Log Science

Sunny outlook for solar industry

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:38 +0000

Munich, Germany (UPI) Jun 11, 2010

The world’s biggest solar energy fair is under way in Munich, as growth continues to dominate the sector despite a reduction in government subsidies across Europe.

France, Italy and Germany have reduced their feed-in-tariffs recently, leading to a flurry of short-term installations and worrisome statements by officials from the solar industry.

The public outcry was loud but, in general, the industry likely won’t suffer much: While growth in Europe may slow down, new markets are emerging in the United States, India and China.

The German solar energy industry in 2009 created more than 60,000 new jobs, banking on sales of nearly $13 billion and new installations of 3.8 gigawatts, pushing the overall capacity of nearly 10 GW.

Once dubbed an alternative energy sources, solar power has moved into the mainstream.

The International Energy Agency, the energy watchdog that has often been viewed as a protector of Western oil interests, last month said that solar energy could account for up to one-quarter of the world’s electricity by 2050.

Photovoltaic cell technology and concentrating solar power together could generate 9,000 terawatt hours of power in 2050 — almost one-quarter of global demand, the agency said in May upon publishing two new analyses on the solar power market. While PV panels directly convert the sunshine into electricity, CSP plants use the sun’s rays to boil water and drive a turbine.

This is showing at Intersolar in Munich. The world’s biggest solar energy fair in 2010 grew by 33 percent to around 1,800 exhibitors from all over the world.

Companies showed off their latest technological advancements: Solarion from Germany claims it produces the world’s thinnest solar cells — they’re 30 micrometers (0.0012 inch) thin, very light and unbreakable, said Alexander Braun from Solarion. Solarworld from Germany, which also produces in the United States and Asia, unveiled a carport with a roof made up of solar modules.

Meanwhile, Intersolar presented its Intersolar Award in three categories, namely PV, CSP and PV production technology.

Swiss company ABB Schweiz won the PV award for a process system designed to ensure that unaffected strings continue to function normally and deliver yield in the event of a partial failure in a photovoltaic installation. FSAVE Solartechnik took the CSP title for its Flexsave heat buffer storage tank designed to easily accommodate existing residential buildings.

Finally, in the PV production technology category, Festo of Germany, got an award for its extremely fast-handling system, the High Speed H-Portal. The combination of a flat construction and low moving mass provides dynamics in the smallest possible space, thereby saving both energy and resources, Intersolar said.

Second Plant To Produce High Efficiency PV Modules In Germany

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:37 +0000

Courbevoie, France (SPX) Jun 11, 2010

As part of its solar power growth strategy, Saint-Gobain has announced that its subsidiary Avancis, will be building a new plant to produce photovoltaic (PV) modules to cover the roofs of residential, industrial and commercial buildings as well as solar plants.

This industrial site will be located in Torgau, Germany, where the Group is already present through Saint-Gobain Glass (flat glass and coated glass), Saint-Gobain Sekurit (automotive glass) and Avancis (PV modules).

This new plant will be Avancis’ second German facility manufacturing thin-film CIGS (Copper - Indium - Gallium - Selenide) photovoltaic panels. It will be built close to the first Avancis industrial site.

The new Avancis plant will have a production output of 100 MWp/year, capable of supplying year after year the electricity needs for cities of 15,000 inhabitants. With a surface area of 25,000msquared, the site should come on stream by the first quarter of 2012.

The innovative technology based on depositing a coating of CIGS on a glass substrate offers a way to avoid traditional crystalline silicon and achieve higher conversion efficiencies than other thin-film technologies (above 12% industrially and up to 20% in the laboratory).

It is also efficient at lower light levels, and offers competitive advantages in terms of manufacturing costs. In addition, its aesthetic style is particularly appealing. This technology requires leading-edge expertise when it comes to coating and thermally-treating glass material, two core-competency processes for Saint-Gobain, the world’s leading coated glass specialist for the building and automotive industries.

“This project marks a new milestone in Saint-Gobain’s commitment to the renewable energy sector. With this plant, Saint-Gobain will boost the industrial development of Avancis and help it become a major reference in the field of high-efficiency thin-film PV modules” explains Jean-Pierre Floris, President of the Innovative Materials Sector and Senior-Vice President of Saint-Gobain.

This is an extremely promising technology which combines the low production costs associated with all thin-film based techniques, with efficiencies approaching the higher levels achieved using polycrystalline silicon cells. Whilst being well-adapted for solar fields, the Avancis modules are particularly recommended for roof installation, being simple to mount, stylish and reliable.

PV solar energy has grown at a fast pace, riding on public policy support, though it should soon be developing independently from the latter, considering its intrinsic competitiveness. The nominal power installed today at a global scale is around 10 GW, and this market is expected to grow 20 to 30 % annually between now and 2020. With this investment, Saint-Gobain, world leader in habitat, is taking its share in the soaring solar market and positioning itself as an innovation-driven player.

Located in 64 countries with over 190,000 employees, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction markets, designs, manufactures and distributes building materials, providing innovative solutions to meet growing demand in emerging and mature countries, for energy efficiency and for environmental protection. Saint-Gobain Solar combines all Saint-Gobain businesses in the solar sector. Present over the whole value chain, the Saint-Gobain Solar strategy hinges on three independent activities:

+ the manufacturing and sale of high-performance mirrors designed for solar thermal plant operators and high-tech components for PV modules (special glass, high-performance plastics…).

+ the production, through its Avancis company, of thin-film PV modules based on CIGS technology (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide), designed for distributors, system integrators and power plant operators.

+ the design and marketing, through Saint-Gobain Solar Systems, of PV solutions for residential homes, office buildings, industrial and farm installations.

Sunny outlook for solar industry

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:37 +0000

France, Italy and Germany have reduced their feed-in-tariffs recently, leading to a flurry of short-term installations and worrisome statements by officials from the solar industry.

The public outcry was loud but, in general, the industry likely won’t suffer much: While growth in Europe may slow down, new markets are emerging in the United States, India and China.

Once dubbed an alternative energy sources, solar power has moved into the mainstream.

This is showing at Intersolar in Munich. The world’s biggest solar energy fair in 2010 grew by 33 percent to around 1,800 exhibitors from all over the world.

Meanwhile, Intersolar presented its Intersolar Award in three categories, namely PV, CSP and PV production technology.

Second Plant To Produce High Efficiency PV Modules In Germany

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:36 +0000

+ the manufacturing and sale of high-performance mirrors designed for solar thermal plant operators and high-tech components for PV modules (special glass, high-performance plastics…).

+ the design and marketing, through Saint-Gobain Solar Systems, of PV solutions for residential homes, office buildings, industrial and farm installations.

Sunpower And Naturener Partner On 9MW Spanish Solar Power Plant

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:36 +0000

Madrid, Spain (SPX) Jun 11, 2010

SunPower Corp. has announced that it is building a 9.1-megawatt (AC) solar power plant in Alange, Badajoz, Spain for the Naturener Group. This will be the fifth solar power plant that SunPower has designed and constructed for Naturener Group to date, and one of the largest to be commissioned in Spain this year. SunPower will also provide operations and maintenance services under the agreement with Naturener.

“We are pleased to work with SunPower again and continue our development of renewable energy in the Spanish market,” said Rafael Sanchez-Castillo, CEO of Naturener Group.

“SunPower’s turnkey services will ensure that the plant is operational by the end of the year, and their technology will maximize production of clean, renewable solar power for many years to come.”

At the 38-hectare site, SunPower will install its SunPower T0 Tracker technology, which requires only half the land area to produce the same amount of energy as conventional dual-axis trackers.

The Tracker systems position solar panels to follow the sun during the day, delivering up to 25 percent more energy than fixed-tilt systems. Due to sophisticated backtracking algorithms, the system avoids panel shading while increasing energy production. In addition, a smart grid system will enable the solar plant and Naturener’s nearby hydraulic power plant to share a utility grid connection.

On the Trackers, SunPower will mount the company’s standard-efficiency Serengeti solar panels, which offer the same high quality, reliable energy delivery and 25-year warranty as SunPower’s high-efficiency panel offerings.

Construction on the plant will start this month and is expected to employ over 150 people locally.

“Naturener is a leader in renewable energy development, and SunPower’s long-standing partnership with them is a clear testament to our ability to consistently deliver the highest quality power plants quickly and cost efficiently,” said SunPower Vice President Gian Maria Ferrero.

“With 225 megawatts of solar power plants operating today in Europe, SunPower has the experience and technology to ensure investors get the most value out of their solar assets.”

SunPower has more than 550 megawatts of solar systems installed or under contract. Previously for Naturener in Spain, SunPower designed and constructed solar power plants totaling 29 megawatts, located in the Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura regions.

Italian Solar Farm Completed With Canadian Solar Modules

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:35 +0000

Ontario, Canada (SPX) Jun 11, 2010

Canadian Solar has announced the completion and commissioning of a solar farm in Umbria in the Italian town of Narni. The 1 MW SOLARTA installation consists of 4,000 high-performance Canadian Solar CS6P 230-Watt modules capable of producing clean energy with an annual output of 1.18 MWh, and 16,000 tons of reduction in CO 2 emissions.

The installation was completed by Canadian Solar’s partner GE Progetti and 3i on a two-hectare rural area without the use of reinforced cement in an effort to be environmentally friendly and to maintain the aesthetics of the landscape.

The SOLARTA project is hooked up to the local electrical network and all the energy produced will be delivered to the grid. This solar plant demonstrates how photovoltaic energy systems can be installed with full respects to the environment, but also as highly profitable investment in energy production.

The photovoltaic panels from the Canadian company occupy 50% of the area and are arranged geometrically in multiple rows. In order to get the most out of the irradiation, the solutions adopted by SOLARTA are tilted at 28 degrees in order to guarantee greater exposure to direct rays of the sun.

“GE Progetti and 3i relies on Canadian Solar as a trusted partner given its high quality and high performance products, which are ideal for large installations like this one,” says Leonardo Pozzoli, Commercial Director Renewable Energy Department of GE Progetti and 3i. “Moreover, Canadian Solar’s strong global reputation is helpful when working with customers seeking bank support for profitable PV installments.”

“Italy remains one of the world’s fastest growing, most attractive solar markets. Canadian Solar has been a leader in Italy, with this latest installation underscoring our commitment to actively participating in the further development of the solar market in Italy,” says Marco Di Pietro, Country Manager with Canadian Solar for Italy.

“We are proud that our high-quality and high-efficiency modules have been chosen to make SOLARTA a reality. We thank GE Progetti and 3i for providing the design, coordination and execution that makes SOLARTA PV farm a great success.”

CS6P: efficiency, reliability, and safety

The CS6P from Canadian Solar are large size standard modules (H 1638 x L 982 x P 40 mm) used in systems connected to the grid, characterized by 60 solar cells capable of delivering high energy conversion capacity, even when light conditions are poor. The technologies used to design and produce these modules ensure high performance, excellent yield, and dependable durability over time.

The tests and rigorous quality controls that Canadian Solar products undergo ensure the very highest qualitative standards. The module rating is guaranteed for 25 years, and the product for 6 years.

Sunpower And Naturener Partner On 9MW Spanish Solar Power Plant

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:34 +0000

“We are pleased to work with SunPower again and continue our development of renewable energy in the Spanish market,” said Rafael Sanchez-Castillo, CEO of Naturener Group.

At the 38-hectare site, SunPower will install its SunPower T0 Tracker technology, which requires only half the land area to produce the same amount of energy as conventional dual-axis trackers.

Construction on the plant will start this month and is expected to employ over 150 people locally.

“With 225 megawatts of solar power plants operating today in Europe, SunPower has the experience and technology to ensure investors get the most value out of their solar assets.”

Italian Solar Farm Completed With Canadian Solar Modules

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:34 +0000

The tests and rigorous quality controls that Canadian Solar products undergo ensure the very highest qualitative standards. The module rating is guaranteed for 25 years, and the product for 6 years.

Oil Sands Protest Based On Misinformation

cracking — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:53:33 +0000

Alberta, Canada (SPX) Jun 10, 2010

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has said a protest against development of Canada’s oil sands is a misguided attempt to promote environmental activism based on misinformation and rhetoric, not facts.

“The Canadian oil and gas industry is committed to achieving an appropriate balance of what energy consumers tell us they want - environmental protection, economic growth and safe, reliable energy supplies,” said CAPP president Dave Collyer.

“Unfortunately, activities like this protest blur the lines between fact and fiction and add nothing to the serious dialogue occurring among reasonable people seeking solutions to our energy challenges.”

Rainforest Action Now (RAN), an environmental activist group wants to stop oil sands development and promotes the use of renewable energy like wind and solar power. LUSH, a retail marketer of soap and beauty products, is urging its customers to support RAN.

“Store sales and fund-raising plans aside, it’s technology - not soap - that enables cleaner energy,” Collyer said. “Technology improves performance and delivers cleaner oil and cleaner oil sands. At the same time, technology and innovation will help diversify our energy supplies.”

All sources of energy, developed responsibly, are required to meet rising global demand. Renewable energy is a good thing. But in reality, it represents a very small portion of total supply.

While Canada’s oil and gas producers won’t bare it all this week to make their point, consider these facts:

Development and Reclamation

+ Canada’s oil sands are more difficult and expensive to develop compared with conventional sources but they remain economically viable and competitive both economically and environmentally with other options.

+ In northern Alberta, oil sands are developed using two techniques: surface mining or in situ drilling. Today, about one-half of production comes from each method.

+ Surface mining, used to develop 20 per cent of the resource, uses large electric shovels and trucks. In more than 40 years, oil sands development has disturbed about 530 square kilometres of land. This is equivalent to 4.8 per cent of Los Angeles County or 0.02 per cent of Canada’s Boreal Forest.

+ The other 80 per cent of the resource must be developed using advanced in situ drilling technology, similar to conventional oil production.

+ All lands disturbed by oil sands development must be fully reclaimed under government laws. The land, air and water surrounding development are closely monitored and companies must abide by one of the strongest government regulatory systems in the world. GHG and Low Carbon Fuel Standards

+ Many oil sands detractors argue making synthetic oil from oil sands produces significantly more carbon dioxide than conventional oil production. We see a range among producers and cite oil sands as five to 15 per cent more carbon intensive on a lifecycle basis than the average barrel imported into the U.S. today. (Source: Cambridge Energy Research Associates)

+ However, it’s important to remember that trend-wise, the CO2 gap between oil sands and conventional fuel continues to narrow.

+ Oil sands producers have reduced CO2 per barrel by 39 per cent since 1990 (Source: Environment Canada) and continue to reduce emissions intensity or pay a carbon levy under law. While oil sand emissions are going down, conventional oil worldwide is declining so the average emissions from crude oil use is actually going up - a trend that underscores the need for increased investment in both oil sands technology and lower carbon energy.

+ Oil sands companies operate under GHG regulation (Alberta) and must reduce GHGs or pay a $15 per tonne carbon levy, which is comparable to the current CO2 price in Europe.

Consultation

+ Oil sands development does not go ahead without direct and meaningful consultation about both environmental impacts and economic benefits.

+ Discussion, science, stakeholder viewpoints and disputes are brought forward transparently at public, government-moderated hearings.

+ Productive relationships are crucial to oil and gas companies earning their licence to operate.

+ Delivering economic and social benefits and minimizing environmental impacts are fundamental to an oil sands project being found in the public interest, the final test a development must pass in order to proceed.

Water

+ The Athabasca River is one of the largest rivers in Canada and is also one of the most stringently regulated northern rivers in the world.

+ Currently oil sands production draws less than one per cent of the Athabasca’s average total flow. Going forward, all oil sands mining projects, including current and approved projects, are forecast to use about 2.2 per cent of the natural flow of the river.

+ Industry supports protecting the river during winter low flow and is developing improved recycling measures as well as water storage options.

+ More than 80 per cent of process water is recycled.

+ Water quality in the Athabasca is monitored and over several decades of monitoring there has been no significant change in water quality.

“Bottom line, the oil sands will play an important, necessary role in the global energy mix for the foreseeable future,” Collyer said. “The goal is to develop these resources safely and responsibly, using the latest technology to improve the process and reduce the environmental footprint. Experience shows that collaboration, not confrontation and rhetoric, is the most direct path to results.”

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada. CAPP’s member companies produce about 90 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil.

CAPP’s associate members provide a wide range of services that support the upstream crude oil and natural gas industry. Together CAPP’s members and associate members are an important part of a $110-billion-a-year national industry that provides essential energy products.

CAPP’s mission is to enhance the economic sustainability of the Canadian upstream petroleum industry in a safe and environmentally and socially responsible manner, through constructive engagement and communication with governments, the public and stakeholders in the communities in which we operate.