SolarIndiaOnline.com plans to take an initiative in public awareness on Solar Products available in market and their uses. SolarIndiaOnline.com is providing a good platform to eminent players in solar sector to exhibit their solar products in a shopping mall, which would be displayed for the common man in SOLAR ENERGY FAIR 2009. This would be beneficial for both, distributors and the consumers.
SolarIndiaOnline.com plans to take an initiative in public awareness on Solar Products available in market and their uses. SolarIndiaOnline.com is providing a good platform to eminent players in solar sector to exhibit their solar products in a shopping mall, which would be displayed for the common man in SOLAR ENERGY FAIR 2009. This would be beneficial for both, distributors and the consumers.
Venue
METRO WALK - ADVENTURE ISLAND - ROHINI
METRO WALK is an 2-lac sq.ft of retail environment that hosts lot of brands and offers a perfect mix of Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Experience. Only Mall in Delhi with an amusement park. About 55,000 footfalls on weekends. Last year Mall witnessed footfall of about 85,000 on Independence day (15th August) and the mall is expected to have 1,00,000 visitors this year.
Activities
• Spreading Awareness on Solar Energy products
• Display of Products by Manufacturers.
• One to one interaction with more than 1,00,000 visitors.
• Media Coverage
Also Music Performances, Comedy Shows, Quiz Competition on 15th August 2009 and Live Rock Show on 16th of August 2009
Start Date : 15th August 2009
End Date : 16th August 2009
Venue : Rohini Metro Walk, New Delhi
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Q-Cells SE: Weak market development burdens Q2 result
- Business development falls short of expectations in second quarter: preliminary revenue of around 142 EURm, expected EBIT of approx. -62 EURm
- Reliable whole-year forecast not possible due to uncertainty of current market situation
- Management Board announces comprehensive package of measures
Bitterfeld-Wolfen, 14 July 2009 – The prolonged weak development of the global photovoltaics markets has continued to negatively impact the business development of Q-Cells SE (QCE; ISIN DE0005558662) in the second quarter. The seasonal market upturn which the industry had been anticipating to start in the second quarter has broadly not materialised for Q-Cells as yet. Lower sales volumes, the postponement of a large scale project to the third quarter and the continued downward trend in solar cell prices has led, according to preliminary calculations, to a reduced revenue of around 142 EURm (previous quarter: 225 EURm) and to a considerable decline in operating income (EBIT), to approx. -62 EURm (previous quarter: 15 EURm). Due to existing agreements with suppliers, it has thus far not been possible to fully adjust wafer prices in the immediate term to the lower price level of solar cells. Furthermore, the drop in cell and wafer prices has led to non-cash relevant devaluations of current assets. Despite this negative business development, Q-Cells maintains a considerable financial reserve (cash and short-term available credit lines) of approx. 520 EURm as of 30 June 2009.
In spite of an expected recovery in market volume in the second half of the year due to seasonal upturn a generally tough market environment is still being expected. Furthermore, the company expects the project business still to be largely dependent on the development of the financial markets. From a current standpoint, it will not be possible to attain the revenue and production levels which had been anticipated for the current business year. In light of this, the Management Board is not making new revenue and production forecasts for the current business year at this time.
In dealing with the negative impacts of the current business environment, the Management Board is developing a comprehensive programme of measures, made up essentially of the following five components:
- Further capacity alignments,
- Further optimisation and reduction of capital investment programme,
- Intensified cash flow and working capital management,
- Intensifying and accelerating the existing cost-cutting programme and
- Pushing ahead with the project business by cooperating more closely with selected financing partners.
After agreement has been reached with the Supervisory Board, details of this programme will be presented along with the publication of the half-year results on 13 August. Further information will be provided by the Executive Board of Q-Cells SE at a conference call for analysts and investors at 12.30 p.m. (CET). This conference call will also be available as a webcast from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.q-cells.com).
Source: Q-Cells
- Reliable whole-year forecast not possible due to uncertainty of current market situation
- Management Board announces comprehensive package of measures
Bitterfeld-Wolfen, 14 July 2009 – The prolonged weak development of the global photovoltaics markets has continued to negatively impact the business development of Q-Cells SE (QCE; ISIN DE0005558662) in the second quarter. The seasonal market upturn which the industry had been anticipating to start in the second quarter has broadly not materialised for Q-Cells as yet. Lower sales volumes, the postponement of a large scale project to the third quarter and the continued downward trend in solar cell prices has led, according to preliminary calculations, to a reduced revenue of around 142 EURm (previous quarter: 225 EURm) and to a considerable decline in operating income (EBIT), to approx. -62 EURm (previous quarter: 15 EURm). Due to existing agreements with suppliers, it has thus far not been possible to fully adjust wafer prices in the immediate term to the lower price level of solar cells. Furthermore, the drop in cell and wafer prices has led to non-cash relevant devaluations of current assets. Despite this negative business development, Q-Cells maintains a considerable financial reserve (cash and short-term available credit lines) of approx. 520 EURm as of 30 June 2009.
In spite of an expected recovery in market volume in the second half of the year due to seasonal upturn a generally tough market environment is still being expected. Furthermore, the company expects the project business still to be largely dependent on the development of the financial markets. From a current standpoint, it will not be possible to attain the revenue and production levels which had been anticipated for the current business year. In light of this, the Management Board is not making new revenue and production forecasts for the current business year at this time.
In dealing with the negative impacts of the current business environment, the Management Board is developing a comprehensive programme of measures, made up essentially of the following five components:
- Further capacity alignments,
- Further optimisation and reduction of capital investment programme,
- Intensified cash flow and working capital management,
- Intensifying and accelerating the existing cost-cutting programme and
- Pushing ahead with the project business by cooperating more closely with selected financing partners.
After agreement has been reached with the Supervisory Board, details of this programme will be presented along with the publication of the half-year results on 13 August. Further information will be provided by the Executive Board of Q-Cells SE at a conference call for analysts and investors at 12.30 p.m. (CET). This conference call will also be available as a webcast from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.q-cells.com).
Source: Q-Cells
Budget 2009-2010 – forgets the much talked about solar industry.
Wait on for National Solar Mission
The first budget for the second term of the UPA government, presented by the finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, clearly missed out to cheer anyone from the solar industry. Customs duty on biodiesel and for wind turbine manufacturers has been reduced but there was no mention of any investment in the much talked about solar industry in the latest budget.
The budget lowers customs duty from 7.5% to 5% on equipments for wind energy and reduction from 7.5% to 2.5% on bio diesel. Uncertainly, India's plan to invest huge amount in solar energy over the next 20 years was not mentioned in the budget.
On one hand where the newly elected US President Obama announced huge investments in solar energy as part of the $150bn clean tech investment just within few days of taking control, the Indian government again lacks behind. People were actually waiting to hear something about the National Solar Mission in the budget, which was one of the leading missions in the National Action Plan on Climate Change announced by Prime Minister on 30th June last year.
Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh announced last year that a National Action Plan on Climate Change would be undertaken. National Solar Mission is the one of the 8 missions of the plan which aims to promote use of solar energy in the country. Its ultimate objective is to make solar competitive with fossil-based energy options. It aims to increase the production of photovoltaics to 1000 MW/year; and at least 1000 MW of solar thermal power generation.
Looking at people interest and awareness spread last year, this budget could have taken the opportunity to attract green investments, but has not done that. However, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee assured green groups that initiatives under the National Action Plan on Climate Change will be covered under the budget, he admitted that an exact figure would not be decided until the end of the year.
The Budget has also mentioned nothing about the other critical initiatives that are in the pipeline to promote energy efficiency in power generation, renewable energy technology programmes, and creating appropriate capacity at different levels of government.
Source: SolarIndiaOnline.com
The first budget for the second term of the UPA government, presented by the finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, clearly missed out to cheer anyone from the solar industry. Customs duty on biodiesel and for wind turbine manufacturers has been reduced but there was no mention of any investment in the much talked about solar industry in the latest budget.
The budget lowers customs duty from 7.5% to 5% on equipments for wind energy and reduction from 7.5% to 2.5% on bio diesel. Uncertainly, India's plan to invest huge amount in solar energy over the next 20 years was not mentioned in the budget.
On one hand where the newly elected US President Obama announced huge investments in solar energy as part of the $150bn clean tech investment just within few days of taking control, the Indian government again lacks behind. People were actually waiting to hear something about the National Solar Mission in the budget, which was one of the leading missions in the National Action Plan on Climate Change announced by Prime Minister on 30th June last year.
Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh announced last year that a National Action Plan on Climate Change would be undertaken. National Solar Mission is the one of the 8 missions of the plan which aims to promote use of solar energy in the country. Its ultimate objective is to make solar competitive with fossil-based energy options. It aims to increase the production of photovoltaics to 1000 MW/year; and at least 1000 MW of solar thermal power generation.
Looking at people interest and awareness spread last year, this budget could have taken the opportunity to attract green investments, but has not done that. However, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee assured green groups that initiatives under the National Action Plan on Climate Change will be covered under the budget, he admitted that an exact figure would not be decided until the end of the year.
The Budget has also mentioned nothing about the other critical initiatives that are in the pipeline to promote energy efficiency in power generation, renewable energy technology programmes, and creating appropriate capacity at different levels of government.
Source: SolarIndiaOnline.com
Germany's Bauhaus University designs solar-powered cinema
The innovative 'Screenhaus.SOLAR', a modern movie theatre powered by solar technologies, will open in early July 2009 at Germany's Bauhaus-Universität in Weimar. The theatre seeks to demonstrate how architecture and civil engineering can interact with renewable energies and offer functioning, resource-saving solutions worldwide.
The team led by Professors Jürgen Ruth and Rainer Gumpp at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar wanted to create a climate-neutral, easy-to-set-up, yet sophisticated design consisting of renewable materials for the temporary building, Screenhaus.SOLAR. The resulting design is adaptable and easy to use worldwide.
The hull of the 13-metre long structure is both flexible and stable as a hyperboloid structure in three dimensions, two together at the tips of the converging cone. In order to achieve this form, wooden struts were selected and connected to create a strong honeycomb-like structure.
The real highlight of the Screenhaus.SOLAR is, however, the flexible photovoltaic modules, that are affixed to the honeycomb structure. Unlike rigid photovoltaic elements, these solar cells fit the elements of the latest generation of solar cells that envelope the building almost like an item of clothing.
This so-called solar-envelope, the roof system, delivers the electricity required throughout a night of cinema. During the day, the modules convert the sunlight into electrical current and feed it into the general network. The energy produced is then used to power the operation of the cinema during the evening hours.
“The goal is to provide the climate neutral screening of films exclusively from the captured sunlight,” explains Roth. “In the construction phase itself, the positive energy balance played a role for us. So it was necessary during the building work to also use solar energy.”
A structure well-suited for emergencies
The issue of resource conservation impacted the entire project. The wooden struts for the construction came from a wind power plant that was built in the past year on the campus of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Moreover, the draft of the screen house is easily transferable to other countries and continents. The structure can be completely dismantled and then easily transported in standard containers for use anywhere in the world.
The structure is created from simple, linear elements, allowing it to be built anywhere in a short time by non-professionals. This is particularly important in areas with weaker infrastructure or following a destructive event. In such situations, the Screenhaus can be used as emergency shelter or as a temporary hospital. The insulation can, if necessary, be easily retrofitted.
"The idea to build a climate-neutral integrated work of art came to us when contemporary construction projects were being sought for the Bauhaus-Jubilee 2009,” says Ruth. “Since we have already received a positive response from all sides with our wind power project, we wanted to further develop this concept.” Professors Ruth and Grumpp used the 5,000 euros in prize money they received for their wind project in 2008 in the framework of the Dr. Tyczka Energy Prize for development of the Screenhaus project.
The Screenhaus.SOLAR will open on 9th July with a screening of a student short film about solar power.
Source: www.german-info.com
The team led by Professors Jürgen Ruth and Rainer Gumpp at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar wanted to create a climate-neutral, easy-to-set-up, yet sophisticated design consisting of renewable materials for the temporary building, Screenhaus.SOLAR. The resulting design is adaptable and easy to use worldwide.
The hull of the 13-metre long structure is both flexible and stable as a hyperboloid structure in three dimensions, two together at the tips of the converging cone. In order to achieve this form, wooden struts were selected and connected to create a strong honeycomb-like structure.
The real highlight of the Screenhaus.SOLAR is, however, the flexible photovoltaic modules, that are affixed to the honeycomb structure. Unlike rigid photovoltaic elements, these solar cells fit the elements of the latest generation of solar cells that envelope the building almost like an item of clothing.
This so-called solar-envelope, the roof system, delivers the electricity required throughout a night of cinema. During the day, the modules convert the sunlight into electrical current and feed it into the general network. The energy produced is then used to power the operation of the cinema during the evening hours.
“The goal is to provide the climate neutral screening of films exclusively from the captured sunlight,” explains Roth. “In the construction phase itself, the positive energy balance played a role for us. So it was necessary during the building work to also use solar energy.”
A structure well-suited for emergencies
The issue of resource conservation impacted the entire project. The wooden struts for the construction came from a wind power plant that was built in the past year on the campus of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Moreover, the draft of the screen house is easily transferable to other countries and continents. The structure can be completely dismantled and then easily transported in standard containers for use anywhere in the world.
The structure is created from simple, linear elements, allowing it to be built anywhere in a short time by non-professionals. This is particularly important in areas with weaker infrastructure or following a destructive event. In such situations, the Screenhaus can be used as emergency shelter or as a temporary hospital. The insulation can, if necessary, be easily retrofitted.
"The idea to build a climate-neutral integrated work of art came to us when contemporary construction projects were being sought for the Bauhaus-Jubilee 2009,” says Ruth. “Since we have already received a positive response from all sides with our wind power project, we wanted to further develop this concept.” Professors Ruth and Grumpp used the 5,000 euros in prize money they received for their wind project in 2008 in the framework of the Dr. Tyczka Energy Prize for development of the Screenhaus project.
The Screenhaus.SOLAR will open on 9th July with a screening of a student short film about solar power.
Source: www.german-info.com
Venture Capital Investment In Green Technologies Rebounds
Greentech Media released the most recent quarterly data showing that venture capital investment in green technologies totaled $1.2 billion in 85 deals in the second quarter of 2009. This is up from $836 million in 59 deals in the first quarter of 2009.
"The recent quarter's balanced distribution of sectors that attracted capital underscores cleantech's breadth and diversity of opportunity, one of the key drivers behind why cleantech remains an enduring area," said Ira Ehrenpreis, General Partner at cleantech VC, Technology Partners.
Solar power was once again the leading investment segment at more than $330 million. Unlike previous quarters - the second quarter saw a much more balanced distribution across the various sectors with a marked increase in automotive (more than $202 million) and energy storage (more than $180 million).
One of the drivers for steady second quarter venture investment was the promise of stimulus monies offering startup investors a non-dilutive funding source. Meanwhile, early-stage and late-stage investments dominated, while mid-stage funding was harder to come by, and the average round sizes were slightly smaller.
There were no giant $100 million+ solar or biofuel rounds as in 2008.
"Despite the economic slump, VC investors remain optimistic about the greentech sector and eventual exits in this space," said Eric Wesoff, senior analyst at GTM Research and author of the Greentech Innovations Report, a monthly guide to investments and technology trends in greentech.
John Rockwell, founder and Managing Director of Element Partners adds, "The growing belief that credit markets and the economy are on the road to recovery has investors back in the market. Greentech markets are massive and diverse and investors are starting to pour additional money into the next wave of greentech opportunities."
"2009 will be a year of consolidation and development while 2010 and 2011 will be the year greentech breaks. Expect to see IPOs and acquisitions of VC funded firms in solar, smart grid, green buildings and biofuels," Wesoff added.
Source: Solar Daily
Friday, July 10, 2009
World's largest and CO2-neutral inverter factory inaugurated by SMA Solar Technology AG
July, 01, 2009
Today, SMA Solar Technology AG inaugurated its new solar inverter factory. With the inverter factory, SMA is extending its production capacities to four gigawatt and is continuously expanding its successful strategy of flexibility. In the opening speech Chief Executive Officer Günther Cramer pointed out that the new facilities were setting a new trend in terms of CO2 neutral fabrication sites.
About 500 guests attended the inauguration ceremony. Silke Lautenschläger, the Hessian Minister for Environment, Energy, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, gave the official speech.
SMA's new inverter factory which has already been producing since March of this year, is setting new standards in every respect: an annual production capacity of up to four gigawatt on 18,000 square meters make it the world's largest solar inverter factory.
The new factory has the lowest possible energy requirements together with the highest efficiency of consumed energy. Among other standards the building thus complies with the low-energy building concept. In addition, a reduced energy consumption of the production and testing facilities is achieved through efficiency measures in the production process. An optimal use of daylight, intelligent ventilation as well as the use of storage units for heating and cooling complement the energy and building concept.
The electricity and heat demand is covered by renewable energy sources: an integrated PV system with a power of around 1.1 megawatt and a combined heat and power plant fueled with bio-gas generates CO2-neutral electricity. "Green electricity" is additionally purchased in order to cover the total energy consumption of the production facilities. In the long run the CO2 balance will be zero by installing additional photovoltaic systems nearby.
The required heat is produced with the biogas-powered combined heat and power plant. At the same time, the waste heat coming from the compressor for the air powered tools and the lifting gear is utilized for the heating system. The additionally required heat demand is covered by using district heating from a nearby waste incineration plant.
Sufficient cooling is provided as well: an absorption refrigeration machine uses the heat of the combined heat and power plant for air conditioning.
In the new factory the process steps in the production have been completely re-designed in terms of efficiency. Entire production lines can be extended or reconfigured for other device types within shortest notice. This provides maximum flexibility in addition to the "just-in-time" production without warehouse.
"The inverters being the heart of every photovoltaic system already significantly contribute to an emission-free energy supply", Günther Cramer, Chief Executive Officer of SMA Solar Technology AG, explains. "With our CO2-neutral inverter production we even go one step further. Today we can show that an advanced production on industrial level can be done with a minimal environmental footprint. As the worldwide leading producer of solar inverters we now intend to initiate a trend towards CO2-neutral factories".
About SMA Solar Technology AG
With a turnover of more than 680 million euros in 2008, SMA is the global market leader for solar inverters, a central component of every solar power system. The SMA group is headquartered in Niestetal, near Kassel, Germany, and is represented on four continents in ten countries. The group employs more than 3,000 people (including temporary employees). SMA produces a broad range of inverter types which offers suitable inverters for every photovoltaic module type used and for photovoltaic systems in all power ranges. The product portfolio includes inverters both for grid-connected photovoltaic systems and for stand-alone systems. Since June 27, 2008, the company has been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92), and since September 22, 2008, the company's shares have been listed in the TecDAX. In the past recent years, SMA was recognized several times with awards for its outstanding performance as an employer.
Source: SMA Solar Technology
Today, SMA Solar Technology AG inaugurated its new solar inverter factory. With the inverter factory, SMA is extending its production capacities to four gigawatt and is continuously expanding its successful strategy of flexibility. In the opening speech Chief Executive Officer Günther Cramer pointed out that the new facilities were setting a new trend in terms of CO2 neutral fabrication sites.
About 500 guests attended the inauguration ceremony. Silke Lautenschläger, the Hessian Minister for Environment, Energy, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, gave the official speech.
SMA's new inverter factory which has already been producing since March of this year, is setting new standards in every respect: an annual production capacity of up to four gigawatt on 18,000 square meters make it the world's largest solar inverter factory.
The new factory has the lowest possible energy requirements together with the highest efficiency of consumed energy. Among other standards the building thus complies with the low-energy building concept. In addition, a reduced energy consumption of the production and testing facilities is achieved through efficiency measures in the production process. An optimal use of daylight, intelligent ventilation as well as the use of storage units for heating and cooling complement the energy and building concept.
The electricity and heat demand is covered by renewable energy sources: an integrated PV system with a power of around 1.1 megawatt and a combined heat and power plant fueled with bio-gas generates CO2-neutral electricity. "Green electricity" is additionally purchased in order to cover the total energy consumption of the production facilities. In the long run the CO2 balance will be zero by installing additional photovoltaic systems nearby.
The required heat is produced with the biogas-powered combined heat and power plant. At the same time, the waste heat coming from the compressor for the air powered tools and the lifting gear is utilized for the heating system. The additionally required heat demand is covered by using district heating from a nearby waste incineration plant.
Sufficient cooling is provided as well: an absorption refrigeration machine uses the heat of the combined heat and power plant for air conditioning.
In the new factory the process steps in the production have been completely re-designed in terms of efficiency. Entire production lines can be extended or reconfigured for other device types within shortest notice. This provides maximum flexibility in addition to the "just-in-time" production without warehouse.
"The inverters being the heart of every photovoltaic system already significantly contribute to an emission-free energy supply", Günther Cramer, Chief Executive Officer of SMA Solar Technology AG, explains. "With our CO2-neutral inverter production we even go one step further. Today we can show that an advanced production on industrial level can be done with a minimal environmental footprint. As the worldwide leading producer of solar inverters we now intend to initiate a trend towards CO2-neutral factories".
About SMA Solar Technology AG
With a turnover of more than 680 million euros in 2008, SMA is the global market leader for solar inverters, a central component of every solar power system. The SMA group is headquartered in Niestetal, near Kassel, Germany, and is represented on four continents in ten countries. The group employs more than 3,000 people (including temporary employees). SMA produces a broad range of inverter types which offers suitable inverters for every photovoltaic module type used and for photovoltaic systems in all power ranges. The product portfolio includes inverters both for grid-connected photovoltaic systems and for stand-alone systems. Since June 27, 2008, the company has been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92), and since September 22, 2008, the company's shares have been listed in the TecDAX. In the past recent years, SMA was recognized several times with awards for its outstanding performance as an employer.
Source: SMA Solar Technology
Q&A - 'Space-based solar power could solve energy crisis'
Peter Garretson is a futurist and transformational strategist. He previously served as the chief of Future Science and Technology Exploration for the
What is space-based solar power all about?
Though solar energy is one of the most popular renewable energy sources, the cost of tapping the same has always been comparatively more because of its diluted form, seasonal variations and non-availability for more than half of the day.
SBSP overcomes these issues by placing the solar collector panels in a geo-synchronous orbit in space and have the solar power beamed to earth before converting it to useful electricity. Solar energy could be beamed to earth as radio waves or coherent light (LASER).
Just to understand the enormity of energy availability, a kilometre-wide band at a geo-orbit experiences enough solar flux in one year to nearly equal the amount of energy contained within all known recoverable conventional oil reserves on earth today. And it is 99 per cent uninterrupted through the year.
How about commercial viability?
Commercial viability is a big unknown, and will be so until power starts being delivered. There are many ideas and proposals in many places around the world, but no working prototype has ever been built and flown on orbit.
Many believe there is a need for additional technical development and risk-reduction. Clearly, there are some companies who are already quite confident about its commercial viability, as witnessed by the deal finalised a few weeks ago in
The California Power Utility has agreed to buy 200 MW of electricity from Pacific Gas & Electric Company from 2016, which would be generated from a space-based solar station.
How does SBSP compare with other conventional energy sources in terms of fighting greenhouse gas emissions?
Space solar life cycle CO2 is 60 times better than a conventional coal-fired power plant. It's by far one of the cleanest energy forms available. Space-based solar power is so promising that it could well be the answer to the world's energy crisis.
How could
Former president A P J Abdul Kalam has suggested that SBSP be made a national and international goal.
The Aerospace Society of India (AeSI) has called for a global aerospace and energy mission, and articulated the need for a directed academic, industry and government study, as well as consideration of a leadership role in an International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor-like experiment.
Some people i have talked with have mentioned putting it on the Indo-US strategic agenda as part of the renewable energy and space partnerships.
Source: The Times Of India
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