Solar Cells Info

San Jose, CA, October 4, 2007
Source: EE Times
http://www.eetimes.com/news/semi/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=202201012

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc., a developer of thin-film photovoltaic materials, has obtained more funding from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The goal is to increase the funding of Ascent Solar’s development of thin-film tandem photovoltaics (PV), based on monolithically integrated CIGS technology. The contract modification represents up to $749,000 of additional contract value over a 27-month period.
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Nuying Huang, Taipei; Esther Lam, DIGITIMES, 4 October 2007
Source: DigiTimes
http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20071004PD212.html

Neo Solar Power, a Powerchip Semiconductor Corporation (PSC)-invested solar cell subsidiary, is seeing buoyant orders with a utilization rate hitting a record high in September.  Orders are strong with no inventory left at all, Neo Solar stressed. The solar-cell maker noted that its utilization rate hit 120% with an actual output of 3.02 peak megawatt (MWp) in September. Annual capacity will reach 60MWp in 2007, following the completion of its second production line in November. The company reiterated that it aims to house a total capacity of 500MWp in 2010 to be the third-largest solar cell maker.
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Nuying Huang, Taipei; Esther Lam, DIGITIMES, 9 October 2007
Source: DigiTimes
http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/NewsSearch.asp?DocID=PD3217&query=SOLAR

Taiwan solar cell makers are seeing rising cost pressure as some of their polysilicon wafer suppliers in China are doubling the deposit required when signing new contracts. Whether or not Taiwan-based silicon wafer suppliers will follow suit also remains a concern.  Industry sources indicated that some China-based wafer makers have revised up their deposit ratio from 5% to 10% for mid- and long-term contracts. They added in saying that Taiwan-based solar cell makers who have recently made supply agreements might have already face such an adjustment.
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Michael Chang, Hsinchu; Esther Lam, DIGITIMES, 3 October 2007
Source: DigiTimes
http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20071002PD213.html

Sinoar has held the opening ceremony at its new thin-film solar production plant at Hsinchu, Taiwan. The company will soon enter volume production with annual capacity set at 15 peak megawatt (MWp) initially, according to the company.  The company’s first solar-cell production plant was built in 1989 with test production completed in 1991. The second plant will enter operation immediately, said the company adding that second-phase expansion is already underway. The company plans to add another 35MWp capacity at the plant in the future with annual capacity expected to exceed 50MWp in the third quarter of 2008.
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October 11, 2007
Source: G24i.com/press release
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/691527/
* Advances in photovoltaics: Ionic Liquids for new class ofsolar cells
* Partnership to develop new formulations for increased efficiency of solar technology

G24 Innovations Limited (G24i) and BASF have today (Oct 11, 2007) announced a joint development agreement. The two companies will initiate a program to develop ionic liquids and formulations that further improve both performance and efficiency of G24is solar cells using a proprietary dye-sensitized thin film technology.  The photovoltaic cells produced by G24i are sensitive to far more of the visible spectrum of light than conventional solar cells, so that all sorts of light sources can be used to generate power, even at relatively low levels of light intensity. The photovoltaic process used is roughly analogous to photosynthesis in plants: a special ruthenium dye assumes the role of chlorophyll, turning light into electrical energy in a chemical process. Specifically adapted to the electrode and dye system, the ionic liquids are key to ensuring that the solar cell will generate power in a reliable and stable manner.
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October 9, 2007
Source: Solidstate Technology
http://sst.pennnet.com/display_article/308549/5/ARTCL/
none/none/SOLAR-NEWS:-Taiwan,-Japan-firms-placing-solar-bets/

A scan of recent headlines nets several stories of interest to the solar/photovoltaics sector, including growth plans by Japanese firms and Taiwan automation tool suppliers, and a US firm’s expansion efforts through M&A in Europe. (more…)

JIANGSU, China, Oct. 9, 2007
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196781&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1060349

Canadian Solar Inc. (“the Company,” ”CSI,” or ”we”) and Ra Solar Espana today held the official opening of a 2.8MW solar farm project in Albacore, Spain. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Dutch ambassador and the Director of Industry of Castilla la Mancha. The solar park, one of the largest photovoltaic plants in Spain, is expected to supply enough energy for 1,500 families. (more…)

Industry luminaries will meet this week at the annual Solar Power 2007 to celebrate booming business. But high costs remain a barrier to wider adoption.
By Martin LaMonica, Staff Writer, CNET News.com, September 25, 2007
Source: CNet News.com
http://www.news.com/Cutting-solar-panels-high-price-tag/2100-11392_3-6209791.html

For all the technical advances in the thriving solar power industry, the large up-front costs of solar electricity in the residential market remains a stubborn barrier to wide adoption. A number of companies, from installers to panel producers, are taking different routes to try to improve the economics of purchasing rooftop solar panels. Solar panel manufacturers and installers are introducing new products and services to lower the cost of installing solar electricity. Installation accounts for up to half the cost of solar power.
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Non-Profit Now Able to Serve 6,700 Additional Home-Delivered Meals a Year
San Francisco, CA, Sept. 13, 2007
Source. Pacific Gas & Electric Co., press release
http://www.pge.com/news/news_releases/q3_2007/070913.html

Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Project Open Hand today celebrated the unveiling of the non-profit’s new state of the art solar and solar thermal energy system. PG&E’s Bill Morrow was joined by San Francisco Treasurer Jose Cisneros, San Francisco Assessor Recorder Phil Ting, and San Francisco Commission on the Environment President Paul Pelosi, Jr. to celebrate with community members who could see live readings of the new system’s power generation and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions the system has avoided.
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Solar Arrays Provided to 65 Homes in Northern and Central California; Supplying 75 Percent of Each Family’s Electricity Use
San Francisco, CA, Sept 20, 2007
Source: Pacific Gas & Electric Co., Press release
http://www.pge.com/news/news_releases/q3_2007/070920.html

Pacific Gas and Electric Company today announced a $1.2 million partnership with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) to install solar electric systems on every Habitat-built home throughout PG&E’s northern and central California service territory in 2007. The first such partnership of its kind is part of PG&E’s commitment to provide affordable, renewable energy in the communities it serves. “As we work to meet the future of California’s energy needs, PG&E is committed to bringing clean and renewable energy to all of the communities we serve,” said Bill Morrow, president and CEO, PG&E. “By expanding our partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, we are sending a very clear message – solar energy can have very real financial and environmental benefits for all of our customers.”
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