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JULY 18th, 2005
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) (NASDAQ:ENER) reported
that is solar subsidiary, United Solar Ovonic LLC, had record sales of about $18 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
The revenues represent a solar cell capacity of 5.6 megawatts according to the company. Monthly production results were also
given as 2.0 megawatts per month for May and June. Backlog was reported to be in the order of $45 million or the equivalent
of 13.7 megawatts of solar cells.
The company has started work on a second manufacturing facility
that is expected to double the company’s thin-film triple junction solar module capacity by September 2006.
JULY 13th, 2005
DayStar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSTI), a company that produces
silicon-free solar cells, has signed a purchase agreement for its TerraFoil-SP solar cells with Micro Energy Group, Inc.,
a producer of photovoltaic (PV) modules and specialty solar energy products. As part of the purchase agreement, up to 500
kilowatts of TerraFoil-SP cells are scheduled for to be delivered initially in 2005 with increased shipments throughout 2006.
Michael Choi, Micro Energy CEO, indicated that TerraFoil would be
instrumental to opening the door to new markets and lower PV costs, "We are very excited to incorporate TerraFoil-SP solar
cells into our rapidly expanding line of products. Its unique flexibility and high performance opens the doors to a wide range
of emerging state-of-the-art consumer applications. DayStar's plan for a large-scale manufacturing process promises to drive
down the costs of solar cells for a number of our present and planned products. We think this will change the future of how
small scale PV power is used and will give MEG a competitive cost advantage over other companies in our growing markets."
Terry Schuyler, DayStar's Director of Sales and Product Management,
noted the importance of the transaction to the company’s business plan, "This agreement marks an important first sale
for our new TerraFoil-SP product and expands the use of our PV Foil products in multiple markets. DayStar's manufacturing
approach enables a greater percentage of useable solar cells from each manufacturing batch which can result in significantly
greater production yield. TerraFoil-SP demonstrates another DayStar product that can facilitate near term revenues while we
continue our incremental build-out to higher volume GEN-III production lines."
JULY 1st, 2005
Six Energy Companies Awarded
Renewable Energy Contracts
Six long-term renewable energy contracts with Southern California
Edison and several wind, biomass and geothermal energy companies were approved by the California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC). The contracts in total add up to an initial 141 megawatts with a potential to reach 427 megawatts between 2006 and
2009.
The companies that won wind energy contracts were Coran Energy Group,
SeaWest Wind Power, and Western Wind. The largest initial wind contract went to Western Wind, which is for an initial contract
to supply 40 megawatts with a potential for 120 megawatts. Biomass contracts were approved for McCarthy Farms Biofuels and
Silvan BioMass. Silvan’s was the larger of the contracts, initially let for 7 megawatts with a potential for 22 megawatts.
The geothermal contract was to Vulcan Power Company. That contract was initial for 30 megawatts with a potential for 120 megawatts.
The contract duration’s ranged from 5 years to 50 years. Western Wind, which had the largest contract in terms of megawatts,
also had the longest length, at 50 years.
Southern California Edison, with the announcement, reported
that its renewable energy portfolio is the largest in the United States, with a total capacity of 2,588 megawatts. This includes
1,021 megawatts from wind energy, 892 megawatts from geothermal, 354 megawatts from solar, 226 megawatts from biomass and
95 megawatts from small hydro. As a point of reference Southern California Edison reports that 1 megawatt is enough electricity
to power 750 average homes during the summer months.
JUNE 29th, 2005
Kurz and Konarak Establish Light Activated Power Plastic
Partnership
LEONHARD KURZ GmbH & CO.KG, a company with considerable experience in the printing and
the polymer electronic technology market, has entered into a multi-year, multi-phase, non-exclusive agreement to develop
Konarak’s organic photovoltaic technology. As part of the agreement, KURZ has committed capital and equipment
for the project.
Howard Berke, CEO at Konarka Technologies Inc., emphasized
that KURZ’s experience in the printed materials market would further the advance of its technology into
the production stage, "KURZ is a world leader in innovative printed materials, and this relationship enhances
Konarka's ability to take its organic photovoltaic program beyond the laboratory and into development for manufacturing and
production scale-up. With this partnership, we are continuing to execute on our strategy to partner with leading global companies
who can print power plastic at very high volumes."
The agreement is expected to help Konarka gain access to one of
the world’s primary solar markets, Germany. According to Walter Kurz, President at KURZ, "As one of the world's largest
markets, energy presents many interesting opportunities for us.. Combining Konarka's technology with our manufacturing expertise
will help us take advantage of the growing demand for renewable energy solutions worldwide and particularly here in Germany,
the largest domestic solar energy market in the world."
Werner Reinhart, Vice President, at KURZ noted the benefits
of the integration of Konarka’s products into its product line will have for its customers, "Integrating Konarka's
power plastic into our products will enable us to extend and enhance their functionality. Our customers will gain value, such
as increased levels of convenience and freedom of use, without affecting the products' overall weight or size. In the longer
term, the possibility of printing large format solar modules is intriguing in that it could potentially alter the current
economics by driving costs down. We may even be able to increase the benefits of power plastic by leveraging the optical
competence we gained with our OVD Kinegram AG acquisition."
Randolph Chan, Executive Vice president, Joint Program Development,
at Konarka, pointed towards the potential value of a joint venture between KURZ and Siemens, "KURZ has decades of experience
with roll-to-roll printing and recently has made successful inroads into printing polymer electronics with the PolyIC venture
with Siemens. The merger of our organic photovoltaic program and KURZ's complementary manufacturing know-how will result in
exciting new ways to transform energy consuming applications into power generators. Working with KURZ further validates of
the value of our technology and our leadership position in this emerging field."
KURZ, with 2,600 employees and nine production facilities worldwide,
produces foil-based optical technology and magnetic foils used for security and packaging applications.
JUNE 28th, 2005
Dyesol Confident on $3.5 Million Australian IPO Plan for
Artificial Solar Photosynthesis Technology
Dyesol Limited has made plans for an $3.5 million Initial Public Offer on the Australian
Stock Exchange. The company, addressing what it sees as a $5 billion dollar market, suggests that the dye in Dyesol’s
solar cells mimics the photosynthesis process found in plants. The company says that its cells can be used on the walls or
roofs of buildings and can provide power even on cloudy days.
Dyesol Chairman, Mr. Richard Caldwell, indicates that the technology is a major advance
over silicon solar cells, “Dyesol is a world leader in dye solar cell (DSC) technology. Dye solar cells are a quantum
leap in technology from the earlier silicon-based photovoltaic cells because they can operate in low light conditions, and
will make a major contribution to the future supply of renewable energy. Our assessment is that there is no other company
in the world that is as advanced as Dyesol and we are now at a point where our technology and its related production processes
and applications can be commercialised on a global scale.”
The announcement follows on the heels of an announcement by Dyesol that it had entered
into its first commercial agreement. That agreement is with Helios Inc., based in Canada, to determine the feasibility of
a manufacturing plant in Canada.
JUNE 24th, 2005
Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESLR) has announced plans to offer,
through a private placement, $75 million in convertible subordinated notes. Funding from the notes, due 2012, are planned
for general expenses such as capital expenditures, R&D and manufacturing capacity increases.
JUNE 22nd, 2005
Energy Innovations, Incorporated, a company that has developed the
low cost Sunflower rooftop solar system, has obtained $16.5 million in funding. The funding round was led by MDV-Mohr Davidow
Ventures. Idealab also participated in the round.
Sunflower, based on sun-tracking mirrors, is expected to reduce
the cost of solar cell systems in the order of 50 percent. The system uses a small panel of solar cells, which are fed focused
direct sunlight through a system of mirrors. The system is currently being tested. Customer installations are presently scheduled
for the fourth quarter of this year.
JUNE 21st, 2005
As a signal that solar cell technology is moving away from silicon
based manufacturing, HelioVolt has received $8 million for its efforts to develop a thin film Copper Indium Selenide (CIS)process.
The company indicated that its CIS process had advantages over other
silicon and non-silicon based solar cell designs. The company pointed out that amorphous silicon and dye sensitive (polymer
based) solar cell structures had low efficiency and a tendency to materially degrade in the sun or over time – limiting
the alternatives to for niche market applications, as opposed to the mainstream building energy generation market. According to Billy J. Stanbery, Ph.D., founder and CEO of HelioVolt, "We are
introducing a dramatically more efficient way to manufacture and install CIS, the proven highest-performing solar technology
and a solar energy pioneer. We can shorten photovoltaic manufacturing time and thermal budget by a factor of ten to 100. This
is the first truly practical technology to enable buildings to produce their own power."
The company also noted that CIS thin-films require only 1 percent
as much photovoltaic material to convert the same amount of sunlight to electricity.
JUNE 21st, 2005
DayStar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSTI) has announced its first
purchase agreement for its TerraFoil, non-silicon solar cells. Daystar stated on announcement of the agreement, “Full
realization of the purchase agreement would result in revenues of up to $60 million using today's market price for the silicon
cells they replace.” The agreement, which is dependent on the capability for Daystar to ramp up its new technology,
requires monthly delivery until the end of 2008. Initial product shipments have been scheduled for the third quarter of 2005.
Dr. John R. Tuttle, CEO of DayStar Technologies commented further
on the purchase, "We are pleased to enter into this purchase agreement which puts an exclamation point on the Company's first
sale and strongly validates our discreet CIGS solar cell product design. This agreement also demonstrates Blitzstrom's confidence
in our manufacturing development and scale-up plans to deliver large quantities of PV Foil. Additionally, TerraFoil complements
Blitzstrom's extensive product line, deployment experience and unique focus in thin-film PV system integration and module
manufacturing. We look forward to working closely with Blitzstrom on the introduction of Photovoltaic Foil into one of the
largest and most successful markets for PV in the World."
JUNE 21st, 2005
As a downstream product, in support of its solar cell production
capacity, RWE Schott opened a 4,000 square meter solar modules production facility. To fill the module line, the company reports
that it will have a solar cell production capacity of 100 megawatts by the end of 2005.
JUNE 20th, 2005
In an effort to replace kerosene lanterns in the developing nations,
and at the same time reduce oil consumption by over 1 percent, reduce greenhouse gases, and provide a better standard of life
for people in developing countries, IGNITE Innovations offers a solar powered lantern and hybrid financing to lower the costs
of lighting for those that depend on kerosene lanterns. The company, a spin-off of Stanford University, has on its staff,
Charlie Gay, the Chairman of the Board of Advisors for SunPower Corporation. His credential also include a stay as President
of Siemens Solar Industries and the Director of Department of Energy 's National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The company accepts donations for the IGNITE Foundation. That foundation
provides renewable energy products that foster economic development, a safer global environment and raises the quality of
life in areas where renewable energy technology is not readily affordable.
JUNE 20th, 2005
Solar Plane Funded with Over $10 Million in Funding, Around-the-World Flight
Scheduled in 2010
Solar Impulse with one quarter of the estimated $40 million dollars
assured has set its departure date for its around the globe flight for 2009. The solar planes has one of the longest
wings in the world. The wings stretch 80 meters and support 250 square meters of solar panels that drive two engines, which
provide a total of 40 horsepower. The planes top speed is estimated at 100 kilometers per hour. The plans also is planned
to carry 440 kilos of batteries to power the plane at night. The planes energy conserving strategy is to rise to a height
of over 10,000 meters at night and then glide back down to an altitude of 3,000 meters at night. Solvay, the first of the
project's four "main partners," will provide expertise for the plane's light but strong composite body.
Major partners in the plan include a number of notable European
companies and agencies. These include Solvay Group, a chemical and plastics company, Dassault Aviation, a plane maker,
Altran Technologies, a solar and avionics company and the European Space Agency.
JUNE 17th, 2005
Staples, a major retailer in the office supplies market, is one
of the first Big Box retailers to take advantage of BP Solar's new financing package. With BP Solar, Staples will install
solar systems at three facilities, two in California and one in New Jersey. Both New Jersey and California offer incentives
for the solar cell systems, which reduce the cost of solar cell investments.
BP Solar is expected to make further inroads in the United
States big box retail and municipal markets as it solar financing package becomes better known. BP Solar has a $60 million
fund available for solar financing available through SunEdison LLC. That fund is called the "SunE Solar Fund I." The readily
available financing, which can also include joint partnerships, suggests that solar energy investments may be a sustainable
path to a reasonable return on investment. According to SunEdison founder Jigar Shah, "Our pioneering fund helps qualifying
companies reap the benefits of solar electricity with no upfront cost and without affecting their balance sheet."
Recently, BP Solar also announced it has expanded its solar cell
capacity to meet increased levels of demand. The company announced a 28 million Euro investment to increase capacity at its
facilities in Spain. The expansion in Spain is part of the company's plan to double its solar production capacity to 200 MWp
(megawatts peak) by 2006.
According to Charles Postles, BP Solar's European Regional Director,
"These new lines represent another step forward in the development of the photovoltaic market in Europe, led by Germany with
around 300 MWp installed in 2004 and Spain which is forecast to at least double in size in 2005. "
JUNE 14th, 2005
Self-Assembling Polymer Nanocomposites Reported
as Promising Solar Cell and Display Technology
The U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory reports that polymer nanocomposites
may have broad implications for the development of solar cells with higher efficiency ratings, displays that are thinner,
and biosensors.
Polymer nanocomposites, the laboratory notes, have the natural ability
to self-organize or self-assemble into building blocks that have dimensions in the order of a nanometer. According to Tom
Vogt, a physicist at Brookhaven, "Polymer nanocomposites have been attracting a lot of attention because of their potential
to improve many technologies. The polymer imparts unique mechanical properties, such as the ability to bend and stretch, and
both components are good electrical conductors." The polymer component referred to here is polyaniline. Specifically for the
case cited, the polymer component was combined with the metal vanadium to form vanadium oxide.
Stratcor, Inc. based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a supplier
of high purity vanadium oxide. That company indicates that vanadium can be used to double the strength of steel.
JUNE 13th, 2005
Based on an array of vertically aligned collector nanostructures
that include nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibers or nanoparticle chains, NanoHorizons has now made available a new photovoltaic
cell design through a license program. The company indicates that the technology permits the production of solar cells on
common materials that can be inexpensively produced with low cost roll or spray based manufacturing processes. The company
also noted that because the design lengthens the light absorption path, the efficiency of solar cells has been "dramatically"
increased. According to one of the co-inventors, Dr. Ali Kaan Kalkan, the design overcomes the inefficiencies of the traditional
layered design approach, "Layered designs face an inherent paradox. Thicker light-absorbing layers are needed to capture sufficient
light energy, but their thickness makes it difficult for electrons to reach collection layers. Thinner layers reduce loss,
but thin layers absorb too little light. What's been needed is a new approach that allows the light absorption path to be
optimally long, while simultaneously moving efficient collection much closer to the source of energized electrons."
Stephen Fonash, PhD., founder of NanoHorizons and another co-inventor
elaborated further, "Solar energy development has been held up by barriers inherent in cell design. These barriers have now
been broken. Our nanoscale approach can enable collection lengths as small as a few tens of nanometers, opening the door to
the use of inexpensive materials and fabrication processes, while simultaneously enabling a truly optimized absorption length.
This technology is poised to greatly stimulate growth in the solar energy and Organic LED sectors."
NanoHorizons also indicates that the integration of its vertical
nano-spike collectors into the absorption material permits energy collection at 90 degrees to the absorption process, which
permits according to the company, "an optimally thick absorption layer while dramatically shortening collection distance by
as much as 1000-fold (tens of nanometers vs. tens of microns in today's best two-layer cells). "
NanoHorizons also reported that it has received notice of allowance
from the United States Patent Office for the technology.
JUNE 10th, 2005
Two companies that have been the target of venture capital funding,
Konarka Technologies, Inc. and Solaris Nanosciences, have joined forces through a joint development agreement. As part of
that agreement, the two companies will evaluate solar cell technology that comes as a result of the combination of Konarka's
light activated power plastic and Solaris's nanoscale metallic light oriented structures.
Executives at both companies talked with interest about the combination
of the two company's technologies. Russell Gaudiana, Ph.D., Vice President of R&D at Konarka spoke about the company's
goal to bring solar technology to its zenith, "One of Konarka's goals is to push photovoltaic science as far and as fast as
possible, and exploring how well our materials work with Solaris' in a shared program is one way to make that happen. Konarka's
solutions are chemistry-agnostic. We believe in finding the best possible combination of materials to create power plastic
that meets the performance needed for a specific application, and this project with Solaris holds promise."
Robert Afzal, the Vice President of R&D at Solaris Nanosciences
talked about the concept of the solar antenna, "Through our proprietary nanotechnology, we uniquely design the optical properties
of our NanoAntenna materials. Our nano-antennas enhance the absorption of the solar spectrum much like a conventional antenna
enhances the reception of a radio receiver. This leads to high absorption in thinner structures with highly favorable electrical
properties possibly resulting in higher efficiencies."
The companies indicated that Solaris' nanoscale metallic structures
are to be used as an additive to Konarka's light sensitizing materials. The metallic structures are said to attract light
sensitive molecules - acting as nanoantennas. One inference is that the metallic nanostructures offer lower resistance to
light.
JUNE 9th, 2005
Shoe Company Signs $3 Million Contract for Solar Power
System
Green shoes are another green item that consumers may want to add to their shopping list now
that Northern Power Systems has entered into a contract with Timberland, a major producer of outdoor shoes. That agreement
calls for Northern Power Systems to design and construct a 400 Kilowatt solar power system at Timberland's 429,000 square
foot distribution center in Ontario, California. The photovoltaic system to be built there is expected to provide approximately
60 percent of the distribution center's power in addition to providing shade for the automobiles in the company's parking
lot.
According to Timberland, the benefits of a renewable energy system
are many. Besides reducing green house gas emissions that would be incurred from further dependence on the power, Timberland
will also qualify for $1.5 million rebate under California's Self-Generation Incentive Program and receive green credits,
which can be exchanged in the emerging energy credit market with other companies.
On the announcement of the contract, Betsy Blaisdell, Manager of
Environmental Stewardship of Timberland, stated, "The proposed PV system offers a tremendous value, combining a sound business
decision with Timberland's ongoing commitment to social responsibility. We examined the proposals of multiple vendors over
a period of 18 months, and Northern's creativity in finding a solution that met our economic and environmental objectives,
as well as their track record of designing and installing successful renewable power projects, were determining factors in
the contract award." Blaisdell also noted that the renewable energy system was a natural fit for Timberland, "The system's
alignment with Timberland's core values makes it the natural next step in our exciting evolution."
JUNE 8th, 2005
XsunX Goes from Solar Glass to Solar Plastic
XsunX has now gone beyond its transparent solar cell-on-window glass technology to develop
a transparent solar cell-on-low-cost thin-film plastic. The company says it will soon provide qualified manufacturers with
samples of its Power Glass on plastic films.
Tom Djokovich, XsunX's CEO gave his assessment and reasons why the
new Power Glass on plastic films is important to the glass industry, "The modern glass industry has grown very familiar
with the wide use of PET and PEN films with special coatings to reduce heat gain or provide UV filtering properties. Our goal
has been to deliver to the industry the ability to use these same films coated with the XsunX Power Glass transparent solar
cell. We believe that leveraging the glass industries familiarity with the manufacture and use of products that employ these
types of high performance coatings on PEN and PET plastics will open up new markets for the glass industry that extend far
past simple solar heat and UV control."
JUNE 8th, 2005
Energy Correct Nutraceuticals Company Wins Awards for
NASA Energy Efficiency Techniques
Marlyn Nutraceuticals, a quality enzyme supplement manufacturer, has won the 2005 Manufacturer
of the Year award from the Arizona Association of Industries. The technology in Marlyn’s energy efficient factory was
taken in part from technology developed by space pioneer, NASA. The ceramic roof coating of the factory, which protects the
factory from the Arizona summer heat, was developed at NASA. Other energy independent features of the factory include solar
panel heated water, a non-freon air conditioning system, based on just one energy efficient chiller, as well as shade trees.
The company pointed out that the shade trees can reduce internal building heat up to 10 percent.
Besides a quality oriented energy solution, Marlyn Nutraceuticals
also strives to produce the highest quality and research proven nutraceuticals. The company states that it "conducts clinical
trials on products even through industry regulations do not require them." The company also stays away from chemicals in the
manufacturing process. The company's tablets are air dried in a humidity controlled room and the plant is cleaned with environmentally
friendly bio-cleaners.
Marlyn Nutraceuticals' CEO, Joe Lehmann, summed up the company in
one short common sense statement, "Most importantly, our practices ensure that our distinctive enzyme products are superior
in quality to support the health of people who use them."
JUNE 7th, 2005
Sharp Offers New Easy Installation Solar Roof Modules,
Solar Production Upped to 400 Megawatts
One day, perhaps, instead of wooden roofs, houses will be built with solar roofs. Until that
day, Sharp has introduced interlocking and individually removable Flat Panel Roof Modules. The company notes that besides
easy module installation, addition and removability features, the modules withstand high wind conditions, have a moisture
resistant coating, work in low light conditions and come complete with a 25 year warranty.
With the product announced, Sharp Corporation also reported that
it increased its solar cell production output to 400 megawatts (from 315 megawatts) per year, which in part will be accomplished
through a new solar panel assembly facility in Memphis, Tennessee.
JUNE 6th, 2005
Spire and Nisshinbo Form Solar Manufacturing Partnership
Spire Corporation (NASDAQ: SPIR) and Nisshinbo Industries, Inc., based in Tokyo, have entered
into a joint development, manufacturing and sales agreements. As part of the agreement, Nisshinbo acquired a license from
Spire to sell Spire's module manufacturing equipment for a period of ten years. The agreement also involves joint R&D
work and a worldwide marketing program, which splits the world into Eastern and Western Hemisphere divisions.
Roger G. Little, CEO and Chairman of Spire, commented on the relationship
with Nisshinbo, a company that has been in the business for over 25 years, "With the explosion of the photovoltaic industry
and its demand for module manufacturing equipment, we are excited to enter into a direct relationship with Nisshinbo, a major
global diversified general equipment manufacturer. Nisshinbo is already familiar with Spire's module manufacturing equipment
technology as a result of being a sub-licensee over the past seven years. Under this sub-license arrangement, Nisshinbo has
already manufactured Spire equipment for many of the major module manufacturers in Japan and the Pacific Rim. We look forward
to expanding our global sales and advancing our equipment as a result of this relationship."
Noting the potential for new technology developments was, Yoshihiro
Sakaki, Director on the Board of Nisshinbo, , "Under the new collaboration with Spire, a global leader in the solar module
manufacturing equipment business, we believe we can supply high quality equipment and develop new technology for the worldwide
solar business industry. We shall start joint development programs with Spire immediately, with the intent to be the number
one equipment supplier in the world."
JUNE 6th, 2005
Designed for a number of wireless sensor applications, which range
from industrial to household applications, EnOcean has introduced its STM100 solar powered wireless sensor module. Based on
a custom two-stage solar cell, the (2 x 4 x 1 cm) device includes a solar cell energy source, an energy reservoir, sensor
interface, analog and digital sensor, a microprocessor and a radio transmitter.
Armin Anders, EnOcean's VP of Product Marketing gave further details
about EnOcean's technology, "EnOcean's patented technology lets STM100 generate a surprisingly long-range radio signal with
extremely minute amounts of harvested energy. With just 50 microwatts, a standard EnOcean transmitter will comfortably send
a signal 300 meters outdoors, 30 meters indoors through walls. The secret is in the signal duration; the entire process is
initiated, undertaken and completed in approximately 1/1000 of a second."
Christian Genter, CEO of Omnio AG, a manufacturer of building automation
systems, noted the battery free and other benefits of EnOcean's product, "EnOcean-based systems allow us to deliver unmatched
sensor networking flexibility via battery-free, maintenance-free wireless switches, temperature sensors and window contacts.
The system provides unmatched simplicity through an ingenious 'learn-in' programming feature that doesn't require time-consuming
PC programming or personnel training."
JUNE 2nd, 2005
GT Equipment Technologies Inc., which provides complete turn-key
fabrication lines for solar wafers, cells and modules reported for its latest fiscal year, ended March 31, 2005, that its
revenue, productivity and employment growth is at an eleven year high. The company stated that the $38 million in orders it
has booked for the next fiscal year is way ahead of the $23 million in total revenues it had for its latest fiscal year, which
ended March 31, 2005. The company also has doubled its work force in the past 9 months to 75. The company is still looking
to hire assemblers, technicians and engineers.
Tom Zarrella, President and COO commented on the company's productivity
and growth, "There has also been a dramatic cost reduction in the manufacturing process with the costs of solar PV production
declining by 80% to 90% over the past 20 years. With the solar photovoltaics market growing by more than 30% a year, the solar
division of GT Equipment Technologies is a beneficiary of that growth, and we have positioned the company accordingly."
JUNE 2nd, 2005
SHEC-Labs, which now has a prototype solar hydrogen generator that
has in operation for about 1,200 hours, plans to demonstrate a commercial-scale solar-powered hydrogen production module at
a landfill gas site. The plans eventually include 30 modules, which will be used to produce 1.2 million kilograms of hydrogen
per year, or 550 million cubic feet.
The company's solar powered hydrogen generator is considered a solution
to distributed based energy generation plants and able to overcome the energy efficiencies associated with other type of powered
hydrogen extractors. The company estimates that the current market for hydrogen is in the order of 42 billion kg per year.
For the most part, that hydrogen is used mainly in ammonia fertilizer manufacturing.
JUNE 2nd, 2005
SunPower Corp. has reported that its solar cells are now used in
SOLON AG's solar power plant in Germany. The solar cells have been deployed in about one-third of SOLON's Mover systems, which
tilt and rotate with the movement of the sun. SunPower indicated that although they are used in only one-third of the systems
at the power plant, they account for a higher percentage of the overall energy generated. Alex Voigt, SOLON's CEO, gave more
specifics about the efficiency of SunPower's solar cells, "SunPower's solar cells are the most efficient on the market today,
and allow us to generate between 30-50 percent more power per mover, compared with conventional solar cells. Our goal with
the Mover program was to develop a truly industrial solar power system. Our recently announced $300 million, five-year purchase
agreement with SunPower for their high-performance cells provides SOLON with the supply security and visibility necessary
for us to address the rapidly growing market for megawatt-scale solar power plants."
JUNE 1st, 2005
Automation Tooling Systems Inc., a company with major operations
in solar technology, as well as automation systems and precision components, reported that its Solar division (Photowatt),
had revenue of $143.8 million for the 12 months ended March 31, 2005, compared to $88.5 million for the 12 months ended March
31, 2004 - up 62 percent. For the latest three months, also ended March 31, 2005, solar revenue was $41.0 million compared
to $26.1 million for the same three month period a year ago.
The company forecasted that demand for solar products should
be strong into fiscal 2006. The company attributed the healthy forecast to continued European subsidy programs and growing
demand for renewable energy. Complicating revenue growth though has been silicon supplies. Reduced raw supplies of silicon
are expected to increase the company's silicon purchasing costs in fiscal 2006. The company states that a new solar cell factory
it is building, for the production of its Spheral Solar Power, has been planned to have an annual solar cell production capacity
of 20 megawatts. No timetable was revealed as to when that factory would ramp up from its current pilot level to full yielding
production levels.
MAY 27th, 2005
Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX VENTURE:CMH) has entered
into a definitive agreement to acquire Soltek Powersource Ltd., a supplier of solar systems for end-markets that range from
residential to industrial. Soltek, which Carmanah reports had sales of about $17.5 million in its last fiscal year, has offices
in British Columbia and California. The purchase price is expected to be in the order of $10 million.
CEO of Carmanah, Mr. Art Aylesworth, said that the acquisition of
the company will make it the largest solar company in Canada. He also spoke about new products that will arise from the acquisition,
"The synergies we see from this purchase are extensive. We anticipate a new range of co-developed solar/LED general illumination
products, including security lighting, street lighting and sign lighting, for applications in all of the markets we currently
serve. We also foresee an entirely new product line of standardized 'plug-and-play' solar power sources that would take advantage
of SPS's existing range of 'solar engines' and Carmanah's world-leading energy management technology."
MAY 26th, 2005
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the United
States government’s main energy research organization, has released new information related to the use of nanotechnology
for the improvement of solar cell efficiency. The organization reported that nanocrystals, also know as quantum dots, are
capable of increasing the number of electrons emitted per absorbed photon. Currently, with present day materials, only one
electron, at most, is emitted per photon absorbed from sunlight. With the nanocrystals, the number of electrons emitted increases
to three per photons.
Arthur Nozik, a lead researcher with the project gave efficiency
numbers that solar technology could reach with nanocrystal technology, "We have shown that solar cells based on quantum dots
theoretically could convert more than 65 percent of the sun's energy into electricity, approximately doubling the efficiency
of solar cells." Lead selenide is given as one of the materials used to develop the solar quantum dots.
MAY 26th, 2005
The United Kingdom has added £1.35 million pounds in awards for
solar projects in the United Kingdom. The new awards this time around will go to retrofit churches, schools, housing projects
and museums. Among the museums slated for solar include the London Transport Museum.
Kirk Archibald, Solar PV Programme Manager at the Energy Saving
Trust, which manages the funding from the Department of Trade and Industry has been impressed with the applicants and welcomed
new applicants for the next tranche, "We are delighted that we have been able to offer grant funding to such a wide variety
of projects. We were impressed with the overall standard of applicants and encouraged to see the excellent work being carried
out throughout the UK to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. With the next round of funding approaching, we look forward to receiving
applications for more innovative and exciting projects."
The latest funding tranche brings the total solar awards by the
UK government to £18.8 million. The fund was started in 2002.
MAY 23rd, 2005
Solar Continues to Electrify Extremely Remote Rural Villages
- RWE Wins Minigrid Contract
RWE SCHOTT Solar GmbH has received a contract from CMC International Tendering Corporation
for the electrification of about 26 villages in Gansu province in China. The project is part of the Brightness Program, which
is under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government. The program establishes "minigrids" in these villages. The plan for these
localized village grids relies on solar energy for about 90 percent of the power.
MAY 19th, 2005
$7.8 Million Solar Contract to Power Avocado Ranch
WorldWater & Power Corp. (OTCBB:WWAT.OB), a producer of high-power solar systems, has signed
a $7.8 million contract to install its solar systems to provide power for an avocado ranch . The contract was signed with
Farm ACW, based in Fallbrook, California and is contingent on obtaining approval for the necessary connections to the local
power grid. The avocado farm contract adds to three other projects, which are from two water utilities and the Cocopah
Tree Farm.
Quentin T. Kelly, CEO of WorldWater & Power Corp. noted the
relative size of the agricultural project, "We believe Farm ACW will be the largest farm operation to be powered by solar
systems anywhere in the world, replacing a Megawatt diesel generator now being used for power. Work on the project is scheduled
to begin after the grid interconnection is secured and is expected to be completed in the fall."
WorldWater stated that the total value of projects signed in 2005,
thus far, has reached $12.2 million, over double the company's 2004 revenues of $5.8 million.
MAY 19th, 2005
Solar Integrated Obtains $9.5 Million in Financing from
GE
Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc. (London AIM:SIT.LN), a provided of photovoltaic roofing
systems for buildings, has received a tranche of funds. GE Commercial Finance Energy Financial Services, a company that
focuses on financing for the clean energy markets, provided the funds as a result of Solar Integrated completion of ten solar
roofing projects for San Diego City Schools. Solar will receive the remainder of the financing when it completes four roofing
projects for the schools. So far, the schools project has resulted in over one megawatt of solar power installed.
With the announcement the company also stated, "Following an initial
investment of approximately $17 million for the SDCS projects, GE Commercial Finance Energy Financial Services has the right
of first refusal on up to $500 million to fund existing and prospective solar roofing projects as they come from Solar Integrated."
Other customers of Solar Integrated include Coca-Cola Enterprises and Frito-Lay.
MAY 19th, 2005
Spire Corporation (NASDAQ: SPIR) has entered into an agreement to
provide PA.SOL Italia S.p.A., based in Varallo Pombia, Italy, a production line for the manufacture of solar cells. PA.SOL,
which was just recently formed to produce photovoltaic modules for its local market, will incorporate Spire's automated equipment
used for stringing and lay-up, lamination and module testing.
Spire, which specializes in the facilitizing of new solar manufacturing
operations, provides turnkey production lines for module, cell and wafer manufacturing. These production lines have capacities
from a low as a few hundred kilowatts to as high as 25 megawatts per year.
Spire provides a complete production package oriented towards companies
that are new to the solar cell manufacturing process. The company, with its offerings, includes technical assistance and training
for the installation and operation of a solar cell production line.
MAY 18th, 2005
Konarka Raises $7 Million for Solar Plastic Technology
Konarka Technologies, Inc., a company that has developed plastic that can generate energy from
light, has secured $7 million in venture debt financing from Lighthouse Capital Partners. The funds are planned for the further
expansion of its research laboratory and capital equipment expenditures. Ned Hazen, Managing Director at Lighthouse Capital
Partners., the financier, noted the potential for Konarka to become a renewable energy leader, "The quality of Konarka's team
and the compelling value proposition of its innovative power plastic have positioned the Company to become a leader in making
renewable energy mainstream. We have a great deal of confidence in the business Konarka is building and its market potential."
MAY 17th, 2005
Silicon Solar Cell Shortage Heats Up Siliconless Solar
Cell Market
DayStar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSTI), a company that produces silicon-free solar sells,
announced TerraFoil, a sunlight conversion foil targeted as a replacement for silicon based photovoltaic solar cells modules.
Terry Schuyler, Director of Sales and Product Management at DayStar, indicated that there was no shortage of demand for its
new products, "The Company's Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)-based TerraFoil has been designed to comply with the technical
requirements of Modco's (module manufacture companies). We are currently encountering a large and growing demand for our products,
in part, based on the present and forecasted silicon cell supply shortages. As with LightFoil, our ultra-light PVFoil product,
the flexible form factor of TerraFoil cells will also enable intriguing new consumer products outside of the flat- plate module
environment, including use in unique building integrated materials."
MAY 17th, 2005
The financial stakes in Tenesol have changed. AFX News Limited reports
that Total SA and Electricite de France now each own fifty percent of the company. The two companies bought out the ownership
positions held by the founders and management. Tenesol, which was named Total Energie, produces solar cells. Sales at the
company, last year, were estimated at about 115 million.
MAY 5th, 2005
Solaris Nanosciences Corporation, a company that plans to improve
solar cell technology efficiency with its nanomaterial technology, announced today that it has closed on an investment made
by the Slater Technology Fund. The investment came in the form of a $150,000 convertible note.
Ron Unterman, Ph.D., Managing Director of the Slater Technology
Fund was impressed not only with the solar cell technology but applications of Solaris' technology for eyewear and displays,
"Solaris' technology is one of the most innovative approaches I have seen for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness
of solar energy. In addition, their core nanotechnology holds tremendous opportunity for other market sectors, including improved
viewing angle for video displays, and enhanced vision for patients with macular degeneration. With its strong IP position
and creative technology team, Solaris will continue to expand on its nanotechnology platform which underlies these and other
potential products for both commercial and military markets."
Solaris's technology is based on an optical absorption phenomena
called plasmons. Plasmons, a type of optical absorption, occurs when metals are dissolved into the glass. Colors different
than the dissolved metals appear in the glass when a plasmon occurs. For a plasmon to occur, the dimensions of the metal particles
must be smaller than the wavelength of light.
MAY 2nd, 2005
Reality Wireless Networks Inc. (OTCBB: RWLN) and its merger partner
Genesis Electronics Inc. have announced plans to develop a SunBlazer, a mobile solar powered holster, for the iPod. The holster,
designed to carry the iPod conveniently, will power the iPod with on the go charging for its music driven customer base.
Jerry Bessa, CEO of Genesis, gave the planned release date and remarked
about iPod's market size, "The SunBlazer for the iPod is a natural extension of Genesis's mobile power product line expected
to be released later this summer. Given that Apple has sold approximately 10 million iPods since 2001 and is expected to sell
an additional 20 million this year, the SunBlazer(TM) for the iPod is an ideal product application and design extension of
our technology."
APRIL 29th, 2005
Cypress Semiconductor, along with its quarterly financials, has
reported that its SunPower division saw a revenue increase of 142 percent. Revenue was $11.00 million in the first quarter.
The increase in revenue correlates to the start of the production ramp of its solar cell facility in the Philippines.
SunPower plans a second 25 MW solar cell line in the Philippines
scheduled for initial volume production in the fourth quarter. The second line will bring SunPower's capacity up to 16 million
solar cells per year. SunPower so far has shipped one million solar cells. That record was set five months after the first
25-megawatt facility was enabled. Yield at that facility went from 20 percent to 90 percent in that five month period. Cypress
also has reported that the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has rated SunPower's flagship A-300 solar cells at 21.5% efficiency
- noted as one of the of the highest in the solar industry.
T. J. Rodgers, CEO at Cypress, commented about the overall company
revenue, which is heavily focused on semiconductors, "Our revenue for the 2005 first quarter came in at the bottom of the
range we provided in guidance at the beginning of the quarter. However, we believe that the first quarter was the bottom of
this current slowdown. We have started the second quarter with a better backlog position than last quarter's, and bookings
to date are strong. Most of our revenue shortfall in the first quarter was the result of a decrease in sales of memory products
to the wireless handset market, which experienced softness towards the end of the quarter. On the other hand, SunPower Corp.
-- our silicon solar cell subsidiary -- exceeded its revenue target slightly, posting sales of $11 million in the first quarter."
In a statement after the release of its earnings, T. J. Rogers further
detailed the demand and supply situation at SunPower for its solar cells. "With the demand for solar cells far outstripping
supply, and the projected output of its production plant in the Philippines booked out through 2005, SunPower's ability to
grow is constrained only by its ability to quickly ramp its manufacturing operations and its access to capital."
APRIL 29th, 2005
Xantrex Technology Inc. (TSX:XTX), a supplier of solar inverters,
which convert direct current from solar panels to alternating current used in homes, offices and industry, has received a
$2 million order from Grupo Enerpal of Spain. The inverters are to be used in one of Spain's major solar projects, a six megawatt
facility under construction near Murcia, Spain. The order is for Xantrex's GR100E grid tie industrial solar inverters. The
order is expected to be completely filled in 2006.
Mossadiq S. Umedaly, Xantrex's Chairman, commented on the order
and the solar market in Europe, "This order reflects the traction that Xantrex's industrial solar inverters have gained since
we introduced them in Europe last year. Europe is a world leader in industrial-scale solar photovoltaic power generation,
and Xantrex's objective is to become a leading supplier of industrial solar inverters in Europe. We have been the leader in
the industrial solar market in North America for many years."
APRIL 20th, 2005
SunPower Corp., a subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp., (NYSE:CY)
and SOLON AG (WKN 747119/ISIN DE0007471195, Frankfurt Stock Exchange/Xetra: SOO1), have entered into five-year supply agreement
valued at about $300 million for SunPower's high-efficiency A-300 silicon solar cells. The solar cells will be used in SOLON's
new "SOLON-Mover." The modular 9- to 10-kilowatt electricity generation system is used as a building block to construct multi-megawatt
power plants. The system includes movers, which are used to rotate and tilt the solar cell modules to track the sun. The use
of movers is reported to increase the energy output of solar cell modules by as much as 50 percent.
APRIL 12th, 2005
Universal Communication Systems, Inc. (OTC BB: UCSY) subsidiary
Millennium Electric T.O.U. through its President Ami Elazari has announced a major agreement with Azur Solar. Mr. Elazari
stated, "I am pleased to announce the execution of a new agreement with Azur Solar (UK) Ltd. (www.azure-solar.co.uk), granting them distribution for the UK market for our unique range
of Millennium Brand PV Solar Panels and related products. In addition, the agreement calls for Azur Solar to purchase up to
$15 million in value of PV Solar Energy Panels for the UK market in the year 2005. This new export order is once again a major
endorsement of the high quality of our Millennium Brand PV Solar Energy Panels."
Susan Roddick, Marketing Director of Azur Solar (UK) Ltd., also
affirmed the business deal, "Azur Solar (UK) Ltd. are delighted to be entering into a partnership with Millennium Electric
and believe that there will be benefits in working with a progressive supplier in what is becoming a challenging and ever
more competitive market."
Universal Communications, besides the solar energy market, is also
involved in the air-to-water machine conversion market. Universal Communications has played and continues to play a major
role in the tsunami relief effort with these innovative machines.
MARCH 29th, 2005
GE Consumer Finance is reported to be active in the financing of residential solar products.
The unit, which is affiliated with GE Energy, a solar energy company, indicates that residential solar facilities offer a
cost-effective solution to consumer’s energy bills. Mike Pryde of GE Consumer Finance said, "Solar electric power makes
good economic sense for consumers. We've seen interest growing exponentially across the U.S. over the last few years and expect
that to continue. Financing a solar electric system enables consumers to budget for a fixed, monthly financing payment for
a limited period of time. This is offset by their reduced electric bill, which will always be substantially less with the
solar system as long as the sun continues to shine."
MARCH 22nd, 2005
Solar Towers, twice as tall as the Empire State Building, are now
under consideration for several locations in the southwestern United States. States that Australia based EnviroMission Ltd.
has considered include Arizona, California, Texas New Mexico and Nevada. However, despite the environmental and economic intentions
of the project, solar towers, even in the middle of the barren desert have their opponents. While some consider the modern
architecture a compliment to the serene bareness of the land, otherwise consider them a blight. Where one environmentalist
will point to the alternative of having nuclear waste trucked through their town, another will point to the fact that it will
effect tourism.
However solar towers are not as much as a concern as wind farms.
Wind farms, which kill birds, are considered a menace by fish and game government organizations. As well, noise and lack of
aesthetics are other negatives associated with the wind farms. Often wind farms are also in areas that have more natural beauty
and in areas less remote than solar towers, which make them even the more controversial. Regardless of the desires of those
that would like to see a completely natural setting, utility companies are in a position were they must increase energy generation
capacity. For them its a question of which type of facility will be the most cost-effective over the long term. Beauty is
in the end, in the eye of the beholder.
MARCH 16th, 2005
China Aims to Increase Solar
Capacity with Multi-Billion Dollar Investments
China
does not plan for the high cost of oil to derail its ambitious development plans. Alternative energy has been a corner stone
of its overall strategy. So as might be expected the country will start to build its own internal infrastructure for foreign
solar cell independence. Reports indicate that The Nanjing PV-Tech Co., Ltd. has begun the construction of China's largest solar cell production facility. Located in
the Nanjing Jiangning Development Zone, The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2005 and have a production
capacity of 100 megawatts. Cost of the facility is estimated at $30 million.
The project is one stop
on the way to China's plan to substantially
increase its solar capacity by 2008. The funds for China’s solar
projects according to Asia Pulse are to come from China's State Development
and Reform Commission, which is investing 10 billion yuan or about US$1.2 billion to promote solar cell generation capacity
in China. As well, the Chinese Electrical
Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CEEG) plans to have a solar cell production capacity of 600 megawatts by 2008. The revenue value
of 600 megawatts of solar cells per year is estimated at 15 billion yuan.
MARCH 7th, 2005
Daystar's
Ultralight Solar Foil Planned for Flight Applications
Daystar Technologies
Inc. has announced its silicon-free solar cell product called Lightfoil. The technology based on specialty metal foils instead
of silicon is targeted at low-weight flight systems, which can not afford the extra weight from batteries or bulky silicon
solar cells. The technology may be useful to power toy-sized search and rescue planes or the basis for new types of light-weight
gliders, or perhaps incorporated onto solar powered winged bicylces.
The light foil gets
its name from its low power to weight ratio. The company in a laboratory setting has achieved a 1440 W/kg power to weight
ratio ( with a 15.2% AM0 efficiency). This performance, according to the company, has 50 percent more energy density level
and is 60 percent lighter than all known thin film technologies. The ultra-thin LightFoil is based on copper indium gallium
selenide (CIGS) solar cells, a technology gaining in popularity, deposited on
thin titanium foil.
As an added feature,
above and beyond silicon, the foil, like everyday aluminum foil found in the kitchen, can be molded into a variety of different
types of shapes. A feature useful to energy retrofit the curved surfaces found on planes and satellites.
MARCH 2, 2005
Plastic Power Receives
$500,000 Grant from NSF for Sunlight Harvesting
Konarka Technologies, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a grant valued
at $500,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Konarka develops light activated power plastic technology, which promises
to enable a wide range of everyday objects to harvest energy from both sunlight and artificial light. T. James Rudd, program
manager, NSF SBIR/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program indicated that the Konarka's technology offers a potential
low-cost roll-to-roll manufacturing technique and improvements in efficiency. As part of the Phase II research project, Konarka’s
hopes to improve the efficiency of its dye-sensitized solar cell technology to 10 percent or higher.
FEBRUARY 28th, 2005
California Aligns With Solar Technology Initiative
Reports
are out that the state of California will announce a new
energy conservation plan that will greatly encourage the installation of residential and industrial solar systems. The plan
is reported to be modeled after Japan’s
solar program. The initiative is referred to as the million solar homes program. The program, which appears to be supported
by California’s movie star governor, may be well accepted
by both liberals and conservatives. One of the reasons is that solar energy is
now considered an eco-friendly high growth market, rather than a subsidized market.
FEBRUARY 24th, 2005
Evergreen Solar’s Revenues Rise Nearly 10 Fold
Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESLR), known for its StringRibbon wafer
technology for the production of solar cells, reported that for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004 revenues were $9.3
million compared to $1.4 million in the same period in 2003. The company also stated that for the entire 2004 year its revenue
was $22.2 million compared to $7.7 million in 2003.
The company also reported positive gross margins. Both the increase in revenues and positive gross margins were attributed
to the company’s new Marlboro solar cell manufacturing facility, which is near its peak capacity rating of 15 megawatts. The company also indicated that its new manufacturing technology, incorporated into
the factory, was also a factor in improved gross margins.
FEBRUARY 14th, 2005
Look
outside your window today and what do you see? Ever wish you could instantly control the glare or the amount of ultraviolet
light coming through your window. Well apparently now you can. Research Frontiers Inc., which just received $5 million in
funding, offers smart control film. The film, once applied to windows, or your sunglasses for that matter, gives the user
the capability to adjust the tint and glare – eliminating ultraviolet rays or unwanted solar heat. In the summer time,
the tint on sunny windows can be automatically increased to reduce the heat entering the building. In the winter time, the
tint can be reduced to let in the warmth of the sun’s winter rays. So how will the technology mix with new solar energy
producing windows? Are there any plans for Research Frontiers to work with solar window companies?
Besides
potential temperature control, different applications for the product include the automotive market, where glare can be a
safety hazard, as well as aircraft, and eyewear markets to name a few. Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd. is one of 34 that have
licensed the technology.
The
four United States based funds were not named. The investment was in the form of a purchase
of one million shares of the company’s common stock with five year warrants.
FEBRUARY 14th, 2005
Cypress Semiconductor Exits MRAM –
Sites Solar Cells
Confirming
a continued trend, Cypress as it announced its planned exit
from the MRAM market, stated that its solar cell business may reach $10 million this quarter. The CEO of Cypress seemed to
suggest that the capital investment for solar was a better bet than the capital intensive investment needed to win the MRAM
market. Cypress commented that it no longer believes that
MRAMs will be a cost-effective alternative to SRAMs, neglecting to mention the DRAM market. The memory chip market, which
varies widely from year-to year, can bring in revenue on a worldwide basis from $14 billion to $30 billion a year. So is the
solar cell market a better risk than the high stakes multi-billion memory chip market? One
has to wonder what the effect will be on NVE Corp., a company that licensed MRAM technology to Cypress.
FEBRUARY 14th, 2005
Look
outside your window today and what do you see? Ever wish you could instantly control the glare or the amount of ultraviolet
light coming through your window. Well apparently now you can. Research Frontiers Inc., which just received $5 million in
funding, offers smart control film. The film, once applied to windows, or your sunglasses for that matter, gives the user
the capability to adjust the tint and glare – eliminating ultraviolet rays or unwanted solar heat. In the summer time,
the tint on sunny windows can be automatically increased to reduce the heat entering the building. In the winter time, the
tint can be reduced to let in the warmth of the sun’s winter rays. So how will the technology mix with new solar energy
producing windows? Are there any plans for Research Frontiers to work with solar window companies?
Besides
potential temperature control, different applications for the product include the automotive market, where glare can be a
safety hazard, as well as aircraft, and eyewear markets to name a few. Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd. is one of 34 that have
licensed the technology.
The
four United States based funds were not named. The investment was in the form of a purchase
of one million shares of the company’s common stock with five year warrants.
FEBRUARY 10, 2005
Ovonics' Thin-Film Solar Efforts to
Receive $88 Million Financial Boost
Energy
Conversion Devices, Inc. (also known as ECD Ovonics) has plans to double the manufacturing capacity of its United Solar Ovionics'
triple-junction, thin-film amorphous silicon photovoltaic products. The company says the funds are expected to come through
a series of definitive agreements with investors as related to the private placement of common stock valued at $87.8 million.
Ovionics’ technology, in addition to solar cell technology, also includes fuel cell, NiMH battery and phase-change optical
memory technology. The memory technology was recently licensed to Elpida Memory for possible revolutionary integrated circuit
applications.
FEBRUARY 9th, 2005
200 Megawatt Solar Tower Set for Australia
Enviromission
has entered into an agreement, expected to be signed very soon, to purchase 10,000 hectare site in Australia, to build a one kilometer high solar tower. The tower, which will generate 200 megawatts of electricity, is scheduled to be built by the end of 2009. Leightons Contractors Pty Ltd, among others, will participate in the solar tower project.
The tower, complete with 32 turbines, has also caught the interest of Chinese investors, who have also planned to build a
solar tower in China.
FEBRUARY 8th, 2005
Air-To-Water Company Wins Solar Megawatt Contract
Millennium
Electric T.O.U. Limited announced that it has entered into an agreement with Prom Sol Enrg., an energy company based in sun-
drenched Spain and a division of the Goldman Group. The
initial contract calls for the installation of ten rooftop grid-connected 100 kW PV Solar Energy Systems to form a rooftop
power station. The energy station is based on Millennium’s Multi Solar
System product.
Millennium
Electric is a subsidiary of Universal Communication Systems, Inc., a company which markets and sells a solar powered air-to-water
machine. The air-to-water machine has been recently employed to provide drinking water to the Tsunami victims.
FEBRUARY 8TH, 2005
Solar Wrap, Will it Replace Handiwrap?
The
ever popular handiwrap, now marketed as Saran Wrap by SC Johnson, may want to give solar wrap a hard look at. Konarka Technologies Inc. reports that it has “light-activated power plastic.” The company’s web site implies that its nanotechnology manufacturing process, based on titanium
dioxide, can be applied to almost any material, from cloth to windows, and even paint. The end result is an energy producing
product, which offers lower cost than silicon based solar cells. The company
says that its technology can produce photovoltaic products with an efficiency rating of 8 percent, but without the extra weight
associated with today’s solar cells. Konaraka and Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
which does research on energy technology with the United States Department of Energy, have been working together since 2004
to develop and commercialize Konaraka’s process technology.
FEBRUARY 7th, 2005
XsunX Appoints Scientific Adviser For Solar Windows
XsunX,
Inc. announced that Dr. Richard Rocheleau has joined the Company's Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Richard Rocheleau is the director of the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) of the University
of Hawaii. He brings with him credentials in the areas of photovoltaic
and semiconductor manufacturing. XsunX has developed what it calls Power Glass. This technology permits glass windows to generate
electricity from the sun.
FEBRUARY 4, 2005
Export-Import
Bank Has Keys to Energy Funding
The
Export-Import Bank of the United States, also known as the Ex-Im bank recently announced
that it has a program in place to arrange capital to increases export sales of renewable energy goods and services. Among its recent accomplishments include a $5 million working capital line of credit for PowerLight Corp...
The funds enabled PowerLight to export its solar electric systems, which are based on solar tracking technology to one of
the world’s largest solar projects, Bavaria Solarpark. Union Bank of California (San Francisco) was the lender.
Union Bank is one of EX-Im Bank’s delegated authority lenders.
Bavaria
Solarpark is now connected to the German utility grid and generates 10 megawatts of electricity, enough for about 9,000 homes.
Evergreen Solar Inc. also has received capital through the program. Like PowerLight, Evergreen also obtained a $5 million
line of credit. Silicon Valley Bank, headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, was the Ex-Im delegated authority lender.
FEBRUARY
1, 2005
Mirrors
Cut Solar Cell Energy Costs in Half
Energy
Innovations, Inc., which has under development a low-cost rooftop photovoltaic based solar concentrator system, has announced
the acquisition of Prevalent Power Inc. Prevalent (to be called EI Solutions) will assist with Energy Innovation’s Sunflower
solar concentrator. Sunflower is based on mirrors, which track the sun, and concentrate the sun rays onto a solar panel. Energy
Innovations reports that Sunflower will be able to provide energy at a lower cost than the utilities presently can. The company indicates that Sunflower will be able to reduce the cost of solar electricity by 50 percent
or more.
FEBRUARY 1st, 2005
Daystar Technologies Aims for 100 Megawatt per Year
As
part of its operational plan, Daystar Technologies, Inc. reported that its roadmap calls for a solar cell production capacity
of 100 megawatt per year by 2007. DayStar Technologies, Inc. has developed a solar cell based on thin-film, copper-indium-gallium-selenide
technology and has received an incentive package from the state of New York.
JANUARY 31st, 2005
Cypress Semiconductor, which reported an 11 percent drop in fourth quarter revenue from year ago levels, sees future
growth at its solar cell division, Sunpower. Cypress subsidiary
revenue, which includes Sunpower’s solar cell revenues, increased 31 percent from the previous quarter. Sunpower is
in the midst of production expansion in the Philippines.
That facility is expected to double capacity to 50 megawatts, worth an estimated $150 million in annual sales.
Cypress other
units reported mixed results. Cypress’ WAN and SAN unit
recorded an 11 percent sequential drop and the WIT/WIN segment 16 percent. The computation and consumer segment increased
13% from the prior quarter.
Cypress Microsystems, which is in the Cypress’
subsidiary segment with Sunpower, has been promoting its Programmable System-on-Chip mixed signal array and Sunpower Corporation’s
solar cells.
JANUARY 26th, 2005
CSG Solar AG has secured 24 million Euros to help further commercialize
its thin film solar module technology. Investors included Apax Partners Funds and Good Engines. The new thin film modules
cost less than modules based on silicon wafers. As well, CSG’s thin film technology is expected to increase the available
raw material supply and the stability, durability and scalability that other solar technologies have not lived up to.
CSG reports that the 30 percent annual growth rate in the solar
cell industry has resulted in silicon wafer shortages that have threatened the growth of the industry. CSG’s technology
will remove that dependence. CSG reports that is panels will only use about 1 percent of the silicon used in wafer based
solar cells but yet deliver 65 percent of the power.
CSG expects to use it news funds to construct its first solar production
facility. That facility is planned to have the capability to produce products with an annual energy capacity of 25 MW.
JANUARY 24th, 2005
What Does the Kyoto Protocol
Mean For Technology Markets?
Apparently,
a lot. Because of the requirements to cut green house gas emissions by specific dates, companies that offer alternative energy
solutions could find their products in great demand and very soon. There have been reports in the trade press that most of
Japan’s solar elite expect significant
increases in sales of their solar power systems this year - perhaps 30 percent to 100 percent. Companies such as Kyocera Corp.,
Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Sharp Corp and Sanyo all anticipate that the upcoming Japanese fiscal year will be good sales years.
JANUARY 24th, 2005
JANUARY 21st, 2005
Taiwan, although its position in the solar market is small compared
to Japan, see its solar industry growing fast. According to the Taiwan Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association
(PIDA) solar cell production grew 141 percent in 2003. Solar cells rank number four in Taiwan's photonic market. Solar cells,
in terms of growth rate, are just behind Organic LEDs, Plasma Display Panels and rewritable DVD drives. Behind solar
cells were CMOS Image Sensors with a 91 percent growth rate. Motech Industries is one Taiwan's major solar cell companies.
JANUARY 21st, 2005
Sunpower Corporation's solar cells, with efficiency ratings in the
order of 20 to 26 percent, are the basis for a commercialization experiment at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center (Edwards
Air Force Base, CA). The solar cells have been coated with a special dirt and dust repellant coating. If the technology
proves successful, the coating technology, most likely, will be commercialized. SunPower's solar cells have been used
on NASA sponsored projects before. These include NASA's solar powered aircraft programs, which produced the AeroVironment
Helios and Pathfinder-Plus solar planes
JANUARY 20th, 2005
Digital RF Amplifiers Help
Promote Solar Applications
ParkerVision today announced that it has developed an all-digital
and low-power RF power amplifier. The all-digital RF power amplifier design has been claimed to reduces power requirements
from 50 to 80 percent over traditional RF power amplifier designs (analog). The power savings is a direct result of ParkerVision’s
capability to design analog designs with all digital architectures. Such a energy miser of a circuit could spawn a new breed
of solar based cell phones, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, Wi-Fi and VoIP products. Or, for other applications, battery
size could be significantly reduced. As another added plus, ParkerVision expects that the transmission distance and speed
of portable wireless network devices, such as Wi-Fi laptops, will also be increased.
JANUARY 20th, 2005
DayStar Technologies, Inc has been awarded a million-dollar grant
from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The grant, to be paid in phases, requires Daystar
to commercially produce its solar cells. DayStar has developed a solar cell based on thin-film, copper-indium-gallium-selenide
technology, which may permit competitive solar electricity rates. A portion of the grant’s payment is contingent on
whether or not Daystar builds a new production facility at the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park. The grant could be attributed
to New York laws that require 25 percent of the electricity sold to New York State be from renewable resources by the year
2013.
JANUARY 18th, 2005
JAN 14th, 2005
Solar Cell Industry to Add Another Factory
Evergreen Solar Inc. announced that it has formed a joint venture
for the development of a 20 megawatt solar wafer, cell and module manufacturing plant. The plant is to be built in Germany.
Posted Jan 14th, 2005.
Alternative Energy To Become A Main Stream High Growth Market?
With several countries around the world offering tax incentives for solar
energy, one has to wonder what the cumulative effect on the solar companies’ revenue would be. Look no further than GT Equipment Technologies solar division, GT Solar Technologies. The company which
makes solar cell manufacturing equipment reported that it now has a backlog of orders of $32 million, a 500 percent increase
in business over last year.
Interested in expanding your solar cell portfolio? Scottish and
Southern Energy plc also has been. The company acquired a 7.5 percent stake in solarcentury (www.solarcentury.co.uk) for one million pounds.
Interest in Solarcentury may increase more so in 2006, when proposed renewable energy building rules take hold in the
U.K.
JANUARY 10th, 2005
Reports indicate that a new alternative to silicon solar cells is
on the horizon. The University of Toronto has developed a plastic-based nanotechnology, which can be easily applied to a variety
of different electronic devices. The plastic paint is reported to have an energy efficiency of 30 percent. The high efficiency
comes from the ability of the material to capture energy from the infrared spectrum of the sun’s light. Inventors of
the technology indicate that clothes, cell phones and other electronic devices could be spray painted with the material. Integrated
circuits could also be painted. However, chips most often live in enclosed darkness. The materials technology was developed,
in part, by a well known and award winning physicist, Professor Ted Sargent. Mr Sergent is currently at MIT at work on a nanomaterials
related research project.
So with the recurrence of the prospect of another semiconductor
downturn, it’s no wonder alternative energy may come into vogue. The San Jose Mercury reported yesterday that Kleiner
Perkins Caufield & Byers, well known as a major source of funding for semiconductor companies, is now looking at energy
companies. Whether or not these alternative energy sources will be nuclear or biodegradable is one question that waits to
be answered.
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