Solar Cells Info

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…)

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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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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By Stephanie Brown, September 23, 2007
Source: NJ.com
http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1190532324185840.xml&coll=8&thispage=3

As the Delsea Regional school district decides to move forward on a large solar energy project, the timing of its decision may cost it nearly $500,000. That’s because it is catching the state midstream in changing what has been the most generous renewable energy incentive program in the nation. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ Clean Energy Program promotes increased energy efficiency and the use of clean, renewable energy sources, like solar, by offering financial incentives, programs and services for residential, commercial and municipal customers. The program is funded by the state’s ratepayers, who pay a societal benefits charge on their electricity/gas bills.
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September 28, 2007, New Brunswick, NJ
Source: DT Solar, press release
http://www.turnerenewablenergy.com/9-28-07Hallsrelease.html

DT Solar, a Turner Renewable Energy company, and Hall’s Warehouse Corporation, a family-owned refrigerated and frozen food storage and distribution company, today announced an agreement to build a 2 MW solar electric power system to supply electricity to their facility in South Plainfield, New Jersey.  When completed, this project will be the largest rooftop solar electric system serving a private company in the United States.  The solar power system will be located in South Plainfield, NJ, on one of Hall’s seven state-of-the-art frozen and refrigerated warehouses serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. The solar array will consist of approximately 13,500 solar modules, will produce nearly 3 million kWh of clean energy and will eliminate more than 2 million pounds of CO2  emissions annually.
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WUXI, China and LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 25, 2007
Source: PR Newswire /CNN Money
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/CNTU02125092007-1.htm
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. , one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, today announced the introduction and availability of the STPVb-1 and STPUb-1 range of high output solar modules targeting grid connected applications in North America. These products will be on display from September 25 to September 27 at the Solar Power 2007 Conference and Expo being held in Long Beach, CA and are available for sale for delivery in 2008.
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Suntech to Deliver 10 to 14 MW of Akeena Solar’s New Andalay Solar Panels
Los Gatos, CA & San Francisco, CA, September 24, 2007
Source: PRNewswire -CNNMoney
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/CNM03224092007-1.htm

Akeena Solar, Inc. , a leading designer and installer of solar power systems, and Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. , one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, today announced that Suntech has signed a letter of intent to manufacture Akeena Solar’s Andalay solar panels. Under the terms of the agreement, Suntech will manufacture and deliver 10 to 14 Megawatts of Andalay solar panels to Akeena Solar during 2008.
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By Episcopal Life staff, September 28, 2007
Source: Episcopalchurch.org
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81827_90541_ENG_HTM.htm

Mention solar energy and people often think of individual roof-mounted panels. Mention stained glass and people think of traditional windows in churches. Not too many people would think to combine them, but artist Sarah Hall has done this and more, with the first stained glass installation in North America to utilize solar cells.
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SunPower Employee Volunteers to Install Six Solar-Electric Systems in One Day for Low-Income, First-Time Homeowners in Oakland, Calif.
San Jose, CA, Sept 13, 2007
Source: SunPower Corp. press release
http://investors.sunpowercorp.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=263881

SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems today announced a new partnership with GRID Alternatives, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization, to bring the power of solar energy to low-income families in need.
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