Category Archives: PV

NPD Solarbuzz: Idled solar cell capacity in India belies bigger issues

Market research firm, NPD Solarbuzz reports that a significant amount of crystalline-silicon solar cell production in India lays idle, despite almost US$0.5 billion of investment in solar cell equipment between 2006 and 2012. The reason for the idled capacity was … Continue reading

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Solar manufacturing costs ‘driven by scale rather than cheap labour or subsidies’

Advanced technologies are expected to enable manufacturers in both regions to reach a more competitive scale through improved access to capital Production scale rather than low labour costs has driven China’s boom in manufacturing PV modules, according to a joint … Continue reading

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Trina, Yingli, SunPower top Solar Scorecard

Of the leading 40 solar companies, environmental and consumer advocacy group Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition found that Trina Solar, Yingli and SunPower bested industry rivals in areas such as worker safety and module toxicity. Industry watchdog and consumer advocacy group … Continue reading

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First Solar and China Sunergy urge Indian government to drop dumping investigation

U.S. and Chinese manufacturers claim that India’s government is acting beyond the scope of its powers in a dumping probe they describe as “flawed.” An Indian investigation into claims that U.S., European, Chinese, Malaysian and Japanese PV manufacturers dumped solar cells … Continue reading

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Uttarakhand comes up with innovative rooftop solar policy – Rs. 9.2 per KWhr injected into the grid is quite attractive

With power demand growing 10-15 percent annually, and the hydropower sector taking a beating in Uttarakhand, the government has come out with a new policy to harness solar energy using unutilised space on rooftops and wasteland around buildings. “Uttarakhand has … Continue reading

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First Solar Won the Race; The Environment Lost – First Solar Panel recycling now the system owner’s responsibility. It cost the DOE at the very least $0.20/watt to encapsulate the modules in concrete for Abound Solar

In 2011, I wrote about the CdTe Horse Race in which the three US companies making cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) modules, First Solar (FSLR), Abound Solar and General Electric (GE Solar, stock ticker GE) jostled for position.  Abound and GE were challenging … Continue reading

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First floating solar power station in India

A floating solar power station is due to be tested in Kolkata, India. An expert team is currently working on the prototype which is funded by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The project is scheduled to be … Continue reading

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Technology not materials to drive down Chinese solar costs: GTM

  The falling cost of PV manufacturing 2013-2017. Image: GTM Research. Improving technology not the falling cost of materials will be the dominant factor in the ongoing fall in costs of Chinese module manufacturers, according to a report by GTM … Continue reading

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Karnataka Approves 135 MW of Solar Farms with Bids from Rs. 5.51 per KWh to Rs. 8.05 per KWh

Opening of Financial Bids of 130 MWs Solar RFP on 19th August 2013 Capacity to be allotted (MW) 130 Technology SPV KERC  approved Tariff for SPV (Rs./Unit) 14.50 Results of Financial bid Sl.No Name Capacity (MW) Proposed Capacity  for allotment(Mw) … Continue reading

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Andhra Pradesh Solar Rooftop PV Power Systems – Net Metering. Total 50% subsidy upto 3KW provided

Click below for the documents Net Metering Policy Summary Guidelines Net Metering Policies Formats FAQs Indicative Cost Economics SOLAR ROOF TOP PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS – NET METERING  There is a large potential available for generating solar power using unutilized space on … Continue reading

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LCPV and HCPV reaching a draw?

While LCPV producers strive to match the costs of their technology to flat-plate PV and reduce the amount of silicon used in panels, HCPV companies are looking for ways to drive down upfront costs brought about by the use of … Continue reading

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Use your society’s terrace to harness solar power now permitted under modified ByLaw 171

Among the string of additions in the new model bylaws for cooperative societies is Bylaw No 171, laying the guidelines to allow temporary use of the terrace or available open space of the society’s building by any member for any … Continue reading

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Solar thin-films may fall under local sourcing ambit, but with caveat

To avoid issues with the US at the WTO, the compulsory sourcing norm will only apply to power supplied to government agencies. India may extend compulsory local sourcing conditions on solar thin films, mostly imported from the US, in the … Continue reading

Posted in Cells & Modules, Grid Connected, JNNSM, MNRE, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

India’s Untold Story: Solar, Wind Projects Create Jobs, Clean Energy

As India celebrates its 67th Independence Day this week, the country can also celebrate its clean energy opportunities as solar, wind and other renewable energy projects expand throughout India. This week, the Indian government announced a $7.9 billion investment to double its transmission capacity … Continue reading

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Doping boosts efficiency of CdTe cell: Empa study

Scientists at the Empa Institute in Switzerland claim to have achieved 11.5% conversion efficiency for a CdTe solar cell by doping it with copper. The researchers improved on previous results of around 8% by using high-vacuum copper evaporation on substrate … Continue reading

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Uttar Pradesh government finalises 230 MW solar power projects

State government finalised agreements with seven private power players and a public sector undertaking to produce 230 MW of solar power. At a function on Thursday, Chief Minister AkhileshYadav handed out Letter of Intents to Jakson Power Solutions, Moser Bayer Clean Energy Ltd, Sree Developers, DK Infracon, Refax Energy, Azure Surya Ltd and Essel Infra. These … Continue reading

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Grid parity and how will it impact the projects on pipeline, Implementation of JNNSM Phase I & Experience So far

Click the link ‘Natural Group_Presentation at Solar Business in India 2013 on Grid parity and how will it impact the projects on pipeline, Implementation of JNNSM Phase I with Experience So far‘  for my presentation at Solar Business in India, … Continue reading

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SMA Solar sales continue slump on market conditions and competitive pricing

Natgrp: India should now see more aggressive pricing on inverters from SMA    Power plant sales as a percentage of total sales has increased significantly in the last 12-months reaching 38.4% of sales, compared to 23.4% in the first half … Continue reading

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First Solar to manufacture new crystalline silicon line from end of 2014

Natgrp: Writing on the wall for Thin Film! “CdTe isn’t suitable for residential or small commercial – that’s half the global market.” Denis de Ceuster, Tetrasun has achieved a third party confirmed efficiency of 21.4% with its n-type silicon cells First … Continue reading

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First Solar buys GE’s CdTe thin-film IP and forms business partnership

GE announced the location of its first thin-film plant in October 2011 which would have a nameplate capacity of 400MW and start commercial shipments in 2013. The facility was at the core of a US$600 million investment in entering the … Continue reading

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SolarWorld shareholders approve rescue package; Qatar Solar picks up stake

Shareholders in the beleaguered German manufacturer SolarWorld have given the green light to a comprehensive restructuring of the company’s finances. The debt-for-equity deal, approved by a 91% majority yesterday, will see Doha-based Qatar Solar acquire a 29% interest in SolarWorld … Continue reading

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EU solar trade deal sets floating price on Chinese panels

The EU and China have announced the terms of the deal to end their long-running solar trade dispute, setting a minimum import price linked to industry price reports. The initial price level was not released at the time of publication. … Continue reading

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Leaks reveal EU efforts to close Chinese PV offshore loophole: Sets €0.56 per Watt minimum import price

More details of the EU trade deal have emerged including an attempt to stop Chinese manufacturers from circumventing the legislation by sending production capacity overseas. According to a document seen by PV Tech, Chinese firms will come under scrutiny by the European … Continue reading

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TNERC deals a hard blow to Solar PV suggesting just Rs. 5.78 per KWhr with NO escalation

Comprehensive Tariff Order on Solar Power” (Comments/Suggestions are invited on or before 31.08.2013)  With more solar power developers line up to set up their projects in the state, Tamil Nadu Elec­tricity Regulatory Com­mission (TNERC) issued a consultative paper on comprehensive … Continue reading

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Solar panel dispute: EU reaches deal with China

The deal to resolve the biggest trade dispute between China and the European Union will avoid punitive tariffs from August on Chinese solar imports into Europe that were worth 21 billion euros ($27 billion) last year. BRUSSELS: The European Commission said on … Continue reading

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China imposes anti-dumping duties on US, South Korean polysilicon

U.S. and South Korean polysilicon manufacturers will face anti-dumping import tariffs in China of up to 57% beginning July 24. U.S. producers REC and Hemlock face the highest rates. China’s Ministry of Commerce is set to impose import duties of … Continue reading

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Chinese module prices continue to rise

Chinese panels are increasing in price due to the EU’s anti-dumping tariffs. As a result, high-quality modules from South Korean and Western suppliers are becoming more competitive, says IHS. The European Union’s anti-dumping tariffs are driving up prices for Chinese … Continue reading

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REC turns profitable as PV module plant at full capacity

REC reported second quarter 2013 revenue of NOK 1,544 million (US$ 257.3 million), a 21% increase over the prior quarter. The company posted a positive EBITDA of NOK 152 million (US$25.3 million) in the quarter, marking a return to an … Continue reading

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India May Expand Solar Dumping Probe to EU, Japan Cells – All parties must submit written statements by July 25, and defendants have until Aug. 2 to respond

Indian clean-energy companies that claim manufacturers in the U.S. and China dumped solar cells below cost on the market are seeking to extend their case to include imports from Europe and Japan. Indosolar Ltd. (ISLR), Jupiter Solar Power Ltd. and … Continue reading

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India Renewables – Good bye winter, hello spring – HSBC report states that Wind is now at grid parity and Solar will follow suit

Wind energy is now cost competitive with new-build coal capacity in India, and solar is likely to follow suit sometime between 2016-18, according to a report by HSBC. The report on India Renewables, Good bye winter, hello spring, published on April … Continue reading

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Thin film CdTe PV breakthrough may cut solar costs by one third to lower than 40 $ cents

A new Silicon Valley developer of thin film solar PV modules, backed by an Australian venture capitalist, has claimed an engineering breakthrough that could cut the manufacturing costs of PV modules by one third. RSI has broken cover after five … Continue reading

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Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Empanelment of Organizations for Rural Area Energy Access Programme and Solar Based Rural Energy Access Work of MNRE, New Delhi.

F. No. 4/1/2013-Energy Access Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (Energy Access Division) 14, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110003. Dated the 09th July, 2013. Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Empanelment of Private Companies/ Organisations/ Agencies, Government Companies, … Continue reading

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Concentrated solar thermal and photovoltaic solar technologies – TECHNOLOGICAL NICHES

“At Principal Solar Institute, we believe solar electricity will be cost-competitive without subsidies within three years. Since we are technology agnostic, this paper is not intended to stack one technology against another.  Rather, we provide an education on the strengths … Continue reading

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Solar power bidders accept Rs 6.49/unit offer from AP for a total of 418 MW

The State has received proposals to develop 418 MW at Rs 6.49 per unit price finalised by the Group of Ministers. Andhra Pradesh has received offers for setting up 418 MW of solar photo voltaic power generation capacity under the … Continue reading

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AP allow more firms to set up solar plants at Rs. 6.49 provided they submit their applications in the next 4 weeks

Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to permit any company to set up a solar photovoltaic unit in the State assuring them of Rs 6.49 paise per kWh. Interested solar power developers have been told that they can submit applications within … Continue reading

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Gujarat re-negotiating fixed tariffs for already commissioned 670 MW Solar plants under its Solar Policy

In a not so surprising move, the Gujarat Government after paying out a huge amount in fixed tariff for its 670MW commissioned plants is looking to change tariffs to be in line with the existing norms. It has offered approx. … Continue reading

Posted in Crystalline, Gujarat, PV, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Conergy Files for Insolvency as Banks Disagree on Investor

Conergy AG (CGYK), once Germany’s largest solar-energy company, filed for insolvency today after one of 10 lenders rejected a short-term plan for an investor to take over loans held by the company. As payments from a large project are delayed and … Continue reading

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R&D spending analysis of top PV module manufacturers in 2012

R&D expenditure by major PV module manufacturers has not been immune from the PV industry’s period of profitless prosperity. However, spending in 2012 has not been as affected as many would have expected with a number of companies increasing their … Continue reading

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Guidelines for online submission of Total Bill of Material (BoM) and application for issue of Concessional Customs Duty Certificates (CCDC) and Excise Duty Exemption Certificate (EDEC) for availing Solar duty benefits

No. 30/20/2011-12/NSM भारत सरकार/ Government of India नवीन और नवीकरणीय ऊर्ाा मत्रालय / Ministry of New & Renewable Energy  Block-14, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, dated 1st July , 2013  Office Memorandum  Subject:  Guidelines for online submission of Total … Continue reading

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Date set for start of India’s solar anti-dumping investigation

The Indian government has announced a date for a preliminary hearing for its investigation into anti-dumping allegations against PV module manufacturers in China, Taiwan, USA and Malaysia. The investigation was announced last year following a petition by the Solar Manufacturers Association, representing … Continue reading

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European Commission reveals August duty rates on Chinese solar companies upto 67.9%

The European Commission has published in its Official Journal details of duties levied on Chinese manufacturers with Delsolar hit the hardest. Yingli fared best with a duty rate of 37.3% as well as Jinzhou Yangguang Energy 38.3%. Delsolar was handed … Continue reading

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Are Super-Thin Solar Cells The Future? New Solar Cells Developed That Are Pound For Pound Up To 1000 Times More Powerful Than Conventional Photovoltaics

The general drive in the solar energy technology industry has been towards the development of higher solar cell efficiencies and lowered manufacturing costs, but are there other avenues of improvement worth exploring? Such as the development of ultra-thin, ultra-lightweight solar … Continue reading

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A Solar Fridge for Fresh Food in Hot Climates

The University of Cincinnati responds to food shortages with solar-powered cold storage for farms. Food shortages in India are compounded by a lack of cold-chain storage facilities, but a new solar-powered cold storage device, developed by the University of Cincinnati in partnership … Continue reading

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Punjab discloses the names of successful solar developers with just 251 MW of the 300 MW taken

300 MW SOLAR PV BIDS FINANCIAL ANALYSIS CATEGORY – I (1 to 4 MW) Sr. No. Company Name Project Cap. (MW) Net Tariff Quoted, Rs./KWh 1 WAA Solar Pvt. Ltd. Project-1 2 7.20 Project-2 2 7.47 2 T R Energy & Agro Private … Continue reading

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NREL lastest Cell Efficiencies right upto 44%

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Australia moves from coal to renewables: 51 percent by 2050

A farmer plows a field in front of wind turbines at the Infigen Energy wind farm located on the hills surrounding Lake George, 50 km north of the Australian capital city of Canberra May 13, 2013. Credit:Reuters Australia, one of the … Continue reading

Posted in Biomass, Coal, Geothermal, Hydro, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Thermal, Tidal, Waste, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

European Commission to impose 11.8% duties on Chinese manufacturers with an increase to 68% in August

In a press conference, European trade commissioner, Karel de Gucht, said duties would be phased in to allow for a negotiated solution. The European Commission has announced preliminary duties of 11.8% will be applied to Chinese solar manufacturers’ modules and … Continue reading

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Solar power now at grid parity! – AP receives bids for 350 MW solar PV power units at Rs 6.49 per KWhr

Thirty-four bidders have accepted the Rs 6.49 per unit price offer for solar photovoltaic power project development under the Andhra Pradesh State policy. Of the 1000 MW on offer, the aggregate bids resulted in response for about 350 MW. According … Continue reading

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The Rising Sun Grid parity gets closer – A point of view on the Solar Energy sector in India by KPMG

Click Here for the Report The Solar PV industry has seen dynamic changes in the last twelve months. Module prices have seen precipitous fall thereby encouraging forecasts of early grid parity; while at the same time, this has raised concerns … Continue reading

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EU imposes provisional anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese solar panels even after most European states voted against it

The European Commission has today issued the following statement: “Today the European Commission has decided to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of solar panels, cells and wafers from China. This decision follows a thorough and serious investigation and extended contacts … Continue reading

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