First Solar to Supply Modules for Australia’s Largest Solar PV Installation
April 30, 2009 | Comments Off
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Apr 28, 2009– First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) announced today that it will supply photovoltaic (PV) modules to Solar Shop Australia, Pty Ltd. (Solar Shop), for a 1 MW DC rooftop project. The solar power system, installed on 6 separate buildings at the Adelaide Showground in South Australia, will be the largest PV installation in the country. The rooftop system is being commissioned by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia.
First Solar is the world’s largest manufacturer of thin film solar modules. The Company recently announced that it has produced 1 gw of its PV modules since beginning commercial production. In addition, First Solar has the lowest manufacturing cost in the industry, having broken the $1 per watt price barrier by reducing its manufacturing cost to 98 cents.
“First Solar is proud to be supplying modules for the country’s largest PV system,” said John Carrington, First Solar executive vice president of marketing and business development. “This project will take one of Australia’s most abundant resources, sunlight, and convert it into clean, affordable electricity.”
“This project marks the beginning of what we expect to be a very promising future for solar energy in Australia,” said Carrington. “Australia’s policy initiatives have set the stage for the growth of affordable renewable energy, and First Solar’s advanced, cost-effective solar technology is a perfect fit.”
Solar Shop, in an alliance partnership with building and engineering company Build Environs Pty Ltd., will design and construct the 1 MW installation, which is expected to displace approximately 1,500 tons of CO2 every year. Construction is anticipated to begin immediately and is expected to be completed by the 3Q of 2009. The power produced by the solar installation will be used predominantly at the Adelaide Showground site, displacing power generated from conventional sources.
“Solar Shop Australia is excited to be introducing First Solar’s modules into the Australian market and particularly for use on this project, Australia’s largest solar PV installation,” said Adrian Ferraretto, Solar Shop’s managing director. “Solar Shop determined First Solar’s modules offered the best option for the Showground after considering a number of other solar technologies and the client’s specific requirements.”
Go See the Tesla Model S in New York City
April 30, 2009 | Comments Off
Apr 28, 2009 – If you live in greater New York or plan to visit soon, you’re in luck: The Tesla Model S will be on display Thursday, April 30 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Friday, May 1 (noon to 9 p.m.) at The Plaza Hotel, 5th Av at Central Park S, New York, NY 10019. This is a rare opportunity for the general public to get up close and personal with the Model S, the all-electric family sedan that carries up to 7 people and travels up to 300 miles per charge.
Tesla sales representatives will be at The Plaza Hotel to answer questions and take reservations. Eventually we will have a Model S in all of our showrooms and at major auto shows. In the upcoming months, we’ll bring the Model S to Chicago, Seattle, Miami and Washington as we prepare to open regional sales and service centers in those locations. Keep reading these newsletters for details.
Model S to appear on Late Show with David Letterman
The Model S has gotten incredible buzz since its launch on March 26, when it was featured on blogs, in newspapers and on TV newscasts worldwide. On April 29, the Model S will make another historic debut: It’s expected to be the first fully drivable car to appear on Late Show with David Letterman.
Conventional cars and hybrids, which produce CO2 emissions, are not allowed in drivable form on the Late Show set due to strict emission regulations. The prohibition of internal combustion engine cars is an ironic twist, seeing as Dave is a passionate car enthusiast who loves to wax about his favorite vehicles – but hey, it’s a great opportunity for the Model S. I’ll be on the show along with the car, and I am looking forward to a lively conversation with Dave, a fellow sports car aficionado and Tesla fan. Please tune in on your local affiliate station to see this historic event.
EPA finding could lead to more EV incentives
On April 17, the Environmental Protection Agency declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions were “dangerous pollutants” producing toxic effects on human health. The landmark finding is likely to put even more pressure on Congress to pass legislation limiting greenhouse gas emissions. This is a huge victory for scientists and environmentalists seeking to slow the pace of global warming. It’s expected to trigger more state and federal regulations on gas guzzlers and pave the way for additional incentives on pure electric vehicles, which produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Earlier this decade, the Bush administration opposed putting mandatory limits on many greenhouse gases. Back then, some politicians engaged in the specious argument that tough environmental regulations would hurt businesses. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that the most successful 21st century companies – from photovoltaic panel manufacturers to electric vehicle makers — will improve the environment *and* the economy.
In fact, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said that greenhouse gases posed “a serious problem now and for future generations.” Despite that ominous warning, she had an upbeat call to action: “This pollution problem has a solution — one that will create millions of green jobs and end our country’s dependence on foreign oil,” she said.
We couldn’t agree more. Many Tesla customers are died-in-the-wool sports car enthusiasts, attracted to the Roadster’s eye-catching design and scorching acceleration. But equal numbers of early adopters buy the Roadster because they see it as their social responsibility. They are proud to support a company whose goal is to develop more and more affordable cars – a model automaker that’s democratizing EVs. This is a stark contrast to car companies whose revenue goes toward cranking out yet more gas guzzlers.
In the past year, the auto industry has come to a clear consensus: The future is electric. Every mainstream automaker is working on hybrid or electric concept cars, prototypes or limited-production fleets. But Tesla remains the only production automaker selling a highway-capable EV in North America and Europe. We are relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs so that more and more consumers can experience these incredible vehicles.
California regulation reduces carbon in fuel
Less than a week after the EPA’s seminal finding, California approved the world’s first regulation to minimize the amount of carbon in fuel. The rule puts the Golden State on the cutting edge of promoting alternative fuels and alternative-fuel vehicles — and it came at the same time that the world’s “most complete” EV charging station opened at a mall in suburban Sacramento.
The regulation, which will be phased in starting Jan. 1, seeks to slash 16 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year and return California emissions to 1990 levels. The standard is expected to serve as a template for a national policy advocated by President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress.
According to the rule, the California Air Resources Board will use fuel consumption in 2010 as a baseline for 2020. To meet the reduced targets, petroleum producers must use alternative fuels — including electricity and biofuels — for personal transportation. The ruling could widen the cost advantage that electricity already commands over gasoline, giving consumers even more of a financial incentive to buy an EV.
The price advantage of electricity over petroleum is already considerable. Gasoline would have to be less than $1 per gallon for the pure electric Roadster to as cheap to refuel as a comparable gasoline-consuming sports car. But consider a likely future scenario with the Model S, which has an anticipated base price of $49,900 after a US federal tax credit. If you assume that gasoline costs $4.25 per gallon – the same as it was last summer, and a screaming bargain right now in Europe — the Model S is equivalent to a gas guzzler with a sticker price of about $35,000. Importantly, those savings are realized immediately if you lease a Model S, so there is no need to wait years to earn back the price difference.
Model S: More than 900 reservations so far
Given the cost advantages, it might not come as a surprise that we’ve received about 900 reservations for the Model S. The surge of reservations online and at showrooms in California proves without a doubt that there’s pent-up demand for a car that doesn’t compromise on performance, utility or efficiency.
The Model S does 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity means you can listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check the car’s state of charge remotely on your iPhone. The Model S can be recharged from any 120V, 208V or 240V outlet or quick-charged from an external direct current supply in only 45 minutes.
Tesla also is taking reservations for the Model S Signature Edition with a $40,000 reservation fee, which is refundable. Tesla will produce only 2,000 Signature Edition cars, which will be the first built and have unique interior and exterior features. Signature Edition cars will be evenly split between US and European customers.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see some of you in New York later this week.
Elon Musk
Calpine Selects Siemens to Provide Upgrades for its Gas Turbine Fleet
April 30, 2009 | Comments Off
Apr 28, 2009 – Siemens Energy, Inc. and Calpine Corporation signed an agreement to upgrade approximately one-third of the independent power producer’s fleet of Siemens F Class gas turbines, with an option to upgrade additional units. The Siemens technology upgrades on each unit are intended to add incremental capacity while improving the efficiency of the entire engine. Calpine intends to implement these upgrades over the next several years. The contract value is more than USD110 million.
Calpine currently operates 38 Siemens F Class gas turbines in the United States, primarily in California and Texas. The thermal performance upgrade to the Siemens SGT6-5000F combustion turbine is intended to increase base load power, while significantly improving the overall base load heat rate. The scope of the technology upgrades for the turbines will vary from unit to unit, but will generally include combustion turbine components, operational enhancements and installation services.
“Increasing efficiency through the modernization of the existing power generation fleet helps our customers produce environmentally compatible electricity to meet the nation’s future energy demand,” states Randy Zwirn, CEO of Siemens Energy’s Service Division. “Siemens considers these upgrades to be an important step in helping make Calpine’s fleet a more competitive force in the changing energy landscape.”
“Calpine applauds Siemens’ design of this highly efficient retrofit that allows us to upgrade our turbine-generators. We look forward to providing this clean, reliable and efficient additional capacity to our customers throughout the United States,” said Tom Webb, Calpine senior vice president – Power Operations.
The Siemens Energy Sector is the world’s leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2008 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR22.6 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR33.4 billion and posted a profit of EUR1.4 billion. On September 30, 2008, the Energy Sector had a work force of approximately 83,500.
NYC Takes Lead in Requiring Upgrading Energy Efficiency of Older Buildings
April 30, 2009 | Comments Off
Apr 29, 2009 – According to a report in The New York Times ["City Plans to Make Older Buildings Retrofit to Save Energy"] by Andrew C. Revkin, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that NYC will propose laws that will require owners of thousands of buildings to upgrade everything from boilers to light bulbs. The city projects that property owners would save $750 million per year starting in 2013 and provide an additional 2,200 jobs. Mayor Bloomberg also made cogent arguments for his proposal during an interview on Charlie Rose last week. Why wait 4 years if there are such great savings for the building owners? Please leave your comments concerning initiatives in other cities.
Neo Solar Power Announces Board of Directors Resolved NT$2.2 Dividends For 2008 Earnings Appropriation & Announces 1Q09 Financial Result Summary
April 30, 2009 | Comments Off
Apr 28, 2009 – Neo Solar Power announced its Board of Directors resolved 2008 earnings appropriation and announced financial result summary for the first quarter of 2009. Net profit for NSP in 2008 totaled NT$831 million with earnings per share (EPS) at NT$6.12. The Board of Directors resolved a total dividends of NT$2.2 per share, of which NT$1.1 will be made in cash and NT$1.1 will be made in stock. The proposal will be proposed for shareholders’ acknowledgment in Annual General Shareholders’Meeting to be convened in June 19, 2009. NSP also announced financial result summary for the first quarter of 2009. Benefitted by effective cash flow management, NSP had generated positive cash flow from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities. Stemmed from conservative and solid management strategy, NSP aims to maintain long term sustainability focusing on cash flow generation. Revenues for the first quarter of 2009 totaled NT$1,732 million. Affected by the financial tsunami, solar industry experienced sharp price downward adjustment. While shipment in first quarter of 2009 increased by 23.1% year-on-year, revenues were still down by 10.9%. Upon non-cash provision of loss on inventories as a result of adoption of the newly amended Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 10 (Inventories) and a non-cash loss on valuation of financial liabilities as a result of ECB issuance, net loss for NSP in first quarter of 2009 was NT$425 million. EPS was a loss of NT$2.67 per share. As the weather become warmer, installation in major European markets also resumed. Shipment is expected to increase quarter by quarter. In order to outpace the sever competition of the solar industry, NSP will continue invest in research and development to advance process technology and conversion efficiency, which shall allow NSP to further differentiate itself through technology leadership and also solidify long term competitiveness.
Hybrid and organic photovoltaics conference
April 30, 2009 | Comments Off
We are proud to announce that the HOPV Conference organization (Chaired by Juan Bisquert), that will take place in Benidorm 10-13th may 2009, is ready to go. The Conference has assembled contributions of outstanding quality that will provide an excellent outline of the up-to-date themes in dye-sensitized and organic solar cells. The Book of Abstracts gives a good overview of the topics that DSC and OPV scientists are pushing right now.
We have also prepared social activities in the evenings, were you all will have occasion to relax and mix with colleagues from all the world, many of them well known in the field. Noteworthy is the party in honor of Prof. Michael Grätzel and Dr. Carole Kathleen Clark-Grätzel on monday 11th (it’s their birthday) at Ku Lounge night club in the beachfront.
Registration deadline is 6th may.
Materials for Energetics. A European School in Materials Science
April 30, 2009 | Comments Off
University of Milano-BicoccaMilano, 14-19 September 2009
The PCAM – Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials european network organizes each year a school for graduate students on a specific relevant topic. The 2009 edition will be held in Milano, at the University of Milano-Bicocca, and will focus on Materials for Energetics. Energetics, renewable sources, new materials are strategic for the society of XXI century. Research today is asked to address important issues of our society, including the need for alternative sources to fossil fuels, better energy saving, and more efficient energy storage. This school is intended to give graduate students and young scientists the basic concepts of materials for energetics, the literature evolution of the last years, and a look at the forefront of the energy industry. The lecturers are first-class scientists and world leaders in their fields. The program, based on lectures and seminars, will provide attendees with the state-of-the-art knowledge on materials for energetics.
Alternative Energy Jobs
April 28, 2009 | Comments Off
Please look at our job board to view a variety of Alternative Energy Jobs and other related ones. Also, you can search this site for posts about employment opportunities and the job market in general.
Post an Alternative Energy or other Green Job on our job board for only $10 per month.
Sunpower to Supply System for New FPL Plants
April 28, 2009 | Comments Off
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWRA, SPWRB) signed a contract to supply solar-power systems for Florida’s first large-scale photovoltaic plants, and it hopes to open a research and development center in the Sunshine State. The company will provide solar panels and tracking systems to Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) and NextEra Energy Resources.
Tracking systems will allow the Photovoltaic panels to follow the sun throughout the day.
SunPower is working with the utility to build photovoltaic power plants in DeSoto and Brevard counties, and the deal sets the stage for it to supply plants NextEra is planning in states such as Colorado, Arizona and New Jersey.
The 25-megawatt DeSoto plant, now under construction, will use 90,000 of SunPower’s photovoltaic panels on 180 acres. It is expected to provide enough electricity to power more than 3,500 homes. The DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, as it is known, will be the largest photovoltaic facility in the country when completed late this year.
In addition, SunPower would like to open a research and development center employing up to 50 people in Florida if state leaders continue backing solar projects.
I WANT MY INCANDESCENT BULB!
April 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Apr 25, 2009 – If you build it, they will come. Maybe. But what if the it is a CFL? Elisabeth Rosenthal reported in The New York Times ["Holdouts for Humble Bulb Defy a Government Phase-Out"] on Apr 23, 2009 that the residents of Tunbridge Wells, England are stockpiling 100-watt incandescent bulbs in defiance of a government request to retailers to stop their sale as of this past January 1. The European Union restriction goes into effect in 2012. Some major British stores have complied with the request. A retailer in Tunbridge Wells has seen his sales increase thirty-fold even at a price 50% higher than previously. Why? I have installed a number of CFLs and I can tell you the problems. I can’t use them with my dimmer-controlled circuits. The spotlights ones take over 60 seconds to get to full brightness and the older ones didn’t fit into small lamps. The major problem will come about later when I need to dispose of them. They have mercury inside and will require special disposal. Hopefully, the disposal methodology won’t use up the electricity I saved with their use! Please leave your comments concerning your experience with CFL bulbs.
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