Monthly Archives: March 2013

SMA Solar’s market share falls from over 40% in 2010 to just 25% in 2012

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

SMA Solar’s market share, sales, margins and workforce fall in 2012 SMA Solar’s market share has plummeted from over 40% in 2010 to only 25% in 2012. An increasingly competitive marketplace continues to erode SMA Solar Technology’s once dominant position in the … Continue reading →

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Mixed Greens: EU talks climate targets as global fossil subsidies hit $2tn for oil, natural gas, coal and electricity production

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The European Union has proposed a new package of carbon and renewable energy targets for 2030 that could see the introduction of a 40 per cent carbon reduction target, as well as a 30 per cent share target for renewable … Continue reading →

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Age of renewables: Why shale gas won’t kill wind or solar

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The emergence of the shale gas boom in the United States, and the discovery of significant reserves in Australia and elsewhere, has prompted many people in the energy industry to proclaim a “golden age” of gas, one that will cause … Continue reading →

Posted in Biofuels, Crystalline, CSP, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Solar Thermal, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

China warns EU against imposing tariffs

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

China warns EU against imposing tariffs Chong Quan the deputy representative of MOFCOM said the Chinese government has advised the EU to show restraint in order to avoid a trade war. China has told the European Union to expect a … Continue reading →

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New Discovery Could Mean Making Fuel From CO2 In The Atmosphere

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

If we’ve learned anything from the totality of human history, it is that if we ever find anything in great enough abundance, we’ll try to use it for something that benefits us. One need only look at the coal deposits, … Continue reading →

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A Breakthrough In Energy Storage: Graphene Micro Supercapacitors

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Imagine plugging in your smartphone for thirty seconds and then continuing the rest of your day with a fully charged phone. Then imagine plugging in your electric vehicle for less time than it takes to fill up a standard gas tank … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Storage, PV, Rooftop, Solar | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Madhya Pradesh announces the highest Wind Tariff in India at Rs. 5.92/- per KWhr

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Given the low yields of wind power in the state, Madhya Pradesh has gone ahead and announced the highest Wind Tariff of Rs. 5.92/- per KWhr which is sure to boost the renewable energy portfolio of the state. In recent … Continue reading →

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Andhra Pradesh net metering policy released on 25th March 2013

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Solar power policy pressnote. The Government announced its policy for encouraging solar power production in the State. A GO MS NO 22 to this effect has been issued on Monday. Keeping in view the good potential for harnessing solar power, … Continue reading →

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Trees used to create recyclable efficient Solar Cell

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Solar cells are just like leaves, capturing the sunlight and turning it into energy. It’s fitting that they can now be made partially from trees. Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University researchers have developed efficient solar cells using natural … Continue reading →

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Masdar Launches Shams 1, The World’s Largest Concentrated Solar Power Plant (100MW) In Operation built at a cost of $600mm USD

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

100-megawatt power plant is a major milestone for renewable energy in the Middle East Shams 1, the largest concentrated solar power plant (CSP) in operation in the world is located in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, the 100-megawatt, grid … Continue reading →

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Govt to float tenders for solar photovoltaic power projects

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

NEW DELHI: The government is set to invite tenders for developing grid-connected solar photovoltaic power projects with a capacity of 750 mw by May, signalling the launch of the second phase of the national solar mission. The mission will seek … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, JNNSM, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

‘Reconsider decision to drag India to WTO on solar energy’ – Eminent American and International Organisations

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

  WASHINGTON: A dozen odd eminent American and international organisations have asked the US to reconsider its decision to drag India to WTO over solar energy policy. In a letter to US Trade Representative (USTR) on 20th March 2013, these organisations have … Continue reading →

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Uttar Pradesh RfP for 200MW of Solar Power Plants

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Based on its new Solar Policy 2013, the UP Renewable Energy Department is now looking to source 200MW equivalent of Solar Power from interested developers. The document is somewhat terse with no specifics but can be read here, the deadline … Continue reading →

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15780 off-grid SPV Power Plants with total capacity of 13.25 MWp Sanctioned in 2012-13

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The Ministry has sanctioned 15780 off-grid solar photovoltaic (SPV) power plants of total capacity of 13.25 MWp to be installed on individual houses in the country during 2012-13. Under the Off-grid and Decentralized Solar Applications Scheme of Jawaharlal Nehru National … Continue reading →

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LightSail Gets $5.5 Million For Compressed Air Energy Storage – Is it Cheaper than batteries!

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

LightSail Energy, a utility-scale energy storage company, has obtained $5.5 million from investors to fund its compressed air energy storage (CAES) project in the second closing of its $37.3 million Round D. LightSail CAES Concept. Image obtained from LightSail Energy. The … Continue reading →

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Who’s Next? – Fears from Suntech bond default spread to other Chinese PV manufacturers

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Testing times for China-based PV manufacturers as loans and lines of credit scrutinised. The Suntech Power Holdings saga has quickly led to questions being asked of the financial health of other leading China-based PV manufacturers. According to a report from Bloomberg, … Continue reading →

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The Myth: Renewable Energy Contributes 12.5% in total power generation in India

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Given 15-30% PLFs of renewable energy sources like Wind and Solar, RE in reality contributes below 5%, to the actual KWh energy generation in the country The present installed capacity of power generation in the country is about 2,12,829 … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, CPV, Crystalline, CSP, Geothermal, Hydro, JNNSM, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Solar Thermal, Thin Film, Tidal, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SunPower treading water on a sea of red ink

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The company reported fourth quarter 2012 GAAP revenue of US$679 million, up 8.5% from US$648.9 million in the prior quarter. Despite reporting its highest quarterly revenue figures for 2012, SunPower continued its loss making ways. SunPower has reported losses in … Continue reading →

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Japan could overtake Germany and US as second largest solar market in 2013 with 120% (5GW) increase in installations

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The residential market continues to act as a “lifeline” for struggling Japanese companies. Image: IHS The Japanese PV market is predicted to experience a 120% growth spurt in 2013, according to a new report from market analysts at IHS. In … Continue reading →

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Bosch shuts down solar division; total loss amounts to €2.4 billion

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Early estimates indicate that Bosch’s total loss amounts to €2.4 billion. The start of 2014 will herald an end to Bosch’s activities in the solar PV industry, the company has announced. As reported earlier today on PV-Tech, Bosch Solar Energy … Continue reading →

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JNNSM has 70% of foreign Solar Cells / Modules installed in 77 projects to date

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The Government has stipulated certain technical measures to ensure quality of the PV modules used in Solar power projects taken up under different Central schemes of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). During last 3 years and current year … Continue reading →

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NPD Solarbuzz: PV market to reach 31GW in 2013; 45% ground mounted

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

For the first time, China is expected to become the largest market, surpassing Germany. Indeed, Asia is fast becoming the largest markets, according to NPD Solarbuzz, which expects China, Japan, and India combined to account for 36% of global PV … Continue reading →

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Crunch in module availability as EU hardens stance against China

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Updated: The European Commission’s anti-dumping investigation into PV modules shipped into EU countries from China is having a major impact on module availability and forcing distributors, project developers and installers to alter purchasing decisions, PV-Tech reveals. The start of import registration … Continue reading →

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ReneSola sold out until July; posts record quarterly results

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

ReneSola reported net revenues of US$306.5 million in the fourth quarter, up 40.5% from US$218.2 million despite a decrease in the ASPs of solar wafers and modules. Full year 2012 shipments increased to a record 2.2GW, up over 70% from … Continue reading →

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Advanced batteries for utility-scale applications in Asia Pacific to exceed 25GW by 2022

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The total installed capacity of advanced batteries for utility-scale applications in Asia Pacific is forecast to reach 25.1GW by 2022, according to a new report by market intelligence firm Pike Research. The report, Energy Storage in Asia Pacific, explains that the … Continue reading →

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Cross-defaults triggered for Suntech’s bonds; suppliers and lenders start payment claims – Another one bites the dust!

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Suntech Power Holdings default on paying back its US$541 million convertible note last week has triggered cross-defaults on other loans, according to the company. Suntech also said in a statement, confirming its US$541 million convertible note default, that some of … Continue reading →

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Mahindra launches electric car ‘e20’ priced at Rs 5.96 lakh ($10,500)

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The Mahindra group today launched its first electric car ‘e2o’ priced at Rs 5.96 lakh (on road Delhi, after state subsidy), almost three years after it acquired Bangalore-based electric car maker Reva. The group also said it has plans to … Continue reading →

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Punjab Request For Proposal Document For New Grid Connected Solar Photo Voltaic Power Projects – 300 MW Capacity Under Phase – I

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Total aggregated capacity of the grid connected solar projects to be developed under Phase – I shall be 300 MW.  All the Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects under Phase – I shall be installed in the State of Punjab … Continue reading →

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Coal Power Plant Emissions killing thousands prematurely

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Emissions from coal-fired plants across the country may have resulted in thousands of premature deaths and condemned millions more to various respiratory ailments every year, says a study by the groups Conservation Action Trust (CAT), Urban Emissions and Greenpeace. A first-of-its-kind … Continue reading →

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How one man singlehandedly created a forest from a sandbar

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

  The Hindu From sandbar to forest: Jadav Payeng, the determined caretaker. Over the last 30 years, Jadav Peyang in Assam has single-handedly transformed a barren sandbar into a lush forest thriving with wildlife This story is not just about … Continue reading →

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Energy storage tops list of requirements for PV inverter buyers as Chinese tech gains acceptance, reveals survey

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The survey from IMS Research revealed a rapidly growing need for energy storage in PV systems Energy storage in PV systems has topped the list of requirements for PV inverter buyers, a survey has revealed. The results of the survey … Continue reading →

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Regulator asks Delhi Govt. to bail out discoms

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Taking the first steps towards resolving the liquidity crisis of the city’s three discoms, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has sent a ‘statutory advice’ to the Delhi Government, asking it to pitch in with financial help and urge the … Continue reading →

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‘Faulty’ power policies widening demand-supply gap, states former Union Energy Secretary E.A.S. Sarma

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The growing gap between supply and demand in the power sector is due to the power policies of the government that are formulated to suit private players such as Reliance, former Union Energy Secretary E.A.S. Sarma has observed. Earlier, the … Continue reading →

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Andhra Pradesh Discoms piling up avoidable losses

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Issues are similar across most Discoms in the country Improvement in energy efficiency could save the day for the state, said retired divisional engineer of APEPDCL, R V Ramana Rao, adding that inefficient transformers and capacitor banks were causing … Continue reading →

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Delhi Discoms want power tariff hiked from April upto a maximum of 13%

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

February was a chance to register views on the petitions filed by the three discoms for a tariff hike in the next financial year. Of the three discoms, BYPL (that supplies to east and central Delhi) has sought the maximum … Continue reading →

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Discoms in Andhra Pradesh reeling under huge power deficit with power cuts ranging from 2 to 8 hours since March 1

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Andhra has a shortage of 70 Million KWhr Units per day expected to increase to 80+ Million KWhr Units in the summer. Almost 17000 MWp of Solar PV required to plug this deficit just in the state of Andhra … Continue reading →

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AP receives lowest solar bid offer of Rs 6.52 per KWhr Unit from Essel Mining

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Solar prices of between Rs. 7 – 9 per KWhr here to stay! The bidding process for setting up grid-connected solar power farms in Andhra Pradesh enters a crucial phase with the opening up of the price bids. According … Continue reading →

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Metering Protocol for Captive Solar Plants in Andhra Pradesh for REC

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

  The Government of Andhra Pradesh has announced Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Policy-2012 to encourage large scale solar power generation in the State vide G.O.Ms.No.39, dated 26.09.2012 & G.O.Ms. No. 44, dated 16.11.2012. As such, APTRANSCO / APDISCOMs have proposed to … Continue reading →

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Karnataka calls for 130MW Solar in IInd Phase

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. (“Authority”/ “KREDL”) incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 is a nodal agency of the Government of Karnataka to facilitate the development of renewable energy in the State of Karnataka. KREDL processes all applications received for … Continue reading →

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Odisha Releases RfS of 25MW SPV under RPO of the State – Batch III

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency, the State Nodal Agency (under Government of Odisha in Science and Technology Department), for promotion of renewable energy in the State intends to set up a Solar PV Power Project of 25 MW through a process of RfS … Continue reading →

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