Solar Cells Info

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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San Franscisco, CA, Sept. 25, 2007
Source: Pacific Gas & Electric Company, press release
http://www.pge.com/news/news_releases/q3_2007/070925.html

Continuing its position as the leading solar utility, Pacific Gas and Electric Company today received the Solar Portfolio Leadership award from SEPA. This is the third time in as many years that PG&E has been awarded a Solar Business Achievement award from SEPA. The first two years the award came in the category of public awareness and industry leadership. This is the first time SEPA has honored any company with the Solar Portfolio Leadership award.
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Bar mitzvah project benefits congregation and environment
Source: Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, press release, Sept 18, 2007
http://www.ctinnovations.com/news/331.php

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel and Sunlight Solar Energy Inc. today hosted a dedication ceremony for a 10.5-kilowatt DC solar photovoltaic (PV) system that has been installed on the roof of the synagogue Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI) in New Haven, Conn. The installation was made possible, in part, by a rebate of $48,768 from CCEF through its Solar PV Rebate Program, which is available to Connecticut residents, nonprofits and governmental organizations. The balance of funding for the project was provided by over 150 individual donors.
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Boston, MA. September 24, 2007
Source: Borregosolar.com, press release
http://www.borregosolar.com/solar-energy-company/news-and-press/index.php?id=93&year=2007

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has awarded Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. the design and installation of 100 kilowatts of solar power for the Deer Island Water Treatment plant in Winthrop, Massachusetts.  The solar installation, due to be completed by the end of 2007, is projected to generate over 100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, and is the first of 12 major solar projects slated for completion over the next year in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The MWRA issued a statement saying, “We are very enthusiastic about this project as it is the first such contract of this type that we have awarded in the history of the MWRA.” (more…)