Nanosolar CIGS, revisited: ‘We’re not competing with each other, we’re competing with crystalline’
April 30, 2011 | Comments Off
Nanosolar, one of the more controversial thin-film PV players and the subject of some heavy-duty blogging from yours truly in 2010, has been back in the news in recent weeks. First, the printed copper-indium-gallium-(di)selenide company updated recent conversion efficiency gains and manufacturing capacity plans, signed a panel warranty insurance policy with Munich Re, and joined PV Cycle as part of its sustainability efforts. Then, the San Jose-based firm said it had inked (pun intended) a significant module supply deal with three of its European-based partners—Belectric, EDF Energies Nouvelles, and Plain Energy—that calls for the provision of up to a gigawatt of utility-scale panels over the next three to six years. Although I reported some of what Nanosolar’s Geoff Tate and Brian Stone had to say in the PV-Tech news story about the supply agreement, here are some more nuggets from our lengthy phone conversation.
Inevitable acquisition: Big oil buys in to top 10 solar, as Total makes majority move on SunPower
April 30, 2011 | Comments Off
Most sector watchers believed it was not a question of “if,” but more one of “when,” “who” and “how much”: One big non-BP oil, er, energy company or another would make a serious acquisitional move into the solar space. The news that Total Group has signed a board-approved deal with SunPower to buy a majority stake in the PV cell/module and project development company answers all those questions—for the time being.
Concentrator PV deployment accelerates, as Amonix systems power pair of southwest US sites
April 30, 2011 | Comments Off
Two new concentrator photovoltaics power plants opened this week, both featuring Amonix systems. A 2MW (AC) installation features 36 CPV arrays in the Solar Zone at the University of Arizona’s Solar and Technology Park sits on 12 acres of land in Tucson, and a 318KW site will provide up to 75% of Granite Construction’s electricity needs at its location in Indio, CA.
SAG Solarstrom gets 12MW of Italian 48MW project connected: sale imminent
April 30, 2011 | Comments Off
A 48MW project in Northern Italy worth several hundred million Euro is close to being sold by project developer SAG Solarstrom, after a 12MW section of the PV power plant was connected to the Italian grid via a new transformer substation specifically for the project. Italian Terna, which has already performed the technical acceptance and commissioning, is said to be planning to purchase the substation.
Innovalight signs on Grandway Wonice to sell solar nanosilicon inks, processes to Taiwanese firms
April 30, 2011 | Comments Off
Innovalight has followed up the news about its sales partnership with Marubeni in Japan with another announcement about a similar arrangement with Grandway Wonice Technology in Taiwan. The latest deal calls for the Taiwanese trading firm to sell the San Jose-based company’s nanosilicon ink and advanced process technology to solar PV cell and panel manufacturers on the island.
Solaria adds to executive team, with appointments of Marco Garcia and Bob Zapotsky
April 30, 2011 | Comments Off
PV module firm Solaria has added two new faces to its executive team. Coming on board are Marco Garcia as chief commercial officer and Bob Zapotsky as chief financial officer, who replaces the recently retired Chris Dier.
Flextronics begins production of SolarEdge PV inverters at Ontario plant
April 30, 2011 | Comments Off
A new production line for SolarEdge Technologies photovoltaic inverters opened earlier this month at the Flextronics facility in Newmarket, Ontario. Systems manufactured at the plant will meet the domestic content requirements of the Canadian province’s feed-in tariff programs and will also be exported to other customers in North America.
ADCO’s ‘HelioSeal’ PVS 800 J-Box potting sealant offers significant reduction of moisture risk
April 29, 2011 | Comments Off
ADCO Products has developed a new PV sealant and J-Box pottant that is claimed to offer a significant reduction in moisture permeability.
Bentek Solar’s MDSS offers reduced disconnect costs
April 29, 2011 | Comments Off
Bentek Solar’s Multiple Disconnect Safety System (MDSS), used for commercial and utility-scale PV power plant projects has received UL 1741 listing and CSA 22.2 certification. Bentek Solar’s MDSS are designed for large PV solar systems (250KW or greater), and are intended for installation next to the inverter. The MDSS provides multiple UL 600VDC load-break disconnects combined into one easy to install safe compact enclosure.
The search for a new SEMI CEO is underway as Stanley Myers announces his retirement
April 29, 2011 | Comments Off
Stanley Myers has announced his plans to retire from his executive leadership roles as president and CEO of SEMI this year, leading the SEMI International board to form a search committee to seek an appropriate replacement for Myers vacated positions. Myers has been a SEMI board member for 24 years, spending 15 years as its president and CEO. He has amassed over more than 50 years in the semiconductor industry and was chairman of the SEMI International board in 1994. Myers plans to continue with SEMI in a supporting role to the new association president and CEO once selected.