The Lakeland Regional High School (LRHS) Board of Education signed off on a resolution to participate in Passaic County's renewable energy program.
By joining the Passaic County Improvement Authority's (PCIA) renewable energy program, LRHS is on its way to erecting solar panels on school property.
The board took action on the resolution at the July 12 meeting.
The two men who discussed the project with the Board of Education on behalf of the PCIA were Ryan J. Scerbo, a partner with the Teaneck law firm DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick and Cole, and Andy Allbee, senior energy engineer for the Cranford engineering firm Birdsall Services Group.
Located on the rooftop of the school, the solar panels would furnish 25 percent of the school's total electrical needs, "which is significant given the total amount of energy usage," Scerbo said.
LRHS would have to commit 15 years to the solar panels, the longest possible commitment by law. Scerbo explained that the solar panels have a 30-year useful life and a 25-year warranty.
The school will have options as to what to do with the solar panels once the 15 years are up. The primary option is for the developer to dismantle the system at its own cost. The school also may buy the system from the developer at fair market value or extend the agreement.
The school would be eligible to have about a 460 kilowatt (kw) system on the property, according to Allbee. The PCIA recommended a combination of different locations on school grounds, including 270 kw of solar panels on rooftops and an estimated 190 kw in the parking lot.
How much LRHS will save by taking on solar energy will depend on the price rate. For example, Allbee estimated that at 7 cents per kw in power purchase agreement (PPA) price, LRHS would save about $45,000 total for a year.
For LRHS Board Trustee Bruce Gibson of Ringwood, the concerns was that solar panels may get in the way of roof repairs, if the grids are on the roof.
"The only negative I see – the roof they say is OK for this project, but the roof will kind of hit the end of its useful life at that point," Gibson said. "Now, if we have to do repairs and all that structure is up on that roof, it'll make more difficult to fix the roof. We have to take it off … the savings for $30,000 a year for 15 years versus just fixing the roof is a major, major cost. We can eat that all up taking that thing down."
The solar panels would have a warranty and a construction performance bond, according to Scerbo.
2011年7月28日星期四
2011年7月25日星期一
Solar Panels Cool Buildings
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have discovered an added benefit to solar panels: In summer, they cool the buildings on which they are installed. Using thermal imaging, the scientists found that solar photovoltaic panels act like giant sun shades and that building ceilings under the panels were 5 degrees F cooler than top-floor ceilings of buildings with exposed roofs.
Reporting in the journal Solar Energy, the researchers also found that tilting the solar panels allowed for the efficient passage of air underneath, further cooling the buildings. In winter, the solar panels prevent some sunlight from warming buildings, but at night the panels trap heat and warm buildings, essentially offsetting any reduction of solar heating during the day.
Solar panels reduced the amount of heat reaching the roof by 38 percent, the study said. Overall, the study said that the energy savings from the cooling effect of solar panels amounted to getting a 5 percent discount on the price of the panels.
Reprinted with permission from Yale Environment 360.
Reporting in the journal Solar Energy, the researchers also found that tilting the solar panels allowed for the efficient passage of air underneath, further cooling the buildings. In winter, the solar panels prevent some sunlight from warming buildings, but at night the panels trap heat and warm buildings, essentially offsetting any reduction of solar heating during the day.
Solar panels reduced the amount of heat reaching the roof by 38 percent, the study said. Overall, the study said that the energy savings from the cooling effect of solar panels amounted to getting a 5 percent discount on the price of the panels.
Reprinted with permission from Yale Environment 360.
2011年7月20日星期三
Solar power boom shines for consumers
Just ask 51-year-old Karl Hutter. The Silicon Valley tech executive refuses to drive a hybrid car but signed up with solar panel outfit SolarCity.
"You're doing good by the planet, and you're doing good by your pocket book," says Hutter of Menlo Park, Calif. "Fundamentally, when you have both it makes perfect sense."
Hutter has joined the ranks of people enticed as much by price as the feel-good element of saving the Earth. He's hardly alone.
In the first quarter of 2011, U.S. solar panel installations shot up 66%, or the equivalent of powering roughly 20,000 average houses, compared with a year ago, says a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research.
In the past year, falling prices for systems that capture the sun's energy and turn it into electricity have helped spur growth as well. Prices of solar panel components dipped 15% in the quarter from a year ago, according to the SEIA.
"We've seen a dramatic decrease in the price of solar power over the past year," said the SEIA's Tom Kimbis. "That has helped residential and commercial use of solar."
The United States is now poised to lead the world in solar energy installations within just a few years as lower costs for the technology and zero-down financing plans and subsidies lure people across the nation to cleaner forms of power that save money and energy.
For Hutter, the money saved was a "no-brainer," and he has pointed neighbors and family — scoring referral fees — to SolarCity. He says he's saving 25% off his electricity bill, a story that likely resonates with others.
"SolarCity is not doing this for the heartstring pull. It's pure economic benefit," says Ron Pernick, co-founder of Clean Edge and co-author of The Clean Tech Revolution.
The U.S. will become the largest solar market in the world by 2014, experts at SEIA predict. The nation will leapfrog Europe, now No. 1, and No. 2 Japan for the crown on solar installations.
The result is that many of the world's manufacturers are looking to set up shop here, making it even more affordable, experts say.
Worldwide spending on solar components and installation of equipment will jump from $71 billion in 2010 to $113.6 billion in 2020, according to industry researcher Clean Edge.
No-money-down deals grow
Yet solar is just getting started. In the U.S. there are only about 166,000 total residential and commercial solar installations, according to the SEIA, despite tax incentives and other breaks that can provide solar to consumers at no upfront cost.
But solar is catching on with consumers. Last year there were about 52,600 photovotaic installations around the nation, a figure that's expected to nearly double in 2011. Analysts say the economics of solar are now starting to make sense as costs to produce clean power come down.
Homeowners right now can get solar panels from various providers at no upfront cost and in turn get lower electricity bills .
Companies such as SolarCity, SunRun and Sungevity promise to secure all the subsidies and building permits and make the paperwork process effortless. They all boast savings of as much as 10% on electricity bills. Some customers, like Hutter, save far more because of superior southern exposure. "One of the nicest things to see is the energy meter spinning backwards," Hutter says.
Interested in solar for your home? Here's a look at three residential solar installers:
•San Mateo-based SolarCity has more than 15,000 solar projects either completed or in the works. Roughly 80% of its customers have chosen its leasing programs that provide panels at no initial cost and cut electricity bills immediately. The remaining 20% buy solar panels upfront. SolarCity promises as much as a 10% reduction in electricity costs depending on the market where it's installed and other factors. Some customers with outstanding southern exposure have seen as much as a 25% reduction in electricity bills.
"Don't worry about the subsidies and the costs. We'll take care of that," SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive says. "There's no hassle factor at all."
SolarCity serves Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C. SolarCity has 1,300 employees and plans to add 400 by year's end.
•San Francisco-based SunRun also handles all the customer service and paperwork, but it uses outside contractors to do the installations. SunRun can offer zero-down purchase plans for solar panels as well. SunRun was formed in 2007 and says it has 12,000 customers. The company claims 26% of California's residential solar energy market. "We believe this is an enormous and growing market," says SunRun CEO Edward Fenster.
SunRun serves California, Colorado, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company has 100 employees and plans to add as many as 70 within a year.
•Oakland-based Sungevity serves California, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland and New York. Sungevity has more than 200 employees but plans to double in size by year's end as interest in its solar installation agreements surges.
"You're doing good by the planet, and you're doing good by your pocket book," says Hutter of Menlo Park, Calif. "Fundamentally, when you have both it makes perfect sense."
Hutter has joined the ranks of people enticed as much by price as the feel-good element of saving the Earth. He's hardly alone.
In the first quarter of 2011, U.S. solar panel installations shot up 66%, or the equivalent of powering roughly 20,000 average houses, compared with a year ago, says a report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research.
In the past year, falling prices for systems that capture the sun's energy and turn it into electricity have helped spur growth as well. Prices of solar panel components dipped 15% in the quarter from a year ago, according to the SEIA.
"We've seen a dramatic decrease in the price of solar power over the past year," said the SEIA's Tom Kimbis. "That has helped residential and commercial use of solar."
The United States is now poised to lead the world in solar energy installations within just a few years as lower costs for the technology and zero-down financing plans and subsidies lure people across the nation to cleaner forms of power that save money and energy.
For Hutter, the money saved was a "no-brainer," and he has pointed neighbors and family — scoring referral fees — to SolarCity. He says he's saving 25% off his electricity bill, a story that likely resonates with others.
"SolarCity is not doing this for the heartstring pull. It's pure economic benefit," says Ron Pernick, co-founder of Clean Edge and co-author of The Clean Tech Revolution.
The U.S. will become the largest solar market in the world by 2014, experts at SEIA predict. The nation will leapfrog Europe, now No. 1, and No. 2 Japan for the crown on solar installations.
The result is that many of the world's manufacturers are looking to set up shop here, making it even more affordable, experts say.
Worldwide spending on solar components and installation of equipment will jump from $71 billion in 2010 to $113.6 billion in 2020, according to industry researcher Clean Edge.
No-money-down deals grow
Yet solar is just getting started. In the U.S. there are only about 166,000 total residential and commercial solar installations, according to the SEIA, despite tax incentives and other breaks that can provide solar to consumers at no upfront cost.
But solar is catching on with consumers. Last year there were about 52,600 photovotaic installations around the nation, a figure that's expected to nearly double in 2011. Analysts say the economics of solar are now starting to make sense as costs to produce clean power come down.
Homeowners right now can get solar panels from various providers at no upfront cost and in turn get lower electricity bills .
Companies such as SolarCity, SunRun and Sungevity promise to secure all the subsidies and building permits and make the paperwork process effortless. They all boast savings of as much as 10% on electricity bills. Some customers, like Hutter, save far more because of superior southern exposure. "One of the nicest things to see is the energy meter spinning backwards," Hutter says.
Interested in solar for your home? Here's a look at three residential solar installers:
•San Mateo-based SolarCity has more than 15,000 solar projects either completed or in the works. Roughly 80% of its customers have chosen its leasing programs that provide panels at no initial cost and cut electricity bills immediately. The remaining 20% buy solar panels upfront. SolarCity promises as much as a 10% reduction in electricity costs depending on the market where it's installed and other factors. Some customers with outstanding southern exposure have seen as much as a 25% reduction in electricity bills.
"Don't worry about the subsidies and the costs. We'll take care of that," SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive says. "There's no hassle factor at all."
SolarCity serves Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C. SolarCity has 1,300 employees and plans to add 400 by year's end.
•San Francisco-based SunRun also handles all the customer service and paperwork, but it uses outside contractors to do the installations. SunRun can offer zero-down purchase plans for solar panels as well. SunRun was formed in 2007 and says it has 12,000 customers. The company claims 26% of California's residential solar energy market. "We believe this is an enormous and growing market," says SunRun CEO Edward Fenster.
SunRun serves California, Colorado, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company has 100 employees and plans to add as many as 70 within a year.
•Oakland-based Sungevity serves California, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland and New York. Sungevity has more than 200 employees but plans to double in size by year's end as interest in its solar installation agreements surges.
2011年7月18日星期一
Suntech Unveils High-Efficiency and Innovative Solar Module for Israel
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world’s largest producer of solar panels, unveiled the Suntech 300W Vd series, a new generation high-efficiency solar module, for Israel, available immediately. Powered by Suntech’s SuperPoly processing technology, a superior silicon casting and wafering process that produces higher-quality multicrystalline wafers, the module achieves up to 15.5% conversion efficiency, well above the 13% to 14% efficiency of conventional polycrystalline solar modules.
The introduction of Suntech’s 300W Vd series reaffirms Suntech’s commitment to offer industry leading solar products for Israeli customers.
“The new module delivers 10% more power than conventional polycrystalline products leading to lower balance-of-system and installation costs per watt,” said James Hu, Suntech’s president for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. “Israel‘s excellent solar resources make solar power a viable and highly cost competitive energy solution that can help the country move towards energy independence.”
Suntech’s new 300W Vd is a 72-cell module comprised of 6-inch black square cells that delivers one of the highest power per weight ratios in the industry. The module features a +/- 5% power tolerance and exceptionally low oxygen content leading to strong resistance to light-induced degradation. In addition, the modules are built to withstand all weather conditions including 3.800 N/m2 (~270 km/h) wind load and 5.400 N/m2 (~55 kg/m2) snow loads, well above IEC standard requirements. The product is ideally suited to rooftop installations where weight, power, and aesthetics are key customer considerations.
The 6-inch square cells in the new product contain minimal oxygen content and achieve 18% conversion efficiency. Suntech’s in-house R&D and wafer production team developed the technology based on a hybrid wafer manufacturing process that combines the high efficiency of monocrystalline wafers with the cost-effectiveness and reliability of polycrystalline wafers.
With lower energy consumption during ingot production, the STP 300-24/Vd solar modules are even more environmentally friendly and reduce the energy payback time by almost one-third compared to conventional monocrystalline modules. The new solar module also features an anti-reflective surface trapping the sunlight into the cells combined with a hydrophobic self-cleaning surface structure.
Suntech’s new 300W Vd series solar module is available immediately for Israeli customers.
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces industry-leading solar products for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland, and the United States, and gigawatt-scale manufacturing worldwide, Suntech has delivered more than 15,000,000 photovoltaic panels to over a thousand customers in more than 80 countries. Suntech’s pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels. Suntech’s mission is to provide everyone with reliable access to nature’s cleanest and most abundant energy source.
The introduction of Suntech’s 300W Vd series reaffirms Suntech’s commitment to offer industry leading solar products for Israeli customers.
“The new module delivers 10% more power than conventional polycrystalline products leading to lower balance-of-system and installation costs per watt,” said James Hu, Suntech’s president for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. “Israel‘s excellent solar resources make solar power a viable and highly cost competitive energy solution that can help the country move towards energy independence.”
Suntech’s new 300W Vd is a 72-cell module comprised of 6-inch black square cells that delivers one of the highest power per weight ratios in the industry. The module features a +/- 5% power tolerance and exceptionally low oxygen content leading to strong resistance to light-induced degradation. In addition, the modules are built to withstand all weather conditions including 3.800 N/m2 (~270 km/h) wind load and 5.400 N/m2 (~55 kg/m2) snow loads, well above IEC standard requirements. The product is ideally suited to rooftop installations where weight, power, and aesthetics are key customer considerations.
The 6-inch square cells in the new product contain minimal oxygen content and achieve 18% conversion efficiency. Suntech’s in-house R&D and wafer production team developed the technology based on a hybrid wafer manufacturing process that combines the high efficiency of monocrystalline wafers with the cost-effectiveness and reliability of polycrystalline wafers.
With lower energy consumption during ingot production, the STP 300-24/Vd solar modules are even more environmentally friendly and reduce the energy payback time by almost one-third compared to conventional monocrystalline modules. The new solar module also features an anti-reflective surface trapping the sunlight into the cells combined with a hydrophobic self-cleaning surface structure.
Suntech’s new 300W Vd series solar module is available immediately for Israeli customers.
About Suntech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces industry-leading solar products for residential, commercial, industrial, and utility applications. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland, and the United States, and gigawatt-scale manufacturing worldwide, Suntech has delivered more than 15,000,000 photovoltaic panels to over a thousand customers in more than 80 countries. Suntech’s pioneering R&D creates customer-centric innovations that are driving solar to grid parity against fossil fuels. Suntech’s mission is to provide everyone with reliable access to nature’s cleanest and most abundant energy source.
2011年7月14日星期四
NRG Energy Scores Solar Victory for Washington Redskins
The team colors of the Washington Redskins, as any diehard fan can tell you, are burgundy and gold. But soon they will add a touch of green to the mix.
NRG Energy, a Princeton-based energy company, plans to integrate new solar power installations into FedEx Stadium and its parking lot in September, providing a portion of the electricity to power the stadium on game days and all of its electricity needs on non-game days.
Not only will the solar panels provide the electricity to power the stadium, the company also will install 10 electric vehicle-charging stations in the parking lot. NRG is one of the biggest promoters of plug-in electric vehicles, developing an infrastructure for electric vehicles in and around Houston, TX, under a pilot program.
When completed, the Princeton company expects to install three types of 8,000 solar panels in a parking lot. Besides generating power for the stadium, the panels will provide covered parking to protect fans from inclement weather and enhance the tailgating experience on game days, officials said.
"It will take 8,000 solar panels and a lot of expertise to deliver this win to the Redskins -- we’re getting it done," said David Crane, president and chief executive officer of NRG Energy.
NRG is a diversified energy company with more than 25,000 megawatts of generating capacity, including natural gas, nuclear and coal plants. In recent years, it has expanded its portfolio to include solar and wind projects, as well as building the nation’s first privately funded infrastructure system for plug-in electric vehicles.
"There is nothing like homegrown, in this case stadium-grown energy," said Fred Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of the FedEx Corp. and part owner of the Washington Redskins. "Solar can be a very smart investment. I am pleased to see FedEx moving in this direction and increasing its energy independence."
NRG’s subsidiary, Reliant Energy, will be the official provider for all the electricity to power the Redskins in their home stadium. Reliant is one of the largest retail electricity providers in the Texas market and is expanding its commercial and residential businesses to several states in the Northeast, as well as Maryland.
NRG Energy, a Princeton-based energy company, plans to integrate new solar power installations into FedEx Stadium and its parking lot in September, providing a portion of the electricity to power the stadium on game days and all of its electricity needs on non-game days.
Not only will the solar panels provide the electricity to power the stadium, the company also will install 10 electric vehicle-charging stations in the parking lot. NRG is one of the biggest promoters of plug-in electric vehicles, developing an infrastructure for electric vehicles in and around Houston, TX, under a pilot program.
When completed, the Princeton company expects to install three types of 8,000 solar panels in a parking lot. Besides generating power for the stadium, the panels will provide covered parking to protect fans from inclement weather and enhance the tailgating experience on game days, officials said.
"It will take 8,000 solar panels and a lot of expertise to deliver this win to the Redskins -- we’re getting it done," said David Crane, president and chief executive officer of NRG Energy.
NRG is a diversified energy company with more than 25,000 megawatts of generating capacity, including natural gas, nuclear and coal plants. In recent years, it has expanded its portfolio to include solar and wind projects, as well as building the nation’s first privately funded infrastructure system for plug-in electric vehicles.
"There is nothing like homegrown, in this case stadium-grown energy," said Fred Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of the FedEx Corp. and part owner of the Washington Redskins. "Solar can be a very smart investment. I am pleased to see FedEx moving in this direction and increasing its energy independence."
NRG’s subsidiary, Reliant Energy, will be the official provider for all the electricity to power the Redskins in their home stadium. Reliant is one of the largest retail electricity providers in the Texas market and is expanding its commercial and residential businesses to several states in the Northeast, as well as Maryland.
2011年7月11日星期一
Taiwan Activates a Whole New Green Future
Huge solar business opportunities await in Taiwan with its position as the world’s second-largest solar cell maker. Great prospects blossom on July 13 with the Taiwan-organized seminar The Taiwan Solar Energy Industry Outlook & Renewable Energy Business Alliance Seminar at the show venue of Intersolar North America at Moscone Convention Center.
Organized by TAITRA, SEMI, and Taiwan Trade Center, San Francisco, this seminar opens the big picture on the Taiwan GREEN industry and its economical operations with the USA. It will introduce the solar industry’s background, strengths, trends, and innovative products and technologies in Taiwan and Asia.
This is the perfect place for those devoted to the solar energy industry to learn about Taiwan’s new alternative energy & environmental solutions. It will also offer a special focus on PV Taiwan—the largest solar energy trade show in Taiwan—which will showcase the latest innovations in comprehensive PV products during October 5–7, 2011. This show lets you explore how the Taiwan solar industry can help your business.
PHOTON International indicates that the annual production of solar cells grew by 118% in 2010, reaching a capacity of 27.2GW. Combined solar cell shipments of China and Taiwan in 2010 accounted for 62.2% globally. Asia is the No. 1 region for solar cell exports and will continue in this position in the future.
With a long track record and strong government support, Taiwan has developed a robust environmental industry known throughout Asia. Taking advantage of Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductor and flat panel manufacturing, Taiwan’s solar industry is equipped with world-class manufacturing capability, excellent industry infrastructure, and strong R&D talent. This is the gateway & procurement hub for the Asia Pacific region.
Taiwan, with decades of hi tech growth, can open many new pathways. Its unique model of industry clusters and vast investment in R&D presents greater quality choices for the USA at competitive prices. Therefore, the organizers wish to show Taiwan’s emphasis on the North American market by holding this seminar and to help local manufacturers and buyers find business opportunities with Taiwan.
PV Taiwan already has registered 262 exhibitors who will use 764 booths – a 22% increase on last year's show. And this year's PV Taiwan will build upon last year's success, which attracted more than 12,000 visitors including many professionals and buyers who traveled from more than 50 nations, including Germany, the US, Japan, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and China. Visitors can scout from leading firms including GINTECH, MOTECH, E-ton, NeoSolar, ROTH & RAU, GCL, OCI, LDK, Dupont, Powercom and Sun Well. And the list is still growing! The show gives visitors a comprehensive overview of Taiwan's industrial cluster, photovoltaic materials, silicon wafers, solar cells, modules, systems, HCPV, DSSC, CIGS and BIPV, applied products, production equipment, testing and analysis equipment, and certification services.
Discover the latest breakthroughs and get briefed on PV Taiwan at The Taiwan Solar Energy Industry Outlook & Renewable Energy Business Alliance Seminar. This is the best seminar for those eager to explore the new green frontier of production and open a vast window on Taiwan’s solar industry. Attend this seminar to make Taiwan’s advantages yours!
Organized by TAITRA, SEMI, and Taiwan Trade Center, San Francisco, this seminar opens the big picture on the Taiwan GREEN industry and its economical operations with the USA. It will introduce the solar industry’s background, strengths, trends, and innovative products and technologies in Taiwan and Asia.
This is the perfect place for those devoted to the solar energy industry to learn about Taiwan’s new alternative energy & environmental solutions. It will also offer a special focus on PV Taiwan—the largest solar energy trade show in Taiwan—which will showcase the latest innovations in comprehensive PV products during October 5–7, 2011. This show lets you explore how the Taiwan solar industry can help your business.
PHOTON International indicates that the annual production of solar cells grew by 118% in 2010, reaching a capacity of 27.2GW. Combined solar cell shipments of China and Taiwan in 2010 accounted for 62.2% globally. Asia is the No. 1 region for solar cell exports and will continue in this position in the future.
With a long track record and strong government support, Taiwan has developed a robust environmental industry known throughout Asia. Taking advantage of Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductor and flat panel manufacturing, Taiwan’s solar industry is equipped with world-class manufacturing capability, excellent industry infrastructure, and strong R&D talent. This is the gateway & procurement hub for the Asia Pacific region.
Taiwan, with decades of hi tech growth, can open many new pathways. Its unique model of industry clusters and vast investment in R&D presents greater quality choices for the USA at competitive prices. Therefore, the organizers wish to show Taiwan’s emphasis on the North American market by holding this seminar and to help local manufacturers and buyers find business opportunities with Taiwan.
PV Taiwan already has registered 262 exhibitors who will use 764 booths – a 22% increase on last year's show. And this year's PV Taiwan will build upon last year's success, which attracted more than 12,000 visitors including many professionals and buyers who traveled from more than 50 nations, including Germany, the US, Japan, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and China. Visitors can scout from leading firms including GINTECH, MOTECH, E-ton, NeoSolar, ROTH & RAU, GCL, OCI, LDK, Dupont, Powercom and Sun Well. And the list is still growing! The show gives visitors a comprehensive overview of Taiwan's industrial cluster, photovoltaic materials, silicon wafers, solar cells, modules, systems, HCPV, DSSC, CIGS and BIPV, applied products, production equipment, testing and analysis equipment, and certification services.
Discover the latest breakthroughs and get briefed on PV Taiwan at The Taiwan Solar Energy Industry Outlook & Renewable Energy Business Alliance Seminar. This is the best seminar for those eager to explore the new green frontier of production and open a vast window on Taiwan’s solar industry. Attend this seminar to make Taiwan’s advantages yours!
2011年7月6日星期三
Lighting way for solar power
Zhao Chunjiang's dream is that one day every rooftop in this eastern metropolis will have a solar power generator.
Although he admits that day is still a way off, as the director of Shanghai University of Electric Power's solar energy institute he hopes to lead by example.
In 2006 he installed 22 solar panels on the roof of his apartment to gather data on the energy source. To date, he says he has generated some 14,000 kilowatt-hours of power without a breakdown - enough to satisfy the needs of his family and export to the State Grid.
"I'm an expert and an advocate for solar energy," he said. "There were times when I tried to persuade people the technology is practical and they responded by asking why, if I was so sure, I hadn't built my own system."
So he did. He moved out from the city center and bought a rooftop property in the outlying Minhang district.
Zhao has spent about 122,000 yuan ($18,800) on his mini power plant, including the cost of the solar panels that cover a total area of 21 square meters. Based on the current electricity prices, however, it will take Zhao roughly 60 years to break even on the investment.
Being located in Shanghai also posed challenges, especially when it comes to the weather in East China.
"There are frequent typhoons in the summer, so I had to fasten the panels tightly to the roof so that they won't blow off," he said, before pointing to his system and proudly adding: "You see, they've remained safe and sound all these years."
The one problem Zhao could not solve by himself was calculating the electricity he exports, as the ammeter installed by the power company does not separate power produced by his home generator from that provided by the State Grid Corporation.
The expert initially had to pay for whatever went through the ammeter, including his exported electricity. Yet, in April this year the power company installed another ammeter to calculate the power he generates.
"The company asked me to set a price for my electricity, but as an ordinary citizen I don't think I can," he said, explaining that in countries like Japan and Germany, power firms pay as much as five times the price for electricity retrieved from green home generators. "It is a national effort to encourage the development of green energy."
Despite his optimism, Zhao admits he feels China still has some way to go when it comes to promoting solar energy. For example, he said, in 2004 it was reported that the Shanghai government was planning to install solar panels on the roofs of 100,000 families' homes.
"It seems I was the only one who really took it seriously," Zhao said with a smile. "Of course, mine is only an experiment. My target is to gather some data to see whether the idea can be promoted in Shanghai."
The grid serving China's financial powerhouse does not have the capacity to meet peak demand in the summer, with rationing coming into force whenever the mercury hits 37 C, which is often.
Some 24,000 businesses, mainly factories and other industrial plants, will face mandatory power cuts, while this year 3,000 non-industrial businesses - shopping malls and office blocks - will also be asked to close their doors to guarantee household demand, according to media reports.
Zhao said that, based on his observations, the full use of solar power in Shanghai could satisfy one-third of residents' power demands. To make it happen, though, the government needs to be in support.
"The initial investment for a set of panels is about 60,000 yuan, so it's very important to provide subsidies for residents. There also needs to be a repurchase scheme for power exported to the State Grid," Zhao said. "Neither of these are there yet."
"The biggest obstacle comes from power providers. The law stipulates that power companies need to purchase solar power, but enforcement has been poor," he added.
Without financial support from the government and power companies, Zhao said it will be hard to make his dream come true. "It takes about 30 years for a solar power generator plant that costs 60,000 yuan to pay for itself," he said. "That may be too long for ordinary people to wait."
Although he admits that day is still a way off, as the director of Shanghai University of Electric Power's solar energy institute he hopes to lead by example.
In 2006 he installed 22 solar panels on the roof of his apartment to gather data on the energy source. To date, he says he has generated some 14,000 kilowatt-hours of power without a breakdown - enough to satisfy the needs of his family and export to the State Grid.
"I'm an expert and an advocate for solar energy," he said. "There were times when I tried to persuade people the technology is practical and they responded by asking why, if I was so sure, I hadn't built my own system."
So he did. He moved out from the city center and bought a rooftop property in the outlying Minhang district.
Zhao has spent about 122,000 yuan ($18,800) on his mini power plant, including the cost of the solar panels that cover a total area of 21 square meters. Based on the current electricity prices, however, it will take Zhao roughly 60 years to break even on the investment.
Being located in Shanghai also posed challenges, especially when it comes to the weather in East China.
"There are frequent typhoons in the summer, so I had to fasten the panels tightly to the roof so that they won't blow off," he said, before pointing to his system and proudly adding: "You see, they've remained safe and sound all these years."
The one problem Zhao could not solve by himself was calculating the electricity he exports, as the ammeter installed by the power company does not separate power produced by his home generator from that provided by the State Grid Corporation.
The expert initially had to pay for whatever went through the ammeter, including his exported electricity. Yet, in April this year the power company installed another ammeter to calculate the power he generates.
"The company asked me to set a price for my electricity, but as an ordinary citizen I don't think I can," he said, explaining that in countries like Japan and Germany, power firms pay as much as five times the price for electricity retrieved from green home generators. "It is a national effort to encourage the development of green energy."
Despite his optimism, Zhao admits he feels China still has some way to go when it comes to promoting solar energy. For example, he said, in 2004 it was reported that the Shanghai government was planning to install solar panels on the roofs of 100,000 families' homes.
"It seems I was the only one who really took it seriously," Zhao said with a smile. "Of course, mine is only an experiment. My target is to gather some data to see whether the idea can be promoted in Shanghai."
The grid serving China's financial powerhouse does not have the capacity to meet peak demand in the summer, with rationing coming into force whenever the mercury hits 37 C, which is often.
Some 24,000 businesses, mainly factories and other industrial plants, will face mandatory power cuts, while this year 3,000 non-industrial businesses - shopping malls and office blocks - will also be asked to close their doors to guarantee household demand, according to media reports.
Zhao said that, based on his observations, the full use of solar power in Shanghai could satisfy one-third of residents' power demands. To make it happen, though, the government needs to be in support.
"The initial investment for a set of panels is about 60,000 yuan, so it's very important to provide subsidies for residents. There also needs to be a repurchase scheme for power exported to the State Grid," Zhao said. "Neither of these are there yet."
"The biggest obstacle comes from power providers. The law stipulates that power companies need to purchase solar power, but enforcement has been poor," he added.
Without financial support from the government and power companies, Zhao said it will be hard to make his dream come true. "It takes about 30 years for a solar power generator plant that costs 60,000 yuan to pay for itself," he said. "That may be too long for ordinary people to wait."
2011年7月4日星期一
Sunset for solar?
SOME solar firms could go to the wall within days without a plan to allow consumers to reduce their electricity bills by the same amount they are paying for mainstream power, says a leading Coffs Coast provider.
“Until we know what value is going to be assigned to the production of solar power, customers are flying blind and it is not possible to make a clear decision,” Peter Bulanyi said.
“The solar industry can’t wait months.
"We need a decision yesterday.”
Mr Bulanyi, a principal of national solar voltaic company Solar Inverters,
which has its headquarters at Urunga, says aggregation is the simplest and fairest way forward for both consumers and providers of solar energy systems.
“Aggregation allows consumers to reduce their electricity bills at a rate of one to one in terms of crediting their account at the same rate per kilowatt hour they would purchase it from the power company,” Mr Bulanyi said.
“It means people can at least neutralise their bill and if they generate more than they use, the payment for that electricity can be open to negotiation.
“It will add nothing to the State’s Budget and could be introduced today.
“It would be a great thing for the solar industry because it places a value on the electricity the customer is generating.”
Mr Bulanyi said customers in the old Country Energy area, now serviced by Origin Energy, would see an 18% rise in their electricity prices to 27c a kilowatt hour and more large price increases had already been flagged to come into play over the next four or five years, which could see prices rise to 30c, 40c or even 50c per kw/h.
Under aggregation, local people generating solar energy would now be paid 27c a kw/h and this payment would automatically increase with power price rises.
Mr Bulanyi said since Friday his company had been part of talks at the highest level with other industry partners on the way forward for solar power in NSW.
The first round of the solar summit was held last week in the wake of dramas over the withdrawal and reinstatement of solar tariff contracts by the O’Farrell Government.
The government has ordered a review by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal to determine a fair price for the solar panel tariff and to end the boom and bust cycle for solar investment in NSW.
The NSW Minister for Energy Chris Hartcher has appointed chief scientist Mary O’Kane to head a taskforce which will draw up a renewable power plan as part of the NSW commitment to sourcing 20 per cent of power from renewable energy by 2020.
Mr Bulanyi said while the Federal Government was ‘desperate’ to support renewable energy, electricity was a state responsibility, which meant the nation had a patchwork of power supply and sale arrangements.
“Until we know what value is going to be assigned to the production of solar power, customers are flying blind and it is not possible to make a clear decision,” Peter Bulanyi said.
“The solar industry can’t wait months.
"We need a decision yesterday.”
Mr Bulanyi, a principal of national solar voltaic company Solar Inverters,
which has its headquarters at Urunga, says aggregation is the simplest and fairest way forward for both consumers and providers of solar energy systems.
“Aggregation allows consumers to reduce their electricity bills at a rate of one to one in terms of crediting their account at the same rate per kilowatt hour they would purchase it from the power company,” Mr Bulanyi said.
“It means people can at least neutralise their bill and if they generate more than they use, the payment for that electricity can be open to negotiation.
“It will add nothing to the State’s Budget and could be introduced today.
“It would be a great thing for the solar industry because it places a value on the electricity the customer is generating.”
Mr Bulanyi said customers in the old Country Energy area, now serviced by Origin Energy, would see an 18% rise in their electricity prices to 27c a kilowatt hour and more large price increases had already been flagged to come into play over the next four or five years, which could see prices rise to 30c, 40c or even 50c per kw/h.
Under aggregation, local people generating solar energy would now be paid 27c a kw/h and this payment would automatically increase with power price rises.
Mr Bulanyi said since Friday his company had been part of talks at the highest level with other industry partners on the way forward for solar power in NSW.
The first round of the solar summit was held last week in the wake of dramas over the withdrawal and reinstatement of solar tariff contracts by the O’Farrell Government.
The government has ordered a review by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal to determine a fair price for the solar panel tariff and to end the boom and bust cycle for solar investment in NSW.
The NSW Minister for Energy Chris Hartcher has appointed chief scientist Mary O’Kane to head a taskforce which will draw up a renewable power plan as part of the NSW commitment to sourcing 20 per cent of power from renewable energy by 2020.
Mr Bulanyi said while the Federal Government was ‘desperate’ to support renewable energy, electricity was a state responsibility, which meant the nation had a patchwork of power supply and sale arrangements.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)