Solar Cells Info

by Matt Hickey,  February 13, 2009
Source: CNet news
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10164232-1.html

I have a few friends (who shall remain nameless) who are often unreachable because they don’t charge their phones when they should. These same friends should look into the new Samsung Blue Earth, which is to be unveiled in a couple days at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.  The phone is green, despite its blue color, and it’s not just the integrated solar panels that make it so. The Blue Earth is made of recycled plastic, features a pedometer, and even software that reaffirms just how much you’re helping the planet by using it. If Al Gore had one of these mobile devices in hand, it would likely explode. (more…)

By Steve Almasy, CNN, Jan 28, 2009
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/28/solar.powered.cars

Toyota’s third-generation Prius, due at dealerships this spring, will have an optional solar panel on its roof. The panel will power a ventilation system that can cool the car without help from the engine, Toyota says.  Solar Electric Vehicles in California makes a roof-mounted solar panel for a standar Toyota Prius.  But it’s a long way from the 2010 Prius to a solar-powered car, experts told CNN. Most agree that there just isn’t enough space on a production car to get full power from solar panels. (more…)

By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY, 20 Jan 2009
Source: USA Today.com
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-01-19-solar-panel-cars-automakers-prius_N.htm

Even as skies are gray this winter, automakers are looking to sunnier times — not just for more sales, but also to power solar cells going on new cars.  Toyota (TM) just announced that the next-generation Prius will have an optional solar panel that powers an electric fan. The fan activates to cool the cabin when the car is parked and the interior temperature rises.  Fisker Automotive, a start-up based in Irvine, Calif., goes further. The luxury hybrid shown at last week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit has a large solar panel that supplies extra juice to the battery. (more…)

Toronto, Jan. 23, 2009
Canadian Solar Inc, press release
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196781&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1247716

Canadian Solar Inc. (“the Company”, “CSI” or “we”) (Nasdaq: CSIQ) today announced that it has donated 5,000 Euros to the Klimaschutz- und Solarforderverein am Gymnasium School in Neutraubling, Germany. The donation will be used to partially finance a 10 kWp rooftop solar project using our CS6A-150 modules. Other donors include students, teachers and alumni, as well as private individuals. The school will in turn use the net proceeds from the project to help fund projects in developing nations. (more…)

by Rick Merritt, EE Times, San Jose, CA, 27 Jan 2009
Source: EETimes.com
http://www.eetimes.com/news/design/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212903004

A San Jose startup has licensed materials technology that can harvest energy from infrared light, boosting the efficiency of solar cells. Solexant aims to commercialize one of many advances under development at a photonics institute at the University of Buffalo.  “This is a very exciting period as new dimensions in photonics keep emerging in areas such as energy and health care,” said Paras N. Prasad, executive director of the university research group, speaking in a keynote at Photonics West here. (more…)

This year is critical for copper-indium-gallium-selenide panel makers to show that all those huge private equity founds and factory plans will make them formidable competitors in the global solar market in the next few years, says report.
by: Ucilia Wang, January 30, 2009
Source: Greentech Media.com Report
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/report-cigs-could-supply-3gw-of-solar-panels-by-2012-5625.html

They have raised huge capital. They have built factories and even attracted some buyers. Could this year be the starting point when stronger CIGS players emerge?  In a new solar report forecasting production and comparing technologies, Greentech Media analysts certainly believe so.  “We expect some of them to ramp up production in 2009 – they are getting to commercial volumes. That will give them a definite edge when it comes to cost,” said Shyam Mehta, a senior analyst at Greentech Media. Mehta co-authored the report, “PV Technology, Production and Cost, 2009 Forecast,” with Travis Bradford, founder of the Prometheus Institute and a Greentech Media advisor. (more…)

By Stephanie Stohr, G-Online, 30 Jan. 2009
Source: G-Online.com
http://www.gmagazine.com.au/news/1193/scientists-develop-spray-solar-panels

A new type of spray-on solar panel will make the cells cheaper and production more efficient.  Taking a leaf from the beauty industry, scientists have devised a way to make solar panels cheaper and more efficient – by spraying them on.  Researchers from the Australian National University (ANU), solar company Spark Solar Australia, and Finnish materials company Braggone Oy are collaborating on a three-year project that could transform the production of solar cells.  “I think it has a big chance of success,” said Keith McIntosh, lead researcher from the ANU, “It’s an exciting possibility.” (more…)

Source: The Armidale, Jan 21, 2009
http://armidale.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/sustainable-living-group-in-push-for-solar-rewards/1414837.aspx?storypage=0

THE LOCAL group Sustainable Living Armidale (SLA) has made a submission to the NSW Government, which is looking at how it might regulate and reward the production of solar power collected on house roofs.  SLA is responding to the call by the Government’s Task Force on the introduction of a feed-in tariff on renewable energy.  With a feed-in tariff, a household with solar panels and connected to the national electricity grid, will receive a guaranteed payment for the greenhouse gases saved by their production of energy. (more…)

Source: WaterSupply.com, Jan 16, 2009
http://www.watersupply.com/articles/DOE_Awards_0128382-160109.html

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that it has made three new technical assistance awards under the Solar America Showcases project, which is run by the Solar Energy Technologies Program. These awards provide technical assistance from solar energy experts to high-visibility, large-scale solar installations. (more…)

Residents can defer cost of installation
By Tanya Mannes Union-Tribune Staff Writer
Solana Beach, CA, January 20, 2009
Source: San Diego Union Tribune
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/20/
1m20solar23155-city-offers-solar-financing/

Edging ahead of San Diego, Solana Beach has become the first city in the region – and the third statewide – to launch a financing program that eventually will help homeowners and small businesses buy solar panels without paying the full price upfront.  The program will allow residents to pay for the “clean energy” systems over 20 years, with interest, through their property tax bills.  Solana Beach is part of a growing number of local governments trying to take advantage of Assembly Bill 811, a state solar law passed in July that authorizes cities and counties to establish the long-term payment plans. (more…)