Solar Cells Info

Source: Nanowerk News, November 25, 2008
http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=8370.php

You never know where basic research may lead. For decades materials scientists have been experimenting with a corkscrew-like polymer structure called a gyroid. Now an international team of researchers has shown that the gyroid structure can be used to “self-assemble” a low-cost photovoltaic cell. The idea could lead to more economical solar collectors and more efficient fuel cells. (more…)

Current financial crisis could speed up consolidation in PV industry
by: Edwin Koot, CEO solarplaza, 31 October 2008
Source: SolarPlaza.com press release

The global solar energy market in 2008 is expected to grow by 50% compared to 2007. The Chinese solar PV industry is growing rapidly and will soon be the biggest producer of solar cells and modules in the world. There are now over 100 Chinese solar module manufacturers, and even more new market players are expected in the short term. The question is: what might the current credit crisis and pessimistic economic forecasts mean for the PV market and industry in 2009? With solar modules becoming a commodity product, China will definitely be playing a key role as a major producer of solar cells and modules. However, if we look at the maturity of the PV industry right now, and what has happened in other industries, an imminent consolidation phase seems likely. That could mean that fewer producers, and only the bigger ones among them, will survive. So which companies are likely to be the winners, and be reliable business partners for the long term? (more…)

New Delhi, Oct , 2008
Source: PTI /The Hindu Online
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200810051031.htm

A group of students from a city based institute, who have developed a solar car, are representing India at The South Africa Solar Challenge, a unique competition in solar-powered cars.  The car has been developed by a group of 20 students from Netaji Subhash Institute of Technology (NSIT) here. The car of NSIT is the cheapest model in the competition, which has participations of teams from all over the world. (more…)

by Donald Melanson, Oct 17, 2008
Source: Engadget.com
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/17/
chinese-made-solar-powered-car-gets-150-kilometers-on-a-30-hour/

It may not attract the same sort of glances as a Tesla, or a Volt, for that matter, but this solar-powered car built by China’s Zhejiang 001 Group is pretty impressive in its own right, both for its price (just $5,560), and it’s efficiency. That latter bit is a result of some rather un-integrated solar panels, which absorb 95% of the solar energy they take in and convert it to electricity at between 14 and 17% efficiency, which is actually pretty impressive as far as solar panels go. According to the company, that should let you travel about 150 kilometers on a 30-hour charge, though you’ll only be able to go five kilometers on a one-hour charge. No word on a release outside of China, as you might have guessed, but the company has apparently already produced ten of ’em for sale inside the country, with more presumably on the way. (more…)

By: Irma Venter, 24 Oct 08
Source: Creamer Media’s Engg News
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=145203

A car powered by the sun is such a novel idea to South Africans that the Kokstad traffic police stopped the participants in the country’s first solar car race, demanding to know where “they are taking these solar panels”.  However, says race organiser Winstone Jordaan, it also epitomises everything this race is about: exposing South Africans to alternative technologies, and educating the public about solar energy specifically.
(more…)

Taipei, July 22, 2008
Source Everphoton press release
http://www.everphoton.com/hcpvpowerplant.htm

LED companies Everlight and Epistar are collaborating with Yee Fong Chemical and EVERPHOTON to set up the first HCPV power plant in Asia by the end of 2008, with the plant to have an estimated initial capacity of 1MWp.  The project is lead by EVERPHOTON, a company located in Taiwan and dedicated itself to HCPV industry and engaged in developing and manufacturing of high efficiency modules, high concentration Fresnel lens, sensors & controller, and tracker. It offers a total solution of high-efficiency HCPV solar power system as well. (more…)

A new solar mobile charger is ready to add hours and hours for more people especially travelers to charge their mobile when they need it most.
Source: PRLog (Press Release), Oct 21, 2008
http://www.prlog.org/10131154-solar-mobile-charger-available-to-end-users-in-malaysia.html

Malaysia Keep in Touch (M) Sdn Bhd (http://www.keepeshop.com) has made it even easier and convenient for end users to purchase their products via their easy-to-use website by adding e-commerce functionality, which will be launched next month, the company has announced.  The technical innovation provides the ultimate in ease for those seeking for solar mobile phone charger, digital camera, camera accessories, memory card & readers at a wide range in Malaysia, saving users’ valuable time, says Managing Director Ben Cheong.
(more…)

With waning subsidies and other attractive markets, can Spain maintain its lead in solar tech?
By Carolyn Whelan, October 20, 2008
Source: Scientific American
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=is-the-sun-setting-on-solar-power-in-spain

On the outskirts of Seville, Spain, 600 rotating mirrors send shafts of light to a collector atop a soaring 380-foot- (115-meter-) tall tower. Its scalding 480-degree-Fahrenheit (250-degree-Celsius) steam drives a turbine generating a peak capacity of 11 megawatts (MW) of electricity for the national grid. This “power tower” is the first of nine to be built by Spanish engineering giant Abengoa Solar, which all told will produce enough electricity for 153,000 homes by 2013. (more…)

By Vanessa Ebbeling, Staff Writer, October 23, 2008
Source: PressConnects.com
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20081023/NEWS01/810230359/1001

Binghamton University researchers will use $4 million in federal money to develop cheap solar power technology that’s capable of producing and storing large amounts of energy.  The initiative — made possible by funds secured by U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey — will propel BU to the forefront of solar-energy research and could attract businesses to the area, officials said at a news conference Wednesday. (more…)

By Jodi Weigand, Pittsburg Tribune-Review, October 25, 2008
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_595132.html

The sun is setting on Pittsburgh to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars it received 10 months ago for solar energy initiatives.  The U.S. Department of Energy awarded the city $450,000 in 2007 through the Solar America Initiative. The grant is aimed at lowering the cost of solar electricity.  The money is to be used for planning solar energy projects, educating officials on building and zoning regulations and informing residents, said Jim Sloss, Pittsburgh’s energy and utilities manager. (more…)