Solar Cells Info

by Satoshi Ookubo, Nikkei Electronics, Jun 6, 2008
Source: TechOn
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20080606/152962/

Mitsubishi Chemical Corp will release a lighting system consisting of LEDs and solar cells for factories by the end of 2009 at the earliest.  The lighting system reducess electrical costs by using sunlight and LEDs, which have a longer life than fluorescent lamps. With this system, lighting costs can be reduced by approximately 30%, according to Mitsubishi Chemical. (more…)

By Joi Preciphs, May 29, 2008
Source: Bloomberg.com
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=azMxlriXcviY&refer=japan

Itochu Corp. plans to spend at least 110 billion yen ($1.05 billion) to develop solar farms in the Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries, building on those governments’ efforts to broaden access to clean energy projects, Nikkei English News reported, without citing anyone. The Osaka-based company will build two or three solar parks in the Czech Republic this year at an estimated total cost of 10 billion yen, the news service said. The facilities will be able to generate a combined 10 megawatts of power, Nikkei said.  The rest of Itochu’s investment will be used to build a solar farm in Bulgaria by 2010, Nikkei said. Officials expect the facility to generate 100 megawatts, which would be enough to supply 25,000 households in Japan.

Kumarakom, 05 June, 2008
Source: SIFY.com
http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14688966

Tourism major CGH Earth launched a solar-powered boat, which it claimed was the biggest in India, to mark World Environment Day at its resort here Thursday. Jose Dominic of CGH Earth said: “This solar-powered boat can seat 25 people and will be used in our resort in Kumarakom. We already use solar water heaters in all our properties.” (more…)

Brussels, June 6, 2008
Source: Verivox press release
http://www.verivox.de/News/ArticleDetails.asp?aid=85175&pm=1

On the verge of talks on the proposal of the « Grenelle law », the European Photovoltaic Industry Association and the actors of the French market, are organising a national photovoltaic symposium entitled « Towards a sustainable development of the photovoltaic sector in France », on 27 June in Aix les Bains, France. On this occasion over 900 participants from France and Europe are awaited to discuss possible ways to diminish the gap the French PV market is experiencing in relation to some of its European neighbours such as Germany or Spain. (more…)

Nairobi, June 5, 2008
Source: AFP
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gksE4lu5Mj2VjLaBiE6L4zeYIUXQ

Solar power from Africa’s deserts could supply all 600 million citizens currently without electricity and even export power to Europe, a green energy conference in Nairobi heard Thursday.  The ferocious desert sun could provide the energy equivalent of 1.5 barrels of oil per square kilometre, said Gerhard Knies, project manager for Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation (TREC), at a meeting of nine African states.
(more…)

May 28, 2008
Source: Menova Energy Inc, press release
http://www.power-spar.com/Power-Spar/press.php

The Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) and Wal-Mart Canada announced today that they are pursuing a project with Menova Energy that would provide up to $5.9 million to support the demonstration of the company’s world-leading Power-Spar solar concentrator technology. The intention is to test and install the technology on the roof of a Wal-Mart store in Ontario, yet to be selected or constructed. (more…)

Palo Alto, CA, June 4, 2008
Source: Hewlett-Packard Press release/BusinessWire/Yahoo Business
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080604/20080603006548.html?.v=1

HP (NYSE:HPQ) and Xtreme Energetics (XE), a solar energy system developer based in Livermore, Calif., today announced they have entered into an agreement for the development of a solar energy system designed to generate electricity at twice the efficiency and half the cost of traditional solar panels. Under the technology collaboration and licensing agreement, HP will license its transparent transistor technology to XE in return for royalty payments.

The transparent transistor technology that will be used in XE’s solar energy device was co-developed by HP and Oregon State University. The technology includes thin film transparent transistors, which are made from low-cost, readily available materials such as zinc and tin. The materials raise no environmental concerns and allow for higher mobility, better chemical stability and easier manufacture. (more…)

By Cho Jin-seo, Staff Reporter, June 3, 2008
Source: Korea Times
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/06/123_25259.html

If North Korea tried to teach Libya how to go nuclear, then South Korea may be able to help the Middle-Eastern country divert to a safer, cleaner and more plentiful type of energy ― the sun.  The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) said Tuesday that it will develop an advanced type of solar energy generation system for the Renewable Energies and Water Desalination Research Center (REWDRC) of Libya. (more…)

By Jane Han, Staff Reporter, 4 July 2008
Source. KoreaTimes
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/06/123_25346.html

Steel giant POSCO installed the country’s largest solar power generators in its Gwangyang and Pohang facilities Wednesday, a niche business set to return about 1.6 billion won in energy sales annually.  Company officials said the 1-megwatt giant solar panels set up on rooftops of its storage plants will render approximately 2,500 mega watt hours of renewable electrical energy, which is enough to supply 500 homes every year. (more…)

by Robin Pagnamenta, Energy and Environment Editor, Times
Source: The Times /May 30, 2008

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/the_gulf/article4029328.ece

The Masdar state-sponsored renewable energy fund is investing $2 billion in thin film photovoltaic technology

Abu Dhabi unveiled plans yesterday to invest $2 billion (£1.02 billion) in a project designed to make it a world leader in solar power.  Despite the deserts of Arabia being rich in oil, the Gulf state is betting that this alternative source of energy could help to secure the region’s long-term economic future.  The investment by Masdar, a state-sponsored renewable energy fund, represents one of the largest stakes in the solar industry.
(more…)