49, said. "It's about sticking up for principles. If it's about spending tens of thousands of dollars educating people, I will do it."
Adams, an orthodontist who lives in the upscale home with his wife and their eight children, said he didn't know he needed permission from the South Shore Heights Homeowners Association before putting up the $39,000 panels last fall. He made the decision, in part, because he wanted to switch to renewable energy and save money on his electricity bills. Adams said the panels are generating more than enough electricity to power his home and he's saving enough on energy bills to have his investment returned in 10 to 12 years.
That's if he's allowed to keep them.
The homeowners association that governs 226 homes asked Adams to take them down. He's refused, so the association got permission from its membership to take him to court. A lawsuit was filed in late March in Douglas County District Court.
Adams violated the association's rules — or covenants — that requires its permission before exterior home improvements or additions.
Al Williams, president of the homeowners association, declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but said residents are given copies of the neighborhood rules each year in their handbook, so they should know what they can and can't do. The rules were last renewed in 2006 and govern house size, improvements such as swimming pools, dog houses and flag poles, and storage of boats, campers and lawn mowers, among other things, in an attempt to protect home values.
Adams has pleaded ignorance of the rules. He's sought to drum up support to keep the solar panels and draw attention to the lawsuit through a barrage of letters to his neighbors, billboards posted at high-traffic intersections in Omaha and an online campaign that includes a website, Facebook page and Twitter account.
"This is a problem throughout the nation, where people want to put up solar panels but someone says they're ugly," Adams said.
Williams said there are homeowners in the association on both sides of the issue, and it's causing some friction.
"I don't wish this on any neighborhood," he said.
The Nebraska Energy Office does not keep track of the number of homes that generate solar power. Spokesman Jerry Loos said there is no permit process and homeowners aren't required to notify the state.
Loos said he wasn't aware of any specific disputes between Nebraska homeowners and their neighborhood associations over solar energy devices but noted such disputes aren't uncommon elsewhere.
Almost half of states have laws protecting homeowners' rights to install and operate solar energy devices, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Nebraska is not among them, but it does have a law allowing for easements and zoning variances to accommodate solar projects.
A handful of U.S. cities, including Madison, Wis., have passed local ordinances protecting homeowners' rights to solar access. Omaha's planning department is updating the city's master plan, and among the suggested changes is revising city codes to protect solar access. Adams' media blitz asks supporters to contact Omaha officials and push for such an ordinance.
Some of Adams' neighbors don't think solar panels are the real issue in his dispute with the homeowners association. They said it's really about being a good neighbor.
Wayne Gill, whose house faces Adams' solar panels, said: "Unfortunately, this has turned into an issue about solar power, when it's really about your neighbors and taking them into account before doing something."
He said he doesn't mind the solar panels and "when I first saw them up, I said, 'That's cool.'" But, he added, Adams didn't get permission to put them up and he never apologized for doing so.
Another neighbor, Jonathan McIntosh, said he doesn't think the association would have approved the solar panels had Adams sought permission. He said the rules are in place to protect the integrity and value of the neighborhood, and Adams is compromising that.
"It damages the neighborhood," he said. "If you don't have those covenants in place, you get a free-for-all. I don't want that. We have a great neighborhood."
Adams agreed that the dispute isn't really about installing solar panels without permission. He said he feels his homeowners association has been lax in enforcing its rules in the past but it is compelled to fight him after receiving a written complaint from another homeowner.
"It's about using this as a platform to reassert their authority," Adams said. "They're taking on the wrong case. Go after someone who's not cutting their grass or (is) putting up faulty siding."
2011年5月10日星期二
DOE Offers $91M Loan Guarantee for Cogentrix’s Concentrating PV Solar
Here’s good news for proponents of a solar tech that some thought would never be widely used: The U.S. Department of Energy said Tuesday it’s offering a conditional commitment for a $90.6 million loan guarantee to build a solar power plant in Colorado that will use a hybrid of mirrors and solar cells.
The loan guarantee will help fund the 30 MW Alamosa Solar Generating Project being built by Cogentrix, which plans to use concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) panels from Amonix, a company backed by venture capitalists like Kleiner Perkins. Cogentrix announced a deal to sell electricity from the project to power company Xcel Energy last August.
Alamosa is the largest, proposed CPV project in the world, and that tells you something about how difficult it has been to promote the use of CPV in power plant development. Many of the utility-scale solar power projects under development these days are more than 100 MW and use conventional solar panels or solar thermal technologies, which rely on mirrors to concentrate the light to heat fluid for producing steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. Through its loan guarantee program, the DOE has helped to finance power projects using emerging technologies that have a hard time attracting private investments.
CPV technology is supposed to generate electricity for less than the other more commonly use solar technologies. By concentrating light, a CPV system uses far less solar cells and that is supposed to cut cost. But the price of solar cells for conventional solar panels has dropped more than half in recent years thanks mainly to generous government incentives, primarily in Europe, that boost solar panel installations. Solar panels can go on rooftops while CPV, with its solar panels that are several times larger than conventional ones as well as bulky trackers, are mostly destined for installation on the ground.
The largest CPV project built in the U.S. last year was a 1 MW project by CPV technology developer SolFocus at a community college in California. Last month, Amonix bested that record when it announced a 2 MW project it co-developed and completed with Granite Construction and University of Arizona at the university campus last month. The electricity goes to the local utility, Tucson Electric Power.
Amonix was actually founded in 1989 and carried out some small projects in the U.S. and Europe before lining up money to build a commercial-size factory and headquarters in California in 2008. It also benefited from the federal stimulus funding and received $5.8 million in manufacturing tax credit to help build a factory north of Las Vegas. The company, which got a new CEO, Brian Robertson, in November 2009 and then raised a B round of $129.4 million led by Kleiner Perkins last year, is set to do a ribbon cutting at the new factory on May 17.
Amonix’s technology uses Fresnel lenses to concentrate the sunlight 500 times onto triple-junction solar cells. Each system, with 53-kilowatt (AC) of generation capacity, is made up of 7 giant modules mounted on a dual-axis tracker. Each module measures 10-ft. by 49-ft and contains 36 sets of lenses and receivers; each receiver contains 30 solar cells. Carla Pihowich, vice president of marketing at Amonix, told me last year that the company was using cells with 39 percent efficiency, which leads to 31 percent efficiency for each module and 25 percent efficiency overall for each system.
Completing the Alamosa project also will be a milestone for Cogentrix, which is owned by Goldman Sachs and owns mostly fossil fuel power plants in the U.S. and hydroelectric power plants in Turkey. Cogentrix’s current solar power plant holding consists of a 43 MW solar thermal project built in the 1980s.
Goldman has been criticized for hogging public land in the western U.S. without having submitted firm plans to develop them for solar. A public records review by the Associated Press last fall showed that Goldman’s energy development company had made more development claims for the Bureau of Land Management land in the southwestern U.S. than any other company. BLM’s land leasing system is first-come, first-served and makes it possible for developers to apply and hold onto land.
The loan guarantee will help fund the 30 MW Alamosa Solar Generating Project being built by Cogentrix, which plans to use concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) panels from Amonix, a company backed by venture capitalists like Kleiner Perkins. Cogentrix announced a deal to sell electricity from the project to power company Xcel Energy last August.
Alamosa is the largest, proposed CPV project in the world, and that tells you something about how difficult it has been to promote the use of CPV in power plant development. Many of the utility-scale solar power projects under development these days are more than 100 MW and use conventional solar panels or solar thermal technologies, which rely on mirrors to concentrate the light to heat fluid for producing steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. Through its loan guarantee program, the DOE has helped to finance power projects using emerging technologies that have a hard time attracting private investments.
CPV technology is supposed to generate electricity for less than the other more commonly use solar technologies. By concentrating light, a CPV system uses far less solar cells and that is supposed to cut cost. But the price of solar cells for conventional solar panels has dropped more than half in recent years thanks mainly to generous government incentives, primarily in Europe, that boost solar panel installations. Solar panels can go on rooftops while CPV, with its solar panels that are several times larger than conventional ones as well as bulky trackers, are mostly destined for installation on the ground.
The largest CPV project built in the U.S. last year was a 1 MW project by CPV technology developer SolFocus at a community college in California. Last month, Amonix bested that record when it announced a 2 MW project it co-developed and completed with Granite Construction and University of Arizona at the university campus last month. The electricity goes to the local utility, Tucson Electric Power.
Amonix was actually founded in 1989 and carried out some small projects in the U.S. and Europe before lining up money to build a commercial-size factory and headquarters in California in 2008. It also benefited from the federal stimulus funding and received $5.8 million in manufacturing tax credit to help build a factory north of Las Vegas. The company, which got a new CEO, Brian Robertson, in November 2009 and then raised a B round of $129.4 million led by Kleiner Perkins last year, is set to do a ribbon cutting at the new factory on May 17.
Amonix’s technology uses Fresnel lenses to concentrate the sunlight 500 times onto triple-junction solar cells. Each system, with 53-kilowatt (AC) of generation capacity, is made up of 7 giant modules mounted on a dual-axis tracker. Each module measures 10-ft. by 49-ft and contains 36 sets of lenses and receivers; each receiver contains 30 solar cells. Carla Pihowich, vice president of marketing at Amonix, told me last year that the company was using cells with 39 percent efficiency, which leads to 31 percent efficiency for each module and 25 percent efficiency overall for each system.
Completing the Alamosa project also will be a milestone for Cogentrix, which is owned by Goldman Sachs and owns mostly fossil fuel power plants in the U.S. and hydroelectric power plants in Turkey. Cogentrix’s current solar power plant holding consists of a 43 MW solar thermal project built in the 1980s.
Goldman has been criticized for hogging public land in the western U.S. without having submitted firm plans to develop them for solar. A public records review by the Associated Press last fall showed that Goldman’s energy development company had made more development claims for the Bureau of Land Management land in the southwestern U.S. than any other company. BLM’s land leasing system is first-come, first-served and makes it possible for developers to apply and hold onto land.
Trina Solar Cuts 1Q Solar Module Shipments Forecast
Trina Solar Ltd. (TSL, K3KD.SG) reduced its forecast of first-quarter solar module shipments as Italy's solar regulatory revisions have hurt module demand and order flow.
Shares recently were trading down 2.4% at $26.15 premarket. The stock has gained about 21% over the past 52 weeks, as of its Monday close of $26.78 a share.
On Monday, Suntech Power Holdings Co. (STP, K3ND.SG) and First Solar Inc. (FSLR), the world's top solar panel suppliers, also warned that potential cuts in European government subsidies for solar power could lead to both lower demand and prices for their products, a combination that could hit their bottom lines.
Trina now expects solar module shipments in the range of 320 to 322 megawatts, down from its February guidance of shipment volume slightly higher than the fourth quarter's total of 351 megawatts. The company backed its full-year expectations.
The Chinese solar-products maker reported in February its fourth-quarter profit nearly tripled, easily topping expectations, on strong shipment growth.
Shares recently were trading down 2.4% at $26.15 premarket. The stock has gained about 21% over the past 52 weeks, as of its Monday close of $26.78 a share.
On Monday, Suntech Power Holdings Co. (STP, K3ND.SG) and First Solar Inc. (FSLR), the world's top solar panel suppliers, also warned that potential cuts in European government subsidies for solar power could lead to both lower demand and prices for their products, a combination that could hit their bottom lines.
Trina now expects solar module shipments in the range of 320 to 322 megawatts, down from its February guidance of shipment volume slightly higher than the fourth quarter's total of 351 megawatts. The company backed its full-year expectations.
The Chinese solar-products maker reported in February its fourth-quarter profit nearly tripled, easily topping expectations, on strong shipment growth.
2011年5月8日星期日
Solar Fest shines light on sun's power
Despite a cloudy sky for part of the day, the 10th annual Solar Fest went on as planned Saturday, highlighting everything from panels that gather sunlight to toilets that handle waste with it.
Five bands played on a solar-powered stage, while visitors toured the 90 booths that fill Maverick Parknear downtown, peddling all manner of solar-powered or green technology. Kids played in giant hamster balls and adults lined up for free tree seedlings. The food booths cooked over open fires.
And, as if to highlight the theme of the day, the entire event was off the grid, meaning it was powered by solar panels and a bio-diesel generator that used soy-based fuel.
To make it even greener, smart-phone users could scan a bar code, printed on posters at the entrances, to download a site map to their device, thus reducing the need and expense of printing paper maps.
But the big deal was the sun.
More San Antonio businesses and homes are adopting solar power every year, said Lanny Sinkin, executive director of Solar San Antonio, an advocacy group trying to shine a light on the technology.
In 2007, when solar rebates were first offered locally, Sinkin said, seven were awarded.
In 2008, there were 15. By 2009, 38 were awarded. Last year, Sinkin said, 150 were awarded and another 150 rebate requests are on a waiting list.
The biggest solar panel user on site was the stage, which gathered sunlight in the roof and stored it in batteries below the stage.
Cody Murray of Sustainable Waves, which owns the stage and five others just like it, said the concept is simpler, cheaper and better than hooking up to a noisy generator, burning diesel fuel, and stringing miles of cable to make it all work.
“We try to localize as much a possible,” he said.
Also on hand was Southwest Septic, an Elgin-based company that sells the EnviroLoo, a solar-heated toilet that evaporates liquid waste and bakes solid waste.
The device doesn't use solar panels. Instead, the black plastic casing of the 8-foot-tall, 7-foot-long device simply heats up in the sunlight. After a few weeks, said company representative Jeri Witta, the owner simply rakes away the desiccated material.
“Forty percent of the water that comes into a house is flushed away,” she said. “You can use the sun to save water and save money.”
Vendors were on hand to explain the various technologies on display. CPS Energy had staff in place to explain rebates and federal tax credits for installing solar panels. And there were lenders on hand to help home and business owners get loans to pay for the new technology.
“The idea is to make it easier for people to go solar,” said Christine Chapa, a Solar San Antonio spokeswoman. “It's meant to be a one-stop shop for everything solar.”
Five bands played on a solar-powered stage, while visitors toured the 90 booths that fill Maverick Parknear downtown, peddling all manner of solar-powered or green technology. Kids played in giant hamster balls and adults lined up for free tree seedlings. The food booths cooked over open fires.
And, as if to highlight the theme of the day, the entire event was off the grid, meaning it was powered by solar panels and a bio-diesel generator that used soy-based fuel.
To make it even greener, smart-phone users could scan a bar code, printed on posters at the entrances, to download a site map to their device, thus reducing the need and expense of printing paper maps.
But the big deal was the sun.
More San Antonio businesses and homes are adopting solar power every year, said Lanny Sinkin, executive director of Solar San Antonio, an advocacy group trying to shine a light on the technology.
In 2007, when solar rebates were first offered locally, Sinkin said, seven were awarded.
In 2008, there were 15. By 2009, 38 were awarded. Last year, Sinkin said, 150 were awarded and another 150 rebate requests are on a waiting list.
The biggest solar panel user on site was the stage, which gathered sunlight in the roof and stored it in batteries below the stage.
Cody Murray of Sustainable Waves, which owns the stage and five others just like it, said the concept is simpler, cheaper and better than hooking up to a noisy generator, burning diesel fuel, and stringing miles of cable to make it all work.
“We try to localize as much a possible,” he said.
Also on hand was Southwest Septic, an Elgin-based company that sells the EnviroLoo, a solar-heated toilet that evaporates liquid waste and bakes solid waste.
The device doesn't use solar panels. Instead, the black plastic casing of the 8-foot-tall, 7-foot-long device simply heats up in the sunlight. After a few weeks, said company representative Jeri Witta, the owner simply rakes away the desiccated material.
“Forty percent of the water that comes into a house is flushed away,” she said. “You can use the sun to save water and save money.”
Vendors were on hand to explain the various technologies on display. CPS Energy had staff in place to explain rebates and federal tax credits for installing solar panels. And there were lenders on hand to help home and business owners get loans to pay for the new technology.
“The idea is to make it easier for people to go solar,” said Christine Chapa, a Solar San Antonio spokeswoman. “It's meant to be a one-stop shop for everything solar.”
Solar Updates Marines' Arsenal
A company of U.S. Marines recently conducted a remarkable three-week patrol through southern Afghanistan, replacing hundreds of pounds of spare batteries in their packs with roll-up solar panels the size of placemats to power their battle gear.
By allowing the troops to recharge their radios, GPS devices and other equipment, the green technology freed the Marines of India Company from constant resupply by road and air. And by carrying fewer batteries, they carried more bullets.
The Marine Corps is addressing a paradox confronting military planners: Modern U.S. forces are more lethal than any in history, but they also gobble up more energy. That lengthens vulnerable supply lines and overloads soldiers and Marines in the field.
India Company, a component of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, is the first combat unit to be equipped with a new package of portable, front-line solar gear developed by Navy scientists. It's a boots-on-the-ground example of the Marine Corps' new blueprint for energy use. The Corps wants to cut per-Marine fuel use in half by 2025.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has pushed biofuels for fighter jets, hybrid-electric drives for Navy ships, and renewable-energy systems for Marines on the move. The Marines are part of the Department of the Navy. Mr. Mabus aims for half of the Navy's energy to come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2020.
Batteries make up as much as 20% of the weight of the 100 pounds of gear a Marine infantryman typically carries. A Marine uses four times as much fuel as his counterpart did in the early 1990s—due to, among other things, laptops and other electronic gear that use electricity pumped out by portable generators.
Some 30% of all fuel trucked into Afghanistan—at great risk—goes to power those generators, at a time when roadside bombs remain the most dangerous weapon faced by allied troops.
While the U.S. military has been seriously studying renewable energy since at least 2001, the impetus for change was the high casualty rate on fuel convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Mabus told Congress last year that one U.S. servicemember is wounded or killed for every 24 fuel convoys.
In 2006, while toughfighting raged in Anbar Province, west of Baghdad, Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer, then commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, requested renewable-energy gear for forward bases.
"We used to joke that there was a generator for every man, woman and child in Iraq," now-retired Gen. Zilmer said in an interview. "And we did not have any material solutions to the issues we had out there."
His request to the Pentagon went nowhere, but a similar appeal in 2008 prodded Navy scientists into action. This time Marine leaders were more gung ho about alternative energy. Col. Bob Charette, a former F-18 pilot, opened the Marine Expeditionary Energy Office last year to transfer the Navy's energy-saving ideas to Marines on the battlefield.
"The Marine commandant made it clear—he'd rather have an 80% solution today than a 100% solution somewhere down the road," Col. Charette said.
In less than nine months, scientists at the Office of Naval Research cobbled together a solar-and-battery combination small enough to be transported on Humvees, big enough to power the gear at a combat outpost, and rugged enough to withstand tough field conditions.
It also created smaller solar panels for individual Marines. Each can be unfurled to recharge equipment at the base or on the march. Some bits were jury-rigged, including power meters bought at Home Depot.
"The whole approach was, what is out there, available now, that can be used absolutely as soon as possible?" said Cliff Anderson, program manager at the Office of Naval Research.
India Company was chosen last summer to pilot the project precisely because it was due to deploy in Sangin, one of the deadliest zones in Afghanistan. Use of the solar gear means helicopters don't have to ferry extra batteries to the Marines, and trucks don't have to convoy more fuel for generators.
Col. Charette said the gear "has surpassed our expectations." Keeping extra batteries out of packs means the Marines can move faster and farther than before. Fuel use is down at the company's patrol bases, because the solar equipment replaces generators, the military says.
For some platoons at remote outposts, solar power is all there is, said Maj. Sean Sadlier, the Marine expeditionary energy liaison officer at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan.
The next step will be a bigger system to meet power needs of larger formations, such as India Company's parent battalion. Senior Marine officers believe those could be in place this summer.
By allowing the troops to recharge their radios, GPS devices and other equipment, the green technology freed the Marines of India Company from constant resupply by road and air. And by carrying fewer batteries, they carried more bullets.
The Marine Corps is addressing a paradox confronting military planners: Modern U.S. forces are more lethal than any in history, but they also gobble up more energy. That lengthens vulnerable supply lines and overloads soldiers and Marines in the field.
India Company, a component of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, is the first combat unit to be equipped with a new package of portable, front-line solar gear developed by Navy scientists. It's a boots-on-the-ground example of the Marine Corps' new blueprint for energy use. The Corps wants to cut per-Marine fuel use in half by 2025.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has pushed biofuels for fighter jets, hybrid-electric drives for Navy ships, and renewable-energy systems for Marines on the move. The Marines are part of the Department of the Navy. Mr. Mabus aims for half of the Navy's energy to come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2020.
Batteries make up as much as 20% of the weight of the 100 pounds of gear a Marine infantryman typically carries. A Marine uses four times as much fuel as his counterpart did in the early 1990s—due to, among other things, laptops and other electronic gear that use electricity pumped out by portable generators.
Some 30% of all fuel trucked into Afghanistan—at great risk—goes to power those generators, at a time when roadside bombs remain the most dangerous weapon faced by allied troops.
While the U.S. military has been seriously studying renewable energy since at least 2001, the impetus for change was the high casualty rate on fuel convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Mabus told Congress last year that one U.S. servicemember is wounded or killed for every 24 fuel convoys.
In 2006, while toughfighting raged in Anbar Province, west of Baghdad, Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer, then commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, requested renewable-energy gear for forward bases.
"We used to joke that there was a generator for every man, woman and child in Iraq," now-retired Gen. Zilmer said in an interview. "And we did not have any material solutions to the issues we had out there."
His request to the Pentagon went nowhere, but a similar appeal in 2008 prodded Navy scientists into action. This time Marine leaders were more gung ho about alternative energy. Col. Bob Charette, a former F-18 pilot, opened the Marine Expeditionary Energy Office last year to transfer the Navy's energy-saving ideas to Marines on the battlefield.
"The Marine commandant made it clear—he'd rather have an 80% solution today than a 100% solution somewhere down the road," Col. Charette said.
In less than nine months, scientists at the Office of Naval Research cobbled together a solar-and-battery combination small enough to be transported on Humvees, big enough to power the gear at a combat outpost, and rugged enough to withstand tough field conditions.
It also created smaller solar panels for individual Marines. Each can be unfurled to recharge equipment at the base or on the march. Some bits were jury-rigged, including power meters bought at Home Depot.
"The whole approach was, what is out there, available now, that can be used absolutely as soon as possible?" said Cliff Anderson, program manager at the Office of Naval Research.
India Company was chosen last summer to pilot the project precisely because it was due to deploy in Sangin, one of the deadliest zones in Afghanistan. Use of the solar gear means helicopters don't have to ferry extra batteries to the Marines, and trucks don't have to convoy more fuel for generators.
Col. Charette said the gear "has surpassed our expectations." Keeping extra batteries out of packs means the Marines can move faster and farther than before. Fuel use is down at the company's patrol bases, because the solar equipment replaces generators, the military says.
For some platoons at remote outposts, solar power is all there is, said Maj. Sean Sadlier, the Marine expeditionary energy liaison officer at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan.
The next step will be a bigger system to meet power needs of larger formations, such as India Company's parent battalion. Senior Marine officers believe those could be in place this summer.
2011年5月5日星期四
China Sunergy Receives MCS Certificate to Produce Photovoltaic Solar Panels
China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: CSUN) ("China Sunergy" or "The Company"), a specialized solar cell and module manufacturer, today announced that the Company has been awarded a Certificate under the UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme issued by BABT (British Approvals Board for Telecommunications) for its modules. BABT is an accredited MCS certification body and one of the world's leading certification bodies, whose global brand is widely respected. The certificate, which is valid through April 24, 2014, authorizes CSUN photovoltaic solar panels to be sold with the MCS approved product mark.
With this MCS certificate, China Sunergy is in a better position to expand in the U.K. market, further diversify its customer base and build up brand recognition for its solar module products. The concept behind the MCS certificate is to reduce the UK's reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. MCS underpins government policies on low carbon and renewable onsite energy technologies and supports the UK's overall effort in meeting EU 2020 Renewable Obligations targets.
Mr. Stephen Cai, the Chief Executive Officer of CSUN, commented, "We are very pleased with this news. This is not only a recognition of our product quality, but also a great opportunity for CSUN to step into the UK, an emerging yet strategically important market for our solar products."
About China Sunergy Co., Ltd.
China Sunergy Co., Ltd. is a specialized manufacturer of solar cell and module products in China. China Sunergy manufactures solar cells from silicon wafers, which utilize crystalline silicon solar cell technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect, and assembles solar cells into solar modules. China Sunergy sells these solar products to Chinese and overseas module manufacturers, system integrators, and solar power systems for use in various markets.
With this MCS certificate, China Sunergy is in a better position to expand in the U.K. market, further diversify its customer base and build up brand recognition for its solar module products. The concept behind the MCS certificate is to reduce the UK's reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. MCS underpins government policies on low carbon and renewable onsite energy technologies and supports the UK's overall effort in meeting EU 2020 Renewable Obligations targets.
Mr. Stephen Cai, the Chief Executive Officer of CSUN, commented, "We are very pleased with this news. This is not only a recognition of our product quality, but also a great opportunity for CSUN to step into the UK, an emerging yet strategically important market for our solar products."
About China Sunergy Co., Ltd.
China Sunergy Co., Ltd. is a specialized manufacturer of solar cell and module products in China. China Sunergy manufactures solar cells from silicon wafers, which utilize crystalline silicon solar cell technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect, and assembles solar cells into solar modules. China Sunergy sells these solar products to Chinese and overseas module manufacturers, system integrators, and solar power systems for use in various markets.
County Solar Project Shines On
It is going to take a little longer for that sun garden atop the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to blossom.
The county’s freeholders will give the contractor, EMSA Construction of Parlin, a 60- day extension of the $284,000 contract on Wednesday. The contract called for installing 182 solar panels on a new membrane roof on what used to be called the Courthouse Annex at 119 Hooper Avenue, before it was designated for use by the Prosecutor’s Office.
County officials turned on the rooftop sun garden yesterday, with William Santos, director of the Department of Buildings and Grounds, predicting an average savings on electricity of $14,000 a year and the creation of solar renewable energy credits worth $24,800 every year.
He said the sun-powered system will pay for itself in six years, but will keep generating power for a quarter of a century. Total energy savings are estimated at $772,000, according to Santos.
Because a new roof was involved, the weather played a part in when it could be installed. Work could not be done when it was too cold, or too wet. Now Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said the county is awaiting approval by the state Board of Public Utilities and the lowal power company before the system can be switched on. He estimated that will take six weeks.
Vicari said solar panels have already been installed along a drainage basin at the county’s Southern Complex on Haywood Road in Manahawkin, providing power for the recycling center there.
Also in Manahawkin, Vicari said the new Southern Service Center will open May 11 at what once was St. Mary’s Parish Center at Routes 9 and 72. The county originally bought the building and site for a new Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library, but the recession shelved that conversion.
Instead it will be used to house offices for the surrogate, county clerk, and Office of Senior Services.
All the conversion work on the building was done by county workers, Vicari said. No overtime was paid.
Surrogate Jeffrey Moran said his office will do as many as 20 probates a day by appointment once the new building is open. Services for anyone living south of Lacey Road will be provided there, he said.
Clerk Scott Colabella said his branch office there will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays once the office opens.
The offices are being shifted from a smaller facility on Haywood Road in Manahawkin.
Colabella said the ease of access from major state highways and the Garden State Parkway, coupled with more parking will benefit the public at the new site.
The county’s freeholders will give the contractor, EMSA Construction of Parlin, a 60- day extension of the $284,000 contract on Wednesday. The contract called for installing 182 solar panels on a new membrane roof on what used to be called the Courthouse Annex at 119 Hooper Avenue, before it was designated for use by the Prosecutor’s Office.
County officials turned on the rooftop sun garden yesterday, with William Santos, director of the Department of Buildings and Grounds, predicting an average savings on electricity of $14,000 a year and the creation of solar renewable energy credits worth $24,800 every year.
He said the sun-powered system will pay for itself in six years, but will keep generating power for a quarter of a century. Total energy savings are estimated at $772,000, according to Santos.
Because a new roof was involved, the weather played a part in when it could be installed. Work could not be done when it was too cold, or too wet. Now Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said the county is awaiting approval by the state Board of Public Utilities and the lowal power company before the system can be switched on. He estimated that will take six weeks.
Vicari said solar panels have already been installed along a drainage basin at the county’s Southern Complex on Haywood Road in Manahawkin, providing power for the recycling center there.
Also in Manahawkin, Vicari said the new Southern Service Center will open May 11 at what once was St. Mary’s Parish Center at Routes 9 and 72. The county originally bought the building and site for a new Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library, but the recession shelved that conversion.
Instead it will be used to house offices for the surrogate, county clerk, and Office of Senior Services.
All the conversion work on the building was done by county workers, Vicari said. No overtime was paid.
Surrogate Jeffrey Moran said his office will do as many as 20 probates a day by appointment once the new building is open. Services for anyone living south of Lacey Road will be provided there, he said.
Clerk Scott Colabella said his branch office there will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays once the office opens.
The offices are being shifted from a smaller facility on Haywood Road in Manahawkin.
Colabella said the ease of access from major state highways and the Garden State Parkway, coupled with more parking will benefit the public at the new site.
Sunset nears on solar heater subsidies
THE Federal Government is to wind back generous subsidies for home solar electricity panels in a move welcomed by the industry as providing long-term certainty.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said the level of subsidy would be reduced faster than previously planned in response to an escalating take-up of solar panels.
That will take the level of subsidy from a peak of about $6200 up to June 30 this year, to about $1200 for a basic 1.5kw system after July 1, 2013.
Mr Combet deemed the move necessary because soaring demand for panels was pushing up power prices and reducing demand for other clean-energy technology.
Australian Solar Energy Society CEO John Grimes welcomed this move: "Solar companies have had enough of the roller-coaster ride brought about by constant policy changes. The roller coaster ride needs to slow down and stop."
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Prices still too low, says Alumina
ALUMINA says that despite a 28 per cent jump in alumina prices over the past year, prices are still too low.
It also says the strong Australian dollar and higher energy prices are constraining group performance.
Chairman Don Morley said margins for the commodity were tighter than they should be and its price did not reflect the economics of producing and selling it.
He said China had been able to expand alumina and aluminium production capacity to meet demand, which had limited price increases.
Alumina chief John Bevan told shareholders global demand for aluminium was expected to expand by 12 per cent this year due to China-fuelled growth.
The company has a 40 per cent stake in Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals, the world's biggest alumina business. Alumina shares were up 2c at $2.28.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said the level of subsidy would be reduced faster than previously planned in response to an escalating take-up of solar panels.
That will take the level of subsidy from a peak of about $6200 up to June 30 this year, to about $1200 for a basic 1.5kw system after July 1, 2013.
Mr Combet deemed the move necessary because soaring demand for panels was pushing up power prices and reducing demand for other clean-energy technology.
Australian Solar Energy Society CEO John Grimes welcomed this move: "Solar companies have had enough of the roller-coaster ride brought about by constant policy changes. The roller coaster ride needs to slow down and stop."
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Prices still too low, says Alumina
ALUMINA says that despite a 28 per cent jump in alumina prices over the past year, prices are still too low.
It also says the strong Australian dollar and higher energy prices are constraining group performance.
Chairman Don Morley said margins for the commodity were tighter than they should be and its price did not reflect the economics of producing and selling it.
He said China had been able to expand alumina and aluminium production capacity to meet demand, which had limited price increases.
Alumina chief John Bevan told shareholders global demand for aluminium was expected to expand by 12 per cent this year due to China-fuelled growth.
The company has a 40 per cent stake in Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals, the world's biggest alumina business. Alumina shares were up 2c at $2.28.
2011年5月2日星期一
Four Corners electric co. leasing solar gardens
A Four Corners electric company is allowing customers to lease solar panels they don’t have to put on their homes.
Empire Electric built what they call a “solar garden” and they are offering 20 year leases per solar panel in exchange for credits on electric bills.
Doug Sparks works at Empire Electric and said the program is for any customer who wants to take advantage of it.
“We have homeowners, we have renters, we have people that have condominium complexes. It’s very hard to mount solar systems,” said Sparks.
The panels cost $1,250 to lease and the credit is an incentive to encourage people to invest in solar energy.
Empire Electric built what they call a “solar garden” and they are offering 20 year leases per solar panel in exchange for credits on electric bills.
Doug Sparks works at Empire Electric and said the program is for any customer who wants to take advantage of it.
“We have homeowners, we have renters, we have people that have condominium complexes. It’s very hard to mount solar systems,” said Sparks.
The panels cost $1,250 to lease and the credit is an incentive to encourage people to invest in solar energy.
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