Solar Cells Info

Singapore, June 4, 2008
Source: BAF Spectrum Pte Ltd press release/CompoundSemi Online
http://compoundsemi.com/documents/view/cldoc.php3?id=10263
Technology to Increase Solar Panel Efficiency by 20% Through Quantum Dot Nanotechnology

Singapore-based seed fund BAF Spectrum Pte Ltd today announced taking a 30 percent stake in Mentarix Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based solar photovoltaic component startup. The investment reflects BAF Spectrum’s strategy to invest in early-stage clean technology companies that provide new and innovative solutions.  By utilizing quantum dot nanotechnology and photonic technology, Mentarix plans to design and manufacture products that can increase solar photovoltaic cell operating efficiency by at least 20% from their relative baseline. The technology is applicable to both traditional crystalline silicon cells as well as thin film cells based on cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide (CdTe/CdS), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and amorphous silicon. (more…)

by Martin LaMonica,  June 4, 2008
Source: CNet News.com
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9959586-54.html

FTL Solar on Wednesday announced it has raised capital to make flexible solar cells for buildings that generate electricity.  The company envisions that its structures, called PowerMods, can be used as battery-charging stations, parking lot canopies, disaster relief shelters, remote medical stations, and for military bases. (more…)

Santa Clara, CA, May 30, 2008
Source: Applied Materials, press release/BusinessWire
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=112059&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1152039

As part of its Masdar Initiative, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co. is significantly expanding its investment in solar energy by contracting with Applied Materials to purchase three SunFab(TM) Thin Film Lines for producing solar modules. With an optional tandem junction upgrade, these SunFab lines are expected to annually produce modules with a targeted capacity of up to 210 megawatts (MW), or enough energy to power approximately 70,000 homes. (more…)

Dix Hills, N.Y., May 30, 2008
Source: Solar Thin Films Inc, press release/BusinessWire

Solar Thin Films, Inc. (OTC BB:SLTN.OB), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of manufacturing equipment for the production of “thin-film” amorphous silicon and CIGS photovoltaic modules, has signed a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with China Singyes Holding Limited to build out 100MW of module manufacturing capacity in China. Under the MOU, Solar Thin Films will supply equipment, technology and general engineering and design support, and retain certain rights outside of China to market and distribute building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products. (more…)

Livermore Solar Electricity Group Looks to Jump-Start Its Solar Program
Los Gatos, CA, June 2, 2008
Souce; Akeena Solar Inc, press release/Businesswire
http://www.akeena.net/cm/Investor%20Relations/Home.html

Akeena Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKNS), a leading designer and installer of solar power systems, today announced the company has been named a preferred installer by the Livermore Solar Electricity Group as part of Livermore’s effort to encourage residential solar installations.  “With energy costs increasing rapidly, we expect numerous homeowners to start looking at installing a solar power system. Our group’s goal is to help Livermore homeowners choose reliable and trusted installers,” said Tom Reitter, founder of the Livermore Solar Electricity Group and a retired Livermore City Council member. “The Livermore Solar Electricity Group, after spending two months investigating solar photo-voltaic integrators and financing options chose Akeena Solar as one of two companies to recommend to Livermore residents. Akeena Solar is a large, high-quality company that sells only high-quality products and services.” (more…)

Innovative Model Lights the Way for School Districts and Colleges Nationwide
Lafayette, CA & Irvine, CA, June 2, 2008
Source: Solar Money, press release /BusinessWire
http://www.solarmonkey.net/

By the end of 2008 Lafayette School District will be producing the majority of its own power through rooftop solar energy, and saving money in the process. They have selected Solar Monkey as their partner and entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solar Monkey who will install, own, and operate solar power systems on 4 of 5 of the district schools: Burton Valley, Springhill, Lafayette Elementary School and Stanley Middle School. (more…)

Scottsdale, Az. June 2, 2008
Source: Kyocera Solar, press release
http://www.kyocerasolar.com/news/news_detail.cfm?key=531

Kyocera Solar, Inc. announced today it has partnered with Zacher Homes and American Solar Electric to bring solar electric systems to Central Arizona’s mainstream luxury housing market as a standard feature.  The custom homebuilder’s three new, all-solar, single-family housing developments in north-central Phoenix will feature solar electric systems on each home incorporating state-of-the-art Kyocera solar modules.
(more…)

New process offers greater efficiency in consumption of silicon over standard industry methods
Scottsdale, AZ ― June 2, 2008
Source: Kyocera Solar, press release
http://www.kyocerasolar.com/news/news_detail.cfm?key=531

Kyocera (NYSE:KYO) today announced a new achievement in its solar cell manufacturing process that offers higher efficiency in its consumption of multicrystalline silicon, the essential raw material used to make photovoltaic solar cells and modules.  The new mass-production process allows Kyocera to manufacture solar cells with a thickness of 180 micrometers using the latest advances in silicon ingot slicing and wafer coating. The industry’s standard mass-production methods for multicrystalline silicon solar cells yield thicknesses between 200 to 260 micrometers. (more…)

Five Megawatt Solar Power Facility Marks Company’s Entrance to International Market
New York and Indai, April 8, 2008
Source: Clear Skies Solar, Inc press release
http://www.clearskiesgroup.com/finance.htm

Clear Skies Solar, Inc. (OTCBB: CSKH), today announced a $20 million agreement, subject to financing, with Power Cube, a company located in Utter Pradesh, India to develop and construct the first of several solar energy projects in India. In this project, which is Clear Skies Solar’s first step into the international arena, the company will design and construct a multi-megawatt solar power system that will supply power to a steel mill and support the community’s energy grid system, providing much-needed energy on this particular line.

(more…)

New York, May 7, 2008
source. Clear Skies Solar Inc press release
http://www.clearskiesgroup.com/finance.htm

Clear Skies Solar, Inc., (OTCBB:CSKH) a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, today announced that it will provide solar power to a Riverside County, CA, dairy farm, Scott Brothers Dairy Farms. Under the $1,700,000 agreement, Clear Skies Solar will provide approximately 240 kilowatts of solar power to the dairy farm, helping it to offset its carbon footprint, reduce energy usage and save on utility costs.

Construction, anticipated to commence this summer, will consist of two systems. The first will include construction of a 63.86kW installation and the second will install an additional174.93kWs. Clear Skies Solar will install the solar panels on shade structures and an existing barn on Scott Brothers’ San Jacinto, CA-based dairy farm. (more…)