Monthly Archives: April 2013

Solar shakeout: Banks pull LDK subsidiary Sunways’ credit facilities

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Sunways said in a statement that the “current economic situation of the photovoltaics industry and of the company” led to its banks terminating all credit facilities and would exercise rights to unspecified collateral provided by the company that had initially … Continue reading →

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Could Kurzweil be right about solar, the Google of energy?

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Ray Kurzweil presents his cost curves on solar at Berkeley University earlier this month. Paula Mints’ slide doesn’t look a million miles away from one of Kurzweil’s exponential graphs. Cleantech investors often talk about the quest for the ‘Google of … Continue reading →

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Sharp adds 0.2% efficiency to record triple-junction InGaAs solar cell

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The latest efficiency improvement was due to further indium, gallium, and arsenide material combination optimization that improved light absorption across the various wavelengths. Further tweaks of its triple-junction InGaAs InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) solar cell have led to Sharp reporting … Continue reading →

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Amonix CPV system breaks peak efficiency record

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Amonix CPV module has set a new peak efficiency world record. Image: Amonix. Concentrated PV (CPV) manufacturer Amonix claims to have converted a record 36% of sunlight into energy in a module trial at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory … Continue reading →

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AP fixes Rs 6.49/unit for solar photovoltaic projects

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Andhra Pradesh is considering the possibility of a uniform tariff of about Rs 6.49 a unit for solar photovoltaic power projects. Following a detailed review of the various aspects of the bidding process, a Cabinet sub-committee on power seems to … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Inviting comments on Draft Guidelines for setting up of 750 MW Grid Solar PV power projects with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), Phase-II, Batch-I

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

No. 29/5/2012-13/JNNSNM Government of India Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Solar Power Division Subject:  Invitation for Comments on  Draft Guidelines for setting up of 750 MW Grid Solar PV power projects with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Jawaharlal Nehru … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Crystalline, JNNSM, MNRE, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Spinning mills’ body files case against TN solar policy

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The Tamilnadu Spinning Mills’ Association has filed a petition with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity asking the Tribunal to declare Tamil Nadu Government-imposed ‘solar purchase obligation’ null and void. (Above) Houses constructed under the Chief Minister’s Solar Powered Green House … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, PV, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Rooftop, Solar, Solar Policy, Tamil Nadu, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Delhi drops subsidy on Solar

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

In a move that may discourage residents to opt for solar energy, the Delhi government has discontinued the subsidy it used to offer on the installation of solar panels from April 1. The new move comes at a time when the … Continue reading →

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Chinese car makers turn to hybrids, entering a niche ‘green’ market

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: Range anxiety is a common phenomenon due to which all electric cars have an inherent disadvantage as mentioned in my article on vehicles of the future in Energy Next Magazine. This article further makes that very same point. Throwing … Continue reading →

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Solar Power Record In Germany — 22.68 GW — Infographic

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

On Monday, the 15th of April, 2013, the approximate 1.3 million solar power systems in Germany set a new domestic/world record by reaching a peak power output of 22.68 GW at noon. The New Normal This new record is almost … Continue reading →

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New lithium-ion battery technology that is 2,000 times more powerful than comparable batteries

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new lithium-ion battery technology that is 2,000 times more powerful than comparable batteries. According to the researchers, this is not simply an evolutionary step in battery tech, “It’s a new … Continue reading →

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Current Solar Module Efficiency Nowhere Near Its Potential, Especially Thin-Film Solar & CPV (Chart)

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Director Dan Arvizu recently gave a keynote speech during the 2013 International Renewable Energy Conference (part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week), which I was lucky enough to attend*. His speech covered a large variety of cleantech topics, and most of … Continue reading →

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Power crunch turns grim in Kerala – State turning to Solar as a solution

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

  Deficient rains have compounded power woes in Kerala as the water-level of reservoirs is receding fast in the state.   THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Deficient rains have compounded power woes in Kerala as the water-level of reservoirs is receding fast in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Hydro, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

PV Power Plants 2012 – Industry Guide

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Today’s PV market is now completely different to that of one year ago when the previous edition of this brochure was published. Thanks to a dramatic fall in the price of solar modules and an equally significant drop in the … Continue reading →

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NREL verifies First Solar’s 16.1% total area module efficiency record leap

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

  Easily surpassing its previous record of 14.4% efficiency, First Solar a pushed the bar to 16.1%. Importantly, the CdTe thin-film leader also set a record for open circuit voltage (VOC), reaching an NREL verified 903.2 millivolts (mV). First Solar … Continue reading →

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Spectrolab breaks world record with 37.8% cell efficiency

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Spectrolab, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, is a manufacturer of high-efficiency multi-junction space solar cells and panels. Image: Boeing Manufacturer of space solar cells and panels Spectrolab has announced a 37.8% efficiency rate for its multi-junction solar … Continue reading →

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Rajasthan allots 75MW Solar Power Projects under competitive bidding Rajasthan Solar Policy 2011 (Phase I)

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Solar Power Projects Under Competitive Bidding, Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy Sr. No Reg No Name of Company Capacity in MW Address District Location 1 S/428/2004 Essel Mining and Industries Limited 20 Aditya Birla Centre, SK Ahire Marg,Worli. Mumbai- 400030 Jodhpur … Continue reading →

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Rajasthan has a total of 512.75 MW installed as off March 2013

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

While a vast majority of Solar projects are JNNSM, REC based projects are picking up. Below are the names of the 84 odd organizations who have installed Solar Power Plants in Rajasthan with their capacities, technology and commissioning date upto … Continue reading →

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MSEDCL removes Cross Subsidy discount for Renewable Energy in Maharashtra

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: In a blow to open access in electricity for Maharashtra, MSEDCL has now implemented the highest tariffs for commercial consumers.  Applicable  CSS for  Open  Access (OA)  Consumers  of  MSEDCL effective   from  21st February 2013  :- A.  CSS for HT … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, CSP, DISCOM, Maharashtra, PV, Renewables, Solar, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Solutions for the new age – my article on the future of private transport in Energy Next Magazine

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Vehicles are now the most polluting segment of any urban society and India is no exception either. With the current trend of diesel taking precedence, this issue needs to be looked into and a lot of thought needs to go … Continue reading →

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First Solar to manufacture copper-based crystalline silicon solar cells

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

TetraSun’s cell concept is based on what the company has termed “a novel surface passivation technology”. It enables the use of 40um wide copper electrodes instead of screen-printed silver metallization. Without demanding special equipment for the manufacturing process, cell Voc … Continue reading →

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IEA: Global solar capacity nearing 100GW milestone

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Image: St Gobain Despite the uncertainties plaguing the European and Chinese markets in particular, a new report has revealed that 28.4GW of solar PV capacity was installed in 2012, bringing total global capacity to 89.5GW in the 23 countries in … Continue reading →

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Indian government launches RTI Portal Online

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: This is a service that every Indian should use, especially to understand and ferret out malfeasance in the system. Its currently restricted to a single department but is expected to cover all departments by the end of the month. Click Here for … Continue reading →

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Why consumers won’t need the power industry any more

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: India has the dubious yet unique opportunity of bringing solar to the masses who as yet do not have the use of grid energy mechanisms especially in villages and far flung locations. Solar can take care of most of … Continue reading →

Posted in Grid Storage, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Policy, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Power Shortage and Its Impact on the Indian Economy

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The power supply position of the country remains grim even in the first year of 12th Five year plan 2012-2017 in spite of massive 55000 MW capacity addition in the 11th plan against meagre capacity addition of 21000 MW in … Continue reading →

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Citigroup: How solar module prices could fall to 25c/Wp

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Energy analysts at global investment bank Citigroup suggest that the cost of solar PV modules could fall beyond most expectations in coming years – and reach a cost of just 25c a watt by 2020. The prediction is included in … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Rajasthan releases draft Rfp for 300MW Wind

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Request for Proposal (RfP) (DRAFT) Document For Setting up of Grid Connected Wind Power Projects of Total Capacity 300 MW in Rajasthan during FY 2013-14 Under “Policy for Promoting Generation of Electricity from Wind, 2012” RfP/Wind/2013-14/RREC/01 ISSUED BY Rajasthan Renewable … Continue reading →

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What next after the polysilicon apocalypse of 2012? – An analysis on why module prices are hardening

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Polysilicon prices plummeted last year, but signs of recovery are emerging. A year ago in the inaugural edition of PV-Tech’s sister digital publication, Solar Business Focus, we provided a detailed update on the PV polysilicon industry and the impact overcapacity was … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, CPV, Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Central Electricity Authority Load Generation Balance Report 2012-13 – A Must Read

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Read the complete report here The annual Load Generation Balance Report (LGBR) for the year 2012-13 is the thirty first publication in the series brought out by CEA. The Report covers the month-wise anticipated energy requirement and availability (in MU) … Continue reading →

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Energy Storage: Why We Need It, And Why We Don’t

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

NATGRP: India is a country blessed with abundant Hydro (~20% of total  generation) due to the Himalayas with sunny days almost through out the year. Balancing Solar with Hydro would be the easiest way of covering peak energy concerns for … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Storage, Hydro, Off-grid, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

India’s Off-grid Renewables Initiative Changing Lives in Ladakh

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Ladakh, a remote district of India’s northernmost state, is currently benefiting from the largest off-grid renewable energy project in the world. The Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is spending INR473 billion (US$88.8 million) on decentralized solar and hydro … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Off-grid, PV, Renewables, Rural Lighting, Solar, Thin Film, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Draft CERC T&C for Renewable Energy Certificates (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2013 – suggestions latest by 25th April 2013

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

No.L‐1/12/2010‐CERC. PUBLIC NOTICE 1. In exercise of powers conferred under section 178 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (the Act), the Commission has made draft Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for recognition and issuance of Renewable Energy Certificate for … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomass, CERC, CPV, Crystalline, CSP, Geothermal, Hydro, PV, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Rooftop, Solar, Solar Thermal, Thin Film, Tidal, Transmission and Distribution, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Centrosolar sells solar glass division; suffers devastating 2012 losses – Another one bites the dust

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Centrosolar Group AG will sell its solar glass division off, following a year of devastating financial losses. The Germany-based company has also postponed the publication of its annual report and announced the continuation of its restructuring measures. Centrosolar saw 2012 … Continue reading →

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Completely Solar Powered Solar Impulse to fly across US with SunPower cells in May

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Solar Impulse’s trip across the US is its last “mission” before attempting a zero-fuel round-the-world flight in 2015   The world’s first solar-powered plane will begin its attempt at a coast to coast crossing of the United States in May … Continue reading →

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EPIA: Self-consumption can drive PV storage reducing need to install grid storage and reinforcements

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Natgrp: India needs to promote storage at the rooftop levels to grow at a consistent rate and reduce losses / overheads of infrastructure The European PV Industry Association (EPIA) has endorsed the recent European Commission (EC) working paper on PV … Continue reading →

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India achieves 1.44GW cumulative capacity for Solar PV

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

India has plans to install a further 800MW in this fiscal year. Image: Tata Power India has achieved a total a cumulative capacity of 1,447MW for grid-connected solar PV. According to statistics from the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable … Continue reading →

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The largest PV System Integrator / EPC companies for 2012: First Solar, Sun Edison, BELECTRIC…..

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

IHS’s table of the world’s top 15 EPC companies. Source: IHS. US giant First Solar became the world’s largest engineering, procurement and construction contractor (EPC) last year, according to a report from IHS Research. The study also revealed a shift … Continue reading →

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