Romag Launches Solar Powered EV Charging Stations in UK

Romag Holdings plc, the specialist manufacturer of glass and plastic composites for
renewable energy applications, announces today the development of an innovative new
product that will provide solar generated power for electric vehicles.

Romag’s ‘PowerPark’ is a solar car parking canopy made of PowerGlaz PV panels that will be
targeted for car parks at airports, stations, supermarkets, shopping centres, offices and
public buildings including sports and leisure facilities.. The canopy generates electricity which
can be sold into the national grid as well as charging electric vehicles. This initiative has been
spurred by Government encouragement to demonstrate that the infrastructure is being put in
place to support the manufacture of electric cars and will furthermore be beneficial to
commercial organisations when the feed in tariff is introduced in 2010.















Romag has already secured a contract with OneNE, the regional development agency, to
build two prototype ‘PowerPark’ canopies: one at its own facility in County Durham and the
other at Tegrel Engineering in Blaydon on Tyne, the manufacturers of the steel structure
utilised in the PowerPark product. Once testing is approved, PowerPark can be rolled out
initially as part of the pilot programme in the North East and then throughout the UK.

Romag also announces today that it is establishing the UK’s first Solar PV Training and
Business Centre. With financial support from OneNE, Romag will develop a facility at its
headquarters featuring both standard photovoltaic and building integrated photovoltaic
products. The Training and Business Centre will be available for hire to organisations that
wish to train people across the manufacturing industry from roofers to electricians, installers,
architects, developers and planners.

Commenting on the initiatives, Lyn Miles, Romag CEO said:

“We are extremely excited about these two projects and are positive about the benefits they
will present for the future of UK manufacturing and climate change, particularly in the North
East. Both the PowerPark and the training centre are being developed to ensure that the
infrastructure and expertise is in place to allow UK companies to readily respond to the
potential increase in demand for solar powered microgeneration within the UK market which
will be accelerated by the feed-in tariff.”

Visit Romag's website here

3rd International Conference on Solar Photovoltaic Investments

April 7-8, 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany

Following on the success of the two previous conferences, the EPIA is organising its 3rd International Conference on Solar Photovoltaic Investments in privileged partnership with the Deutsche Börse group.

This intensive conference in Frankfurt is addressed to both the photovoltaic (PV) industry and the financial sector with aims of further improving the cooperation between both communities.

Read more about the upcoming conference here

Concentrator Photovoltaic Cell Efficiency to Reach 50% by 2015

Recently, a metamorphic triple-junction solar cell of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems achieved a record efficiency of 41.1% at 454 suns. Making multi-junction CPV cells the most efficient photovoltaic devices.

The importance of this high capacity to convert sunlight into electricity is magnified by the fact that multi-junction cell efficiency tends to increase with the concentration factor. This is because the performance of multi-junction cells is particularly resilient to increases in cell temperature. The only photovoltaic tecnology with a better temperature coefficient is a-Si thin film but this technology has a much lower efficiency.

Currently, the useful range of concentration ranges from 2 to 1,000 suns. However, as methods of cooling cells are improved and new materials are employed in building multi-junction the concentration factor could be increased to take full advantage of high efficiency cells.

The report further explains factors which affect the efficiency of CPV cells. It also discusses in detail materials employed in CPV cells. Currently, two types of cells are being used in concentration systems: high efficiency silicon cells and multi-junction cells. At present, multi-junction cells have not achieved the same level of marketing development and industrialization as those made of silicon.

CPV Today shared that its prediction is based on an analysis of the state of the art, on the historical evolution of systems and on the objectives depicted by manufacturers as well as on the analysis of the public institutions involved in the promotion of technology.

'Commercial cells will reach efficiency levels up to 45%, modules up to 35% and systems up to 30%, which will imply a substantial reduction of costs,' according to an extract from the report.

The report also elaborates on historical efficiencies of CPV cells and forecast for efficiency improvement.

The CPV Challenge (Part I) is the most comprehensive report on the technological challenges facing CPV.

Request your free summary of the report here

WORLD PV INDUSTRY REPORT SUMMARY

World solar photovoltaic (PV) market installations reached a record high of 5.95 gigawatts (GW) in 2008, representing growth of 110% over the previous year.

Europe accounted for 82% of world demand in 2008. Spain's 285% growth pushed Germany into second place in the market ranking, while the US advanced to number three. Rapid growth in Korea allowed it to become the fourth largest market, closely followed by Italy and Japan.

In the assessment of PV demand in 2008, 81 countries contributed to the 5.95GW world market total.

On the supply side, world solar cell production reached a consolidated* figure of 6.85 GW in 2008, up from 3.44 GW a year earlier. Overall capacity utilization rose to 67% in 2008 from 64% a year earlier.

Meanwhile, thin film production also recorded solid growth, up 123% in 2008 to reach 0.89 GW.

China and Taiwan continued to increase their share of global solar cell production, rising to 44% in 2008 from 35% in 2007.

Polysilicon supply to the solar industry grew by 127% in megawatt terms, sufficient to substantially ease supply limitations in 2008. United States polysilicon production accounted for 43% of the world's supplies. Average global wafering capacity grew to 8.30 GW (up 81%).

In dollar terms, the weighted 2008 average global factory gate crystalline module price increased by a modest 3% over 2007, notwithstanding the significant fall in fourth quarter 2008. Preliminary first quarter 2009 data shows a decrease of 24% compared to the 2008 global weighted average. The new report quantifies the global inventory build during first quarter 2009.

The PV industry generated $37.1 billion in global revenues in 2008, while successfully raising over $12.5bn in equity and debt, up 11% on the prior year.

The PV industry's principal annual report, Marketbuzz™ 2009 provides in-depth and insightful analysis of global market demand, supply capacity and production, pricing through the PV chain, manufacturing costs and gross margins, capital expenditure together with a focus on the key industry, corporate and policy challenges.

A full one third of the report focuses on PV demand by country, including the status updates on key policies and programs for the major markets. In addition, over 130 product polysilicon, wafer and cell supply contracts during are highlighted, together with 87 capital and debt raising deals for corporations in the PV chain during the year.

The forecast data employs three scenarios** to capture the fundamental variables affecting market development over the period. Twelve months ago, this scenario analysis provided the early notice of the impending change in the global supply/demand balance, which then took place in fourth quarter 2008.

In Marketbuzz™ 2009, the updated scenarios for 2009 - 2013 address market demand, supply capacity, production, industry pricing, manufacturing cost and margins. This data sets the framework for a discussion of the key industry issues over the next 5 years.

See the original article here

Spain Leads Global Market with 2.51 GW in 2008

Global market reaches 15 GW installed capacity, but Spain could lose market-leader position in 2009 because of reduced incentives.

Spain led the global market for solar in 2008, with 2.51 gigawatts installed that year alone, according to a report from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

About 5.5 GW was installed globally in 2008, reaching a total of 15 GW at the end of the year. Just 2.4 GW was installed in 2007.

After Spain, the countries with the most solar installation in 2008 were:

• Germany with 1.5 GW
• United States with 342 MW
• South Korea with 274 MW
• Italy with 258 MW
• Japan with 230 MW
• Czech Republic with 51 MW
• Portugal with 50 MW
• Belgium with 48 MW
• France with 46 MW

The dominance of European countries on the list cemented the EU’s leading role in the solar PV sector, the EPIA said. But whether that remains is dependent on the success of government incentives, the group said.

The EPIA forecast 7 GW of installed capacity to be added in 2009 but noted high uncertainties. In September, Spain scaled back its feed-in tariff and set a 500 MW cap on its solar incentives, which could severely limit demand there (see Extra solar panels in Spain driving down prices).

However, the governments of the U.S., Germany, France and Italy have established favorable policies that is expected to accelerate PV deployment, the EPIA said. Late in 2008, the U.S. extended tax incentives for renewable energy (see Solar takes stock after tax-credit battle). Italy recently established a 20-year feed-in tariff of €0.44 to €0.49 per kilowatt hour (see ET Solar to sell modules to Italy).

The EPIA said feed-in tariffs could bump installed capacity to 22 GW by 2013.

A JP Morgan report last year said South Korea is going to be one of the fastest growing solar markets during the next four years, potentially growing power generating capacity 89 percent to nearly 1 gigawatt from solar (see S. Korea plans $72M for renewable energy).

See the original article here

Suntech's Breakthrough Technology Achieves Higher Efficiencies

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, today announced that it is routinely utilizing the Pluto technology to produce PV cells with conversion efficiencies of approximately 19% on mono-crystalline PV cells and 17% on multi-crystalline PV cells.

Suntech recently sent a number of Pluto PV cells to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany for third party verification. The Fraunhofer Institute test results included a mono-crystalline Pluto PV cell with a conversion efficiency of 18.8% and a multi-crystalline Pluto PV cell with a conversion efficiency of 17.2%. Both PV cells were produced on Suntech's 34MW Pluto production line utilizing solar grade silicon wafers.

Dr. Stuart Wenham, Suntech's Chief Technology Officer said, "We are very excited about the performance of the Pluto technology. We are consistently achieving around 19% conversion efficiency on Pluto mono-crystalline PV cells and around 17% on Pluto multi-crystalline PV cells in large scale production, compared to 16.5% and 15.5% respectively using conventional screen-printed technology."

Dr. Wenham added, "The ability of the Pluto technology to significantly improve the conversion efficiency of both mono and multi-crystalline silicon PV cells is one of its unique characteristics. This will give Suntech the flexibility to offer a complete range of high efficiency solar products. In particular, we believe that Suntech's multi-crystalline Pluto modules will be one of the most efficient multi-crystalline silicon PV modules in commercial scale production world-wide."

Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO said, "Pluto delivers on the key requirements of the solar industry -- high efficiency, high stability, and high power output -- without utilizing higher grades of silicon. With Pluto-enabled Suntech products, our customers will realize improvements in space utilization and reduced balance of system costs, without increasing the cost of production, making Pluto well suited to commercial scale production and roof top applications."

The patent-pending Pluto technology is based on the PERL technology, developed by the University of NSW in Australia, which has achieved a world record efficiency of 25% in the laboratory. Pluto should improve power output by approximately 12% above conventional screen-printed PV cells. Unique texturing technology, with lower reflectivity, ensures more sunlight can be absorbed throughout the day even without direct solar radiation, and thinner metal lines on the top surface reduces shading loss. Suntech's Pluto technology can be applied to a variety of grades of silicon to suit multiple applications and product types.

Dr. Shi added, "The commercialization of the Pluto technology is the result of years of world-class research and development and is a milestone achievement for Suntech. With over 350 professionals in our R&D team spanning three countries, technology is a central element of our strategy to drive the cost of solar towards grid parity without incentives. Aside from developing high conversion efficiency PV cells, our R&D team is also engaged in the development of new solar applications and building integrated products, material and component optimization, encapsulation technology, and power output optimization and stabilization."

Suntech anticipates ongoing enhancement of the Pluto technology and targets to achieve 20% conversion efficiency on mono-crystalline PV cells and 18% on multi-crystalline PV cells within the next two years. Suntech currently has a fully operational 34MW Pluto PV cell line and targets to have a total of 100MW installed Pluto capacity within the next two months. Suntech expects to receive industry certification for Pluto PV modules in the second quarter of 2009 and targets to ship more than 50MW of Pluto modules in 2009. "Pluto" is a trademark of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

About Suntech

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) is the world's leading solar energy company as measured by production output of solar modules. Suntech designs, develops, manufactures, and markets premium-quality, high-output, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar products for electric power applications in the residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility sectors. Suntech's patent-pending Pluto technology for crystalline silicon solar cells improves power output by up to 12% compared to conventional production methods.

Suntech also offers one of the broadest ranges of building-integrated solar products under the MSK Solar Design Line(TM). Suntech designs and delivers commercial and utility scale solar power systems through its wholly owned subsidiaries Suntech Energy Solutions and Suntech Energy Engineering and will own and operate projects greater than 10 megawatts in the United States through Gemini Solar Development Company, a joint venture with MMA Renewable Ventures. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland and the United States and sales offices worldwide, Suntech is passionate about improving the environment we live in and dedicated to developing advanced solar solutions that enable sustainable development. For more information, please visit http://www.suntech-power.com

Akeena Solar & Morgan Stanley Form Partnership

Akeena Solar said Tuesday that it had signed a contract with a Morgan Stanley subsidiary to supply solar panels for low-income homes.

Los Gatos-based Akeena will be the exclusive solar-panel supplier for two years to MS Solar Solutions, part of the global financial services company.

No financial terms of the deal were released. Akeena CEO Barry Cinnamon said he anticipated selling panels for "at least 200 installations."

The deal represents an expansion of Akeena's business strategy. Primarily an installer of solar systems on residential and commercial rooftops, Akeena will now put more emphasis on selling its proprietary panels.

"We see tremendous growth potential for that part of the business," Cinnamon said.

MS Solar Solutions will use Akeena's Andalay AC panels on projects. The company also has the option of selling Akeena panels to large-tract homebuilders. Akeena also granted a royalty-bearing license to MS Solar that allows it to manufacture Andalay panels.

Unlike most solar panels that produce DC power that must be transformed to AC in a wall-mounted inverter, the Andalay AC panels contain an integrated inverter, "turning them into plug-and-play AC appliances," Cinnamon said. "Put a bunch together, and you can easily power a house."

As a result, they can be installed by workers who can be trained quickly.

The first shipments of Andalay AC panels to MS Solar Solutions will take place this week, with the first job starting in an unidentified location in California in April.

Akeena's shares were up 17 percent to $1.12 in Tuesday's trading.

In testifying before Colorado legislators earlier this year, Martin Mobley, MS Solar Solutions' vice president, said the company intends to buy panels, install them and monitor and maintain them afterward for low-income citizens. The company's business plan, he said, includes taking advantage of solar rebates and tax credits, participating in government contracts as well as selling renewable energy credits, known as RECs.

See the original article here