un Catalytix Corp., a distributed energy storage company, today announced it has received a third seed tranche from Polaris Venture Partners.
The company has also exclusively licensed a portfolio of water-splitting catalysis patents from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The licensed patents, developed in the MIT laboratories of Professor and Sun Catalytix Co-Founder Daniel G. Nocera, are central to Sun Catalytix energy storage breakthroughs.
Sun Catalytix technology readily and inexpensively stores renewable energy in the form of chemical bonds to enable distributed, round-the-clock use of solar- and wind-derived energy.
"Polaris has a long history of working successfully with entrepreneurial professors at MIT and other research universities around the world, and the addition of Sun Catalytix is an excellent fit with our growing portfolio of energy technology companies," said Bob Metcalfe, Sun Catalytix director as well as Ethernet inventor, 3Com founder and a general partner at Polaris leading the firm's energy investments.
"This investment supports the development of technology that will make affordable, renewable energy a reality," said Amir Nashat, general partner at Polaris and Sun Catalytix founding CEO. "The company has been briskly meeting its seed milestones, and we're now recruiting key members of the start-up team, including our next CEO."
In addition to Nocera, Metcalfe and Nashat, the Sun Catalytix team includes Co-Founder and Chairman Arthur L. Goldstein, former CEO of Ionix.
Sun Catalytix is developing inexpensive, safe, non-toxic, efficient catalyst technologies for storing solar energy to make it available when the sun is not shining.
The catalysts mimic photosynthesis by using energy, captured from a photovoltaic cell or other source, to split water (H2O) into Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O2). The company's electrolyzers are different from conventional technology in that they can use a broad range of water sources - including unpurified fresh or salt water - in benign conditions and at transformatively low costs.
According to Nocera, "Sun Catalytix opportunities are in proliferating high-volume, low-cost electrolyzers in a decentralized fashion, rather than in improving today's expensive, large-scale electrolyzers."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Buildings and Energy Efficiency
Heat loss through walls, windows, floors and the roof is wasted energy and anything that can be done to prevent this will be advantageous to your pocket as well as to the environment. Insulation in these areas is of prime importance when constructing a new property or renovating and older one. Also heating, cooling and lighting methods must be considered.
One method of efficient heating is passive heating and this is where heat from the sun and external warm air is used to back up the property’s heating system thus reducing its work load. Passive cooling techniques can also be used such as constructing shades for windows and the growing of ever green trees to provide shade.
Passive lighting in the form of sky lights and light tubes that direct natural light into the property reducing the need of electrically derived illumination.
Other considerations that will add to a building’s efficiency is to use solar air heaters and photo voltaic solar panels to provide green electricity and reduce the necessity of generating power using fossil fuels.
In summary it can be gathered that taking all these things into consideration that although initial costs may be high, in the long term it is in the interest of all of us not only in financial terms but in environmental terms to be aware of our home’s energy efficiency.
One method of efficient heating is passive heating and this is where heat from the sun and external warm air is used to back up the property’s heating system thus reducing its work load. Passive cooling techniques can also be used such as constructing shades for windows and the growing of ever green trees to provide shade.
Passive lighting in the form of sky lights and light tubes that direct natural light into the property reducing the need of electrically derived illumination.
Other considerations that will add to a building’s efficiency is to use solar air heaters and photo voltaic solar panels to provide green electricity and reduce the necessity of generating power using fossil fuels.
In summary it can be gathered that taking all these things into consideration that although initial costs may be high, in the long term it is in the interest of all of us not only in financial terms but in environmental terms to be aware of our home’s energy efficiency.
Solarion’s solar cell system passes damp-heat test
German solar developer Solarion’s flexible encapsulation system for thin-film solar cells on plastic has passed a damp-heat test of achieving 1,000 hours at 85 per cent humidity and 85°C, for performance and durability of thin-film solar modules.
‘A flexible packaging of large area photovoltaic devices with efficiencies of about 10 per cent represents a real bright spot for new photovoltaic applications. We are seeing a strong demand for highly efficient, flexible and lightweight solar modules,’ said Karsten Otte, CEO at Solarion.
‘The availability of such photovoltaic products enables completely new product solutions for example in the field of solar roofing materials for buildings or for implementing these products into automotive lightweight constructions which will become more and more important with completely electric powered vehicles,’ Otte added.
Volkswagen has presented the concept car E-Up, with a curved solar module roof incorporating solar technology developed by Solarion.
Solarion, which was founded in 2000, develops and produces thin-film solar modules using copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS), establishing the first European pilot-line for CIGS thin-film cells on a flexible polymer in 2002. Mass-manufacturing of CIGS modules is planned for the year 2010.
‘A flexible packaging of large area photovoltaic devices with efficiencies of about 10 per cent represents a real bright spot for new photovoltaic applications. We are seeing a strong demand for highly efficient, flexible and lightweight solar modules,’ said Karsten Otte, CEO at Solarion.
‘The availability of such photovoltaic products enables completely new product solutions for example in the field of solar roofing materials for buildings or for implementing these products into automotive lightweight constructions which will become more and more important with completely electric powered vehicles,’ Otte added.
Volkswagen has presented the concept car E-Up, with a curved solar module roof incorporating solar technology developed by Solarion.
Solarion, which was founded in 2000, develops and produces thin-film solar modules using copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS), establishing the first European pilot-line for CIGS thin-film cells on a flexible polymer in 2002. Mass-manufacturing of CIGS modules is planned for the year 2010.
AIG Solar boilers
AGI supports humanitarian and environmental causes with the donation(s) you make in the name of relatives, colleagues, family, etc. Oxfam America is a large relief organization and it’s Unwrapped program has a wide array of charitable gifts. I love these services because there’s nothing that says Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, or Happy Hanukkah like giving a solar boiler or manure or a flock of ducks. It’s serious fun to give these gifts to loved ones and it makes a huge impact on the communities the gifts go to.
When it comes to Thanksgiving celebration, I usually try to fast if I don’t have plans with friends. This year I’ll likely be observing a day of fasting and reflection. The Boston Globe ran an article on how these actions might more closely reflect the original Thanksgiving celebrations. Fasting is not something to take lightly, so talk to your doctor before attempting this, and research articles on how to enter and break a fast. For me, fasting and reflecting definitely simplify the holidays and make me more, well, thankful. And isn’t that the point of this week?
When it comes to Thanksgiving celebration, I usually try to fast if I don’t have plans with friends. This year I’ll likely be observing a day of fasting and reflection. The Boston Globe ran an article on how these actions might more closely reflect the original Thanksgiving celebrations. Fasting is not something to take lightly, so talk to your doctor before attempting this, and research articles on how to enter and break a fast. For me, fasting and reflecting definitely simplify the holidays and make me more, well, thankful. And isn’t that the point of this week?
Opening of Florida solar-energy facility
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama promoted the smart grid and renewable energy at the opening of Florida Power & Light's DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center (shown). The facility consists of more than 90,500 solar panels, making it the largest solar-photovoltaic plant in the country and, according to FPL, its annual estimated generation is about 42,000 megawatt hours.
The president outlined how the federal government is making a $3.4 billion investment from Recovery Act funds to modernize the country's electric grid with a goal of creating a more-reliable, more-efficient system. "But getting there will take a few more days like this one and more projects like this one," said the president. "And I have often said that the creation of such an economy is going to require nothing less than the sustained effort of an entire nation—an all-hands-on-deck approach similar to the mobilization that preceded World War II or the Apollo Project."
If you're interested in using solar power at your home, read our report on solar water heaters from the October 2009 issue of Consumer Reports and look for ongoing coverage of these devices on this blog, such as this testing update from earlier this month.—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
Essential information: The president referred to World War II the other day, and it was during this era that George Löf undertook his first experiments with solar power. Löf, a solar innovator who died earlier this month at the age of 95, is credited with creating one of the earliest solar-heated homes in this country, according to his obituary in The Wall Street Journal. Löf's system consisted of a large glass roof panel that heated a pile of gravel in the basement, which in turn warmed the house.
The president outlined how the federal government is making a $3.4 billion investment from Recovery Act funds to modernize the country's electric grid with a goal of creating a more-reliable, more-efficient system. "But getting there will take a few more days like this one and more projects like this one," said the president. "And I have often said that the creation of such an economy is going to require nothing less than the sustained effort of an entire nation—an all-hands-on-deck approach similar to the mobilization that preceded World War II or the Apollo Project."
If you're interested in using solar power at your home, read our report on solar water heaters from the October 2009 issue of Consumer Reports and look for ongoing coverage of these devices on this blog, such as this testing update from earlier this month.—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
Essential information: The president referred to World War II the other day, and it was during this era that George Löf undertook his first experiments with solar power. Löf, a solar innovator who died earlier this month at the age of 95, is credited with creating one of the earliest solar-heated homes in this country, according to his obituary in The Wall Street Journal. Löf's system consisted of a large glass roof panel that heated a pile of gravel in the basement, which in turn warmed the house.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cloud Over India's Solar Power Plans
India is betting big on abundant sunshine to feed its growing power needs, but funding costs and feeble solar panel manufacturing capacity are clouding its ambitions to harness the non-fossil fuel.
In July 2009, India unveiled a $19 billion plan to produce 20 GW of solar power by 2020, with this increasing to 100 GW by 2030 and 200 GW by 2050.
It's a hugely ambitious project--solar now accounts for only a tiny proportion of India's energy mix. The need for more capacity is clear--apart from environmental imperatives, India's inability to meet power demand now has for long crimped its economic growth.
Rules governing the sale of solar power to India's national and state grid companies are vague, solar equipment makers don't yet produce enough to benefit from economies of scale and bring down prices, and financing costs make it difficult to expand output rapidly.
Of India's installed generating capacity of 152.36 gigawatts, there are just two megawatts of solar capacity connected to the grid. There is no data available for off-grid generation.
However, things are moving. On Saturday the government is to unveil a roadmap on how India can achieve its target, which includes provision for surplus solar power made in the domestic sector to be fed into the grid for a fee.
It will also include the role of the federal and provincial governments, funding issues and what sort of financial supports will be made available.
Grid companies aren't obliged to buy solar power but the "Solar Mission" announcement may change this.
Solar power in India costs 15 rupees ($0.32) per kilowatt hour, compared to 3.5 rupees per kilowatt hour power drawn from the national grid, government officials say.
Other parts of the roadmap may call for government buildings to be fitted with solar panels by 2012, and for the promotion of microfinancing to encourage nearly 20 million households to start using solar power by 2020.
"The solar push will not come easy. After all, we are talking about the world's second most populous nation transitioning from fossil-fuel energy, which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of our electricity generation, to solar power becoming a substantial part of the country's energy mix," Rajiv Arya, chief executive officer of Moser-Baer (India) Ltd.'s photovoltaic business.
Photovoltaic cells, are usually made of silicon, collect solar energy and convert it to electricity.
Moser-Baer will invest $5 billion over 10 years to build new photovoltaic cell manufacturing capacity, in plants in Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi, Chairman Deepak Puri said Tuesday.
Only two other local companies--Tata BP Solar and Webel-SL Energy Systems Ltd. -- make solar panels.
The government recently invited bids from companies to set up photovoltaic cell making plants, and offered a range of supports for this.
"The investment required to set up a 3000 megawatt manufacturing capacity will be around 180 billion rupees," said Rajiv Jain, associate director at India Semiconductor Association. "It is not the money but the cost of finance that will be critical." Industry players such as K. Subramanya, chief executive at Tata BP Solar, expect the targets can be met and funding won't be a hurdle.
"This is entirely possible and we have in front of us examples of telecom and internet revolutions that have happened in less than a decade," Mr. Subramanya said.
In July 2009, India unveiled a $19 billion plan to produce 20 GW of solar power by 2020, with this increasing to 100 GW by 2030 and 200 GW by 2050.
It's a hugely ambitious project--solar now accounts for only a tiny proportion of India's energy mix. The need for more capacity is clear--apart from environmental imperatives, India's inability to meet power demand now has for long crimped its economic growth.
Rules governing the sale of solar power to India's national and state grid companies are vague, solar equipment makers don't yet produce enough to benefit from economies of scale and bring down prices, and financing costs make it difficult to expand output rapidly.
Of India's installed generating capacity of 152.36 gigawatts, there are just two megawatts of solar capacity connected to the grid. There is no data available for off-grid generation.
However, things are moving. On Saturday the government is to unveil a roadmap on how India can achieve its target, which includes provision for surplus solar power made in the domestic sector to be fed into the grid for a fee.
It will also include the role of the federal and provincial governments, funding issues and what sort of financial supports will be made available.
Grid companies aren't obliged to buy solar power but the "Solar Mission" announcement may change this.
Solar power in India costs 15 rupees ($0.32) per kilowatt hour, compared to 3.5 rupees per kilowatt hour power drawn from the national grid, government officials say.
Other parts of the roadmap may call for government buildings to be fitted with solar panels by 2012, and for the promotion of microfinancing to encourage nearly 20 million households to start using solar power by 2020.
"The solar push will not come easy. After all, we are talking about the world's second most populous nation transitioning from fossil-fuel energy, which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of our electricity generation, to solar power becoming a substantial part of the country's energy mix," Rajiv Arya, chief executive officer of Moser-Baer (India) Ltd.'s photovoltaic business.
Photovoltaic cells, are usually made of silicon, collect solar energy and convert it to electricity.
Moser-Baer will invest $5 billion over 10 years to build new photovoltaic cell manufacturing capacity, in plants in Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi, Chairman Deepak Puri said Tuesday.
Only two other local companies--Tata BP Solar and Webel-SL Energy Systems Ltd. -- make solar panels.
The government recently invited bids from companies to set up photovoltaic cell making plants, and offered a range of supports for this.
"The investment required to set up a 3000 megawatt manufacturing capacity will be around 180 billion rupees," said Rajiv Jain, associate director at India Semiconductor Association. "It is not the money but the cost of finance that will be critical." Industry players such as K. Subramanya, chief executive at Tata BP Solar, expect the targets can be met and funding won't be a hurdle.
"This is entirely possible and we have in front of us examples of telecom and internet revolutions that have happened in less than a decade," Mr. Subramanya said.
DIY-Solar-Air-Heater
Make a DIY solar air heater from soda cans for next to nothing.
Pictured below is a simple small passive solar heater made from recycled aluminium drinks cans and used to heat a room.
If the building to be heated is well insultated, a solar heater such as this can lift the temperature by a significant number of degrees. A larger heater or a number of similar heaters can be used to heat larger spaces, or to heat smaller spaces to a higher temperature.Offcuts of 2 x 4 and a sheet of plywood were used to build a box to tightly hold 5 rows of 10 black-painted aluminium drinks cans.
The inside of the box was then sealed using silicone to prevent hot air from escaping.
Cold air is drawn in from a hole at the bottom of the box, and the heated air emerges from the top passing through a pipe into the room to be heated. A perspex sheet was glued to the box to let sunlight in but not let the hot air escape.
Pictured below is a simple small passive solar heater made from recycled aluminium drinks cans and used to heat a room.
If the building to be heated is well insultated, a solar heater such as this can lift the temperature by a significant number of degrees. A larger heater or a number of similar heaters can be used to heat larger spaces, or to heat smaller spaces to a higher temperature.Offcuts of 2 x 4 and a sheet of plywood were used to build a box to tightly hold 5 rows of 10 black-painted aluminium drinks cans.
The inside of the box was then sealed using silicone to prevent hot air from escaping.
Cold air is drawn in from a hole at the bottom of the box, and the heated air emerges from the top passing through a pipe into the room to be heated. A perspex sheet was glued to the box to let sunlight in but not let the hot air escape.
Sanyo Opens Salem Solar Cell Plant
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski joined officials from electronics giant Sanyo in Salem Monday to help open a solar cell plant. It's the same place the governor visited a year ago to celebrate the plant's ground-breaking.
Last fall, when Governor Kulongoski shoveled a ceremonial pile of dirt at the Sanyo facility in Salem, the state's unemployment rate stood at 7.2 percent.
Almost exactly a year later, the Governor stood on the same ground to help cut a ceremonial ribbon, as production of solar cell components kicks off.
Over that period Oregon's unemployment rate soared past 12 percent, and the state hemorrhaged 92,000 jobs.
Kulongoski said the 200 jobs this plant will provide are badly needed.
Ted Kulongoski: "In this difficult economic time, it is refreshing to have a positive story to tell."
The Governor said the jobs come courtesy of the state's tax credit program for renewable energy companies. Critics point out it's costing the state millions of dollars of tax revenue.
Kulongoski vetoed a legislative attempt to roll back the tax credit.
Last fall, when Governor Kulongoski shoveled a ceremonial pile of dirt at the Sanyo facility in Salem, the state's unemployment rate stood at 7.2 percent.
Almost exactly a year later, the Governor stood on the same ground to help cut a ceremonial ribbon, as production of solar cell components kicks off.
Over that period Oregon's unemployment rate soared past 12 percent, and the state hemorrhaged 92,000 jobs.
Kulongoski said the 200 jobs this plant will provide are badly needed.
Ted Kulongoski: "In this difficult economic time, it is refreshing to have a positive story to tell."
The Governor said the jobs come courtesy of the state's tax credit program for renewable energy companies. Critics point out it's costing the state millions of dollars of tax revenue.
Kulongoski vetoed a legislative attempt to roll back the tax credit.
Solar boiler is the sun pay your energy bill
Solar boiler is the sun pay your energy bill Residential hot water is a major consumer of energy for most households. In fact, the hot water is sometimes more expensive energy. Using solar energy to provide at least some 'hot water at home can result in significant savings.
There in various ways that solar energy can be integrated into a system of hot water. Although solar boilers can be used alone, are used in conjunction with hot water which are fed with gas or electricity. In this type of system, water heated by solar energy can be used alone (if hot enough) or as preheated water for the traditional water heater.
Pre-heated water also drastically reduce your energy bill.Solar boilers can be used in any climate, but are more practical in areas which do not have time to freeze during the winter. Solar hot water in cold climates may use indirect heating systems which do not expose the water to the freezing temperature. Instead, a fluid that circulates through the freezing resistant solar panels and is used to heat water. Southe climates can use direct heating systems where water is passed through the solar panels installed on roof.
There are two basic types of systems, solar water heating - active and passive. Passive systems rely on gravity and the natural flow of water from hot to cold. The systems are very simple and require little maintenance. They are durable and long lasting.
You can easily build simple systems you all you need are parts that can be found at any hardware store.Active use of pumps to circulate the water. In some systems, the pumps can be powered by solar energy, or must be connected to power the house. In both systems, the tank is necessary to keep the heat warms water.On with some days' of direct sunlight solar can heat water with surprising effectiveness.
During that time, there may be no need to use electricity or gas as a backup. When the weather is cold, the solar heating can preheat water entering traditional water heaters. This preheated water requires much less energy to provide the correct temperature, which can result in significant energy savings bills.As with all alteative energy systems, there is much room for your imagination if you like.
If you do not do not only technology, but for those who like to play with technology like me, these systems offer a wide variety of thinking about.For example, a Stirling engine converts changes in temperature on the mechanical movement, for example, for generate electricity. Mmm, this is a good thought. A change in temperature is something this system will provide, but also heat the water. A double benefit?
There in various ways that solar energy can be integrated into a system of hot water. Although solar boilers can be used alone, are used in conjunction with hot water which are fed with gas or electricity. In this type of system, water heated by solar energy can be used alone (if hot enough) or as preheated water for the traditional water heater.
Pre-heated water also drastically reduce your energy bill.Solar boilers can be used in any climate, but are more practical in areas which do not have time to freeze during the winter. Solar hot water in cold climates may use indirect heating systems which do not expose the water to the freezing temperature. Instead, a fluid that circulates through the freezing resistant solar panels and is used to heat water. Southe climates can use direct heating systems where water is passed through the solar panels installed on roof.
There are two basic types of systems, solar water heating - active and passive. Passive systems rely on gravity and the natural flow of water from hot to cold. The systems are very simple and require little maintenance. They are durable and long lasting.
You can easily build simple systems you all you need are parts that can be found at any hardware store.Active use of pumps to circulate the water. In some systems, the pumps can be powered by solar energy, or must be connected to power the house. In both systems, the tank is necessary to keep the heat warms water.On with some days' of direct sunlight solar can heat water with surprising effectiveness.
During that time, there may be no need to use electricity or gas as a backup. When the weather is cold, the solar heating can preheat water entering traditional water heaters. This preheated water requires much less energy to provide the correct temperature, which can result in significant energy savings bills.As with all alteative energy systems, there is much room for your imagination if you like.
If you do not do not only technology, but for those who like to play with technology like me, these systems offer a wide variety of thinking about.For example, a Stirling engine converts changes in temperature on the mechanical movement, for example, for generate electricity. Mmm, this is a good thought. A change in temperature is something this system will provide, but also heat the water. A double benefit?
Mutual US-China solar power rush
China’s leading company in solar power, Suntech, is about to pick the site for its first plant in the USA only shortly after an American competitor, First Solar Inc., announced its first breakthrough into the Chinese market.
Both developments have spurred enthusiasm in the sector, as both USA and China are now perceived to become growth areas.
“If you (China) announce that we have such a huge need for solar panels that we are even going to put First Solar panels into China, all of a sudden we’ve gone from this massive threat to maybe we saw it the wrong way around. Maybe we should see the size of the Chinese market as this enormous upside potential, and maybe all of solar should be seeing it much more positively,” Stephan Dolezalek, Managing Director of US venture capitalists VantagePoint Venture Partners, tells China Daily.
The success of First Solar Inc. has inspired another US company, SunPower, which already manufactures a part of its solar panels in China, but has so far not gained any major contracts in the Asian country.
“It clearly makes us more bullish on China. We hope that (…) will result in us being able to penetrate that market as well,” Tom Werner, SunPower’s Chief Executive, tells China Daily.
Both developments have spurred enthusiasm in the sector, as both USA and China are now perceived to become growth areas.
“If you (China) announce that we have such a huge need for solar panels that we are even going to put First Solar panels into China, all of a sudden we’ve gone from this massive threat to maybe we saw it the wrong way around. Maybe we should see the size of the Chinese market as this enormous upside potential, and maybe all of solar should be seeing it much more positively,” Stephan Dolezalek, Managing Director of US venture capitalists VantagePoint Venture Partners, tells China Daily.
The success of First Solar Inc. has inspired another US company, SunPower, which already manufactures a part of its solar panels in China, but has so far not gained any major contracts in the Asian country.
“It clearly makes us more bullish on China. We hope that (…) will result in us being able to penetrate that market as well,” Tom Werner, SunPower’s Chief Executive, tells China Daily.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
On-campus wind turbine economics
The new wind turbine High Country Radio reported on over the weekend will soon be generating electricity that will be fed into New River Light and Power.
According to the Appalachian State University News Bureau, the turbine’s construction began on June 15.
The turbine stands 121 feet tall and is behind the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on ASU’s campus. The University News Bureau reported that each of its three blades is 34 feet long.
The project cost about $533,000 and was funded by ASU students through a $5 renewable energy initiative fee (which is collected each semester), a donation from the senior class of 2009, and about half the tab was picked up by New River Light and Power.
Officials told the ASU News Bureau the turbine has the potential to generate enough electricity to power 10-15 households per year.
According to the Appalachian State University News Bureau, the turbine’s construction began on June 15.
The turbine stands 121 feet tall and is behind the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on ASU’s campus. The University News Bureau reported that each of its three blades is 34 feet long.
The project cost about $533,000 and was funded by ASU students through a $5 renewable energy initiative fee (which is collected each semester), a donation from the senior class of 2009, and about half the tab was picked up by New River Light and Power.
Officials told the ASU News Bureau the turbine has the potential to generate enough electricity to power 10-15 households per year.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Police Looking For Solar Panel Thief
Solar panels on top of a home in Brownington were stolen and its owner is without power indefinitely. Rebecca Roman built the house herself and had solar panels to power everything. Roman's neighbor told police she saw a truck in the driveway with a short man getting out of it. Police are turning to the public to help them locate it. With no insurance, Roman doesn't know if - or how - she and her daughter will get power back.
"Why would you wreck my life this way? I don't make a whole lot of money, I have no insurance, that's why I built my house myself because it was the only way I could afford a house," Roman told NewsChannel 5.
Anyone who thinks they may have seen the truck, the solar panels or any suspicious activity is encouraged to called the Vermont state police at 802-334-8881.
"Why would you wreck my life this way? I don't make a whole lot of money, I have no insurance, that's why I built my house myself because it was the only way I could afford a house," Roman told NewsChannel 5.
Anyone who thinks they may have seen the truck, the solar panels or any suspicious activity is encouraged to called the Vermont state police at 802-334-8881.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
How Solar Air Heaters Work
Is a solar air heater a good solution for your home? Let's talk first about what it is and what it isn't. A solar air heater is an active system as opposed to a passive system. Passive solar systems rely on heat absorbing structural materials and building orientation that takes advantage of southern exposure. Active solar systems use solar panels to collect solar energy and fans to move the energy to a different place.
A solar air heater is intended to supplement your existing heating system, not replace it. The most efficient way to utilize a solar air heater is to install it where it can blow or diffuse warm air directly into a room that sees a lot of daytime use. Drawing on the principle that warm air rises and cool air sinks, the solar air heater pulls cooled air from the bottom of a room, circulates it through the solar collector where it picks up heat, then blows the warmed air back into the room.
Solar air heaters use roof, wall or window mounted solar collectors to heat the air that passes through them. The solar collector must be mounted on a south-facing roof or wall where it gets full sun exposure that isn't obstructed by trees, tall buildings or other shade producers. Smaller window units can be mounted under a sunny south-facing window. This type of solar air heater extends through the window, so you won't need to install any ducts or vents to enable air flow. These simple, direct-transfer systems don't store heat, so they won't work at night or on cloudy days.
Some larger systems use heat sinks, which consist of materials that can absorb and hold heat for a short time. During the day, excess heat is transferred to the heat sink for storage; when the sun goes down, heated air is transferred from storage to your house. Although a heat sink might extend your use of solar thermal energy into the night, incorporating one into a retrofit heating system is expensive. It can also be hazardous to your health. Moisture that collects in a heat sink fosters mold and bacterial growth on the rocks. When the blower pulls warm air from the heat sink, it also gathers up these contaminants and blows them into your home.
On the next page, we'll talk about costs, installation and maintenance for a solar air heater. Keep reading to see if it's a viable solution for your home.
A solar air heater is intended to supplement your existing heating system, not replace it. The most efficient way to utilize a solar air heater is to install it where it can blow or diffuse warm air directly into a room that sees a lot of daytime use. Drawing on the principle that warm air rises and cool air sinks, the solar air heater pulls cooled air from the bottom of a room, circulates it through the solar collector where it picks up heat, then blows the warmed air back into the room.
Solar air heaters use roof, wall or window mounted solar collectors to heat the air that passes through them. The solar collector must be mounted on a south-facing roof or wall where it gets full sun exposure that isn't obstructed by trees, tall buildings or other shade producers. Smaller window units can be mounted under a sunny south-facing window. This type of solar air heater extends through the window, so you won't need to install any ducts or vents to enable air flow. These simple, direct-transfer systems don't store heat, so they won't work at night or on cloudy days.
Some larger systems use heat sinks, which consist of materials that can absorb and hold heat for a short time. During the day, excess heat is transferred to the heat sink for storage; when the sun goes down, heated air is transferred from storage to your house. Although a heat sink might extend your use of solar thermal energy into the night, incorporating one into a retrofit heating system is expensive. It can also be hazardous to your health. Moisture that collects in a heat sink fosters mold and bacterial growth on the rocks. When the blower pulls warm air from the heat sink, it also gathers up these contaminants and blows them into your home.
On the next page, we'll talk about costs, installation and maintenance for a solar air heater. Keep reading to see if it's a viable solution for your home.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Transparent solar cells
Offering a view of the garden and an adjacent field, it looks like any other window. But this window offers an additional feature: it also produces electricity. The facades of the house, too, harness solar energy to supply the occupants with electrical power. This is what the domestic power supply of the future could look like. The surface area used to produce energy would increase greatly with transparent solar cells.
To translate the vision of see-through solar cells and transparent electronics into reality, two different transparent coatings would be required – one to conduct the electricity via electrons, the n-conductors, and one in which electron holes enable the electricity to flow, the p-conductors. To produce these coatings the engineers dope the base material with a few other atoms. Depending on which atoms they use, they obtain the differently conducting coatings. N-conducting transparent materials are state of the art, but the p-conductors are problematic. Their conductivity is too low and often their transparency is poor. Manufacturers need a transparent base material which is amenable to both n- and p-doping.
At present, indium tin oxide is mainly used for the n-conductors, but this is costly. Indium has become a rare commodity and its price has increased tenfold since 2002. The search for substitute materials is therefore in full swing. At the same time, various questions need to be answered, such as which materials would be best suitable, what they should be doped with to obtain good conductivity, and how good their transparency is. Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM working in cooperation with other Fraunhofer colleagues have developed material physics models and methods which help in the search. “If transparent p-conductors with adequate conductivity could be produced, it would be possible to realize completely transparent electronics,” says Dr. Wolfgang Körner, research scientist at the IWM. Using electron microscope images, the researchers initially determine the grain boundaries which most frequently occur in the material – i.e. irregularities in the ordered crystal structure. These defect structures are modeled atom by atom. Special simulation methods calculate how the electrons are distributed in the structures and thus in the solid body. From the data the researchers extract how conductive and transparent the material is. “We have found, for example, that phosphorus is suitable for p-doping zinc oxide, but that nitrogen is more promising,” says Körner.
To translate the vision of see-through solar cells and transparent electronics into reality, two different transparent coatings would be required – one to conduct the electricity via electrons, the n-conductors, and one in which electron holes enable the electricity to flow, the p-conductors. To produce these coatings the engineers dope the base material with a few other atoms. Depending on which atoms they use, they obtain the differently conducting coatings. N-conducting transparent materials are state of the art, but the p-conductors are problematic. Their conductivity is too low and often their transparency is poor. Manufacturers need a transparent base material which is amenable to both n- and p-doping.
At present, indium tin oxide is mainly used for the n-conductors, but this is costly. Indium has become a rare commodity and its price has increased tenfold since 2002. The search for substitute materials is therefore in full swing. At the same time, various questions need to be answered, such as which materials would be best suitable, what they should be doped with to obtain good conductivity, and how good their transparency is. Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM working in cooperation with other Fraunhofer colleagues have developed material physics models and methods which help in the search. “If transparent p-conductors with adequate conductivity could be produced, it would be possible to realize completely transparent electronics,” says Dr. Wolfgang Körner, research scientist at the IWM. Using electron microscope images, the researchers initially determine the grain boundaries which most frequently occur in the material – i.e. irregularities in the ordered crystal structure. These defect structures are modeled atom by atom. Special simulation methods calculate how the electrons are distributed in the structures and thus in the solid body. From the data the researchers extract how conductive and transparent the material is. “We have found, for example, that phosphorus is suitable for p-doping zinc oxide, but that nitrogen is more promising,” says Körner.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Kittery will be repaid for failed wind turbine
The Town Council voted unanimously to move forward with the acceptance of reimbursement for the town's failed wind turbine, which will be removed by the end of the year.
Members of the council voted to authorize Town Manager Jon Carter to accept money coming in from Colorado-based Entegrity Wind Systems in the total amount of $191,028, after the wind turbine installed by the company last October delivered only 15 percent of its promised electricity yield. Town officials have said wind turbulence from nearby trees at the transfer station location where the turbine was installed probably had a significant impact.
Because of that, the town and Entegrity have brokered an agreement that will have the company pay Kittery back in installments until November, when a large balloon payment will be made to take care of the rest of the cost. After the payments are completed, Entegrity will remove the turbine.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission granted Kittery $50,000 for the project, which Council Chairman Jeff Thomson noted will have to be returned to the commission at some point in the repayment process.
Councilors also gave an informal nod to Kittery's inclusion in Portsmouth's comprehensive recreation needs study, which councilor Ann Grinnell and Carter said Kittery was invited to participate in by Portsmouth City Manager John Bohenko.
Grinnell said the possibility of sharing services and having community use for recreation facilities such as pools and tennis courts spread between both communities made sense.
"I no longer feel that any towns are going to be able to have their own tennis courts, their own basketball courts, their own swimming pools," she said.
Carter told the councilors he would report back to them at their next regular meeting on June 22, which will follow a June 16 organizational meeting to determine how the study will be conducted.
Members of the council voted to authorize Town Manager Jon Carter to accept money coming in from Colorado-based Entegrity Wind Systems in the total amount of $191,028, after the wind turbine installed by the company last October delivered only 15 percent of its promised electricity yield. Town officials have said wind turbulence from nearby trees at the transfer station location where the turbine was installed probably had a significant impact.
Because of that, the town and Entegrity have brokered an agreement that will have the company pay Kittery back in installments until November, when a large balloon payment will be made to take care of the rest of the cost. After the payments are completed, Entegrity will remove the turbine.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission granted Kittery $50,000 for the project, which Council Chairman Jeff Thomson noted will have to be returned to the commission at some point in the repayment process.
Councilors also gave an informal nod to Kittery's inclusion in Portsmouth's comprehensive recreation needs study, which councilor Ann Grinnell and Carter said Kittery was invited to participate in by Portsmouth City Manager John Bohenko.
Grinnell said the possibility of sharing services and having community use for recreation facilities such as pools and tennis courts spread between both communities made sense.
"I no longer feel that any towns are going to be able to have their own tennis courts, their own basketball courts, their own swimming pools," she said.
Carter told the councilors he would report back to them at their next regular meeting on June 22, which will follow a June 16 organizational meeting to determine how the study will be conducted.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wind turbine maker says it will open Washington plant
A company that makes carbon products for the aerospace, marine and racing industries says it plans to open a plant in the Dayton area in southeast Washington to make blades for wind turbines.
Mark Kean, director of sales and acquisitions for Strategic Composites, says the plant could eventually employ up to 600 workers.
Workers would make the blades from carbon "nanotube" cloth. Kean says it is lighter than the fiberglass used for most wind turbine blades but very strong and durable.
Columbia County -- which had a 12 percent unemployment rate in April -- is home to 225 wind turbines, but Kean says his company's blades likely would be shipped to Texas, California, Wyoming and other windy states.
Mark Kean, director of sales and acquisitions for Strategic Composites, says the plant could eventually employ up to 600 workers.
Workers would make the blades from carbon "nanotube" cloth. Kean says it is lighter than the fiberglass used for most wind turbine blades but very strong and durable.
Columbia County -- which had a 12 percent unemployment rate in April -- is home to 225 wind turbines, but Kean says his company's blades likely would be shipped to Texas, California, Wyoming and other windy states.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Windterra Wind Turbine
When we maked our off-the-grid house in 2000, our grid dwelt chiefly of 8 photovoltaic solar array. Since so, we hold been lamented on adding a wind turbine to complement the solar, but simply hold n't done that measure yet. My father-in-law recently designated out a little advertising in the paper about a new Canadian-made wind turbine, so I checked out their website and was really excited by what I saw.
The Windterra ECO1200 is a 1000-watt wind turbine which, as you can see in the picture below, gyrates on a perpendicular axis instead than the traditional horizontal axis which you would be utilise to seeing. The vantage of the perpendicular axis system is that the turbine is omnidirectional, intending it will work regardless what way the wind is coming from. The traditional wind turbines take to confront against the wind in order to work. Other vantages of the Windterra turbine include: 1 ) it works better in riotous air, 2 ) it is more effectual at lower wind velocities ( runs equally low as 11 kph ), increasing its efficiency and output, 3 ) it can be mounted on the roof, extinguishing the demand for a dearly-won tower, and doing it easier to instal and service.
Windterra 's on-line cost of $6050.00 includes includes the turbine, controller/inverter, and mounting system - jollily goodly everything you necessitate to get begun.
Unfortunately for us, the Windterra ECO1200 is projected for grid-tied systems, and will not work with our inverter. I am genuinely discomfited about this, because it appears like such a great ware. Nonetheless, for those of you who get on the utility grid and hold been reckoning the possibility of doing some of your ain powerfulness, this ware may be your response. Meanwhile, I 'll hold looking for the right turbine for us.
The Windterra ECO1200 is a 1000-watt wind turbine which, as you can see in the picture below, gyrates on a perpendicular axis instead than the traditional horizontal axis which you would be utilise to seeing. The vantage of the perpendicular axis system is that the turbine is omnidirectional, intending it will work regardless what way the wind is coming from. The traditional wind turbines take to confront against the wind in order to work. Other vantages of the Windterra turbine include: 1 ) it works better in riotous air, 2 ) it is more effectual at lower wind velocities ( runs equally low as 11 kph ), increasing its efficiency and output, 3 ) it can be mounted on the roof, extinguishing the demand for a dearly-won tower, and doing it easier to instal and service.
Windterra 's on-line cost of $6050.00 includes includes the turbine, controller/inverter, and mounting system - jollily goodly everything you necessitate to get begun.
Unfortunately for us, the Windterra ECO1200 is projected for grid-tied systems, and will not work with our inverter. I am genuinely discomfited about this, because it appears like such a great ware. Nonetheless, for those of you who get on the utility grid and hold been reckoning the possibility of doing some of your ain powerfulness, this ware may be your response. Meanwhile, I 'll hold looking for the right turbine for us.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
USA to Become the World's Largest Solar Energy Market
Solar Energy Becoming a Cost-Effective Way of Generating Electricity in California
MUNICH and ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- "In 2010, PV will be by far the most cost-effective way of generating electricity. The solar PV market in California will explode once people discover that they can generate their own rooftop power for less than it costs from their utility," says Barry Cinnamon, long-term expert, CEO and founder of solar system integrator Akeena Solar in California. In 2008 the US PV market grew by over 60% to more than 350 MW of newly installed solar power. The majority of this new power was built in California. Barry Cinnamon is one of several CEOs to speak on 26 May in Munich at the international conference entitled "The Solar Future; count-down to grid parity".
Energy utility companies like PG&E in California are developing a large-scale solar PV power plant program. David Rubin is a director at PG&E, and he will be discussing the details of PG&E's proposed program. David is also chairman of the board of SEPA (the Solar Electric Power Association), representing 500 US electric utilities, solar companies and other industry stakeholders in the USA. He sees a significant number of energy utilities proceeding with various solar business models, including large-scale PV power plant initiatives. "SEPA has tracked 1500 MW in solar PV initiatives in the USA, and this number is growing".
In 2009, the USA is on the way to becoming the second largest photovoltaic solar energy market in the world after Germany. The Obama administration has introduced a new Renewable Energy stimulus package and financial incentives are guaranteed for the next 8 years. "The US market has the potential to grow by more than 50% a year, which could lead to a market close to 4000 MW within 5 years," according to Edwin Koot, CEO of SolarPlaza. "The USA is likely to become the world's largest PV market within a decade. The solar industry is counting down towards the moment government aid is no longer needed. The moment when this fledgling industry will have grown up and is standing on its own feet is closer than many people think," says Koot. "It will mark the start of the Solar Future and will offer unprecedented market and growth potential".
Apart from David Rubin, CEOs from the world's leading PV companies (such as Q-Cells, Suntech Power, Applied Materials and Centrotherm) will be speaking at "The Solar Future" conference organized by SolarPlaza.
MUNICH and ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- "In 2010, PV will be by far the most cost-effective way of generating electricity. The solar PV market in California will explode once people discover that they can generate their own rooftop power for less than it costs from their utility," says Barry Cinnamon, long-term expert, CEO and founder of solar system integrator Akeena Solar in California. In 2008 the US PV market grew by over 60% to more than 350 MW of newly installed solar power. The majority of this new power was built in California. Barry Cinnamon is one of several CEOs to speak on 26 May in Munich at the international conference entitled "The Solar Future; count-down to grid parity".
Energy utility companies like PG&E in California are developing a large-scale solar PV power plant program. David Rubin is a director at PG&E, and he will be discussing the details of PG&E's proposed program. David is also chairman of the board of SEPA (the Solar Electric Power Association), representing 500 US electric utilities, solar companies and other industry stakeholders in the USA. He sees a significant number of energy utilities proceeding with various solar business models, including large-scale PV power plant initiatives. "SEPA has tracked 1500 MW in solar PV initiatives in the USA, and this number is growing".
In 2009, the USA is on the way to becoming the second largest photovoltaic solar energy market in the world after Germany. The Obama administration has introduced a new Renewable Energy stimulus package and financial incentives are guaranteed for the next 8 years. "The US market has the potential to grow by more than 50% a year, which could lead to a market close to 4000 MW within 5 years," according to Edwin Koot, CEO of SolarPlaza. "The USA is likely to become the world's largest PV market within a decade. The solar industry is counting down towards the moment government aid is no longer needed. The moment when this fledgling industry will have grown up and is standing on its own feet is closer than many people think," says Koot. "It will mark the start of the Solar Future and will offer unprecedented market and growth potential".
Apart from David Rubin, CEOs from the world's leading PV companies (such as Q-Cells, Suntech Power, Applied Materials and Centrotherm) will be speaking at "The Solar Future" conference organized by SolarPlaza.
San Antonio named a ‘Solar America City’
Mayor Phil Hardberger said Tuesday that the City of San Antonio has been designated as a U.S. Department of Energy Solar America City.
With this designation, San Antonio will receive financial and technical assistance to fund innovative solar-energy initiatives that could serve as a model for other cities. San Antonio is home to the largest solar energy project currently installed in Texas. The solar project is located at Silver Ventures’ redevelopment project at the historic Pearl Brewery. The former brewery is being developed into urban space for lofts, restaurants and offices. CPS Energy is working with the developers to install a $1.35 million, 200-kilowatt photo voltaic system on one of Pearl’s 67,000 square-foot facility.
The announcement was made as part of the Department of Energy’s second Solar America Cities annual meeting, which will take place this year from March 31 through April 2. About 150 people are attending this conference. A total of 25 communities are being named Solar Cities. These cities are implementing solar technologies and programs to encourage the use of solar energy. Cities are also integrating solar energy into city planning and emergency preparedness plans and conducting workshops for building code officials, solar installers and the public.
“The Department of Energy’s investment in the city of San Antonio is welcome support for our commitment to implementing solar energy technologies and programs,” Hardberger says. “I am proud that our city is being recognized for our leadership in the planning and implementation of clean and renewable solar technology at the local level. Our partnership with the Department of Energy will provide a platform for us to continue our commitment while sharing our successes with other communities.”
Tom Kimbis, the Department of Energy’s director of the Solar America Cities program, says cities play an important role in the adoption of renewable energy.
“Solar is a key component of our national energy strategy, and through our Solar America Cities program we are working to improve the nation’s energy security and combat global climate change. Spotlighting progressive cities like San Antonio is helping us do just that,” Kimbis says.
With this designation, San Antonio will receive financial and technical assistance to fund innovative solar-energy initiatives that could serve as a model for other cities. San Antonio is home to the largest solar energy project currently installed in Texas. The solar project is located at Silver Ventures’ redevelopment project at the historic Pearl Brewery. The former brewery is being developed into urban space for lofts, restaurants and offices. CPS Energy is working with the developers to install a $1.35 million, 200-kilowatt photo voltaic system on one of Pearl’s 67,000 square-foot facility.
The announcement was made as part of the Department of Energy’s second Solar America Cities annual meeting, which will take place this year from March 31 through April 2. About 150 people are attending this conference. A total of 25 communities are being named Solar Cities. These cities are implementing solar technologies and programs to encourage the use of solar energy. Cities are also integrating solar energy into city planning and emergency preparedness plans and conducting workshops for building code officials, solar installers and the public.
“The Department of Energy’s investment in the city of San Antonio is welcome support for our commitment to implementing solar energy technologies and programs,” Hardberger says. “I am proud that our city is being recognized for our leadership in the planning and implementation of clean and renewable solar technology at the local level. Our partnership with the Department of Energy will provide a platform for us to continue our commitment while sharing our successes with other communities.”
Tom Kimbis, the Department of Energy’s director of the Solar America Cities program, says cities play an important role in the adoption of renewable energy.
“Solar is a key component of our national energy strategy, and through our Solar America Cities program we are working to improve the nation’s energy security and combat global climate change. Spotlighting progressive cities like San Antonio is helping us do just that,” Kimbis says.
SunEdison Surpasses 100 GWh of Delivered PV Solar Energy Generation
SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy services provider, today announced it is the first owner/operator in the United States to surpass 100 GWh in delivered PV solar electricity generation. SunEdison's Renewable Operation Center (ROC) tracked the event as the ticker rolled over the 100 GWh milestone at 11:06 am ET on March 24, five years after the company activated its first commercial-scale PV solar energy system.
SunEdison's solar fleet of 221 solar power plants has avoided more than 124 million lbs of CO2, the same amount of emissions that would be produced by driving from New York City to Los Angeles 43,101 times. One hundred GWh is enough to meet the annual energy needs for more than 13,700 California residents.
"This 100 GWh milestone reflects our commitment to service delivery and investments in advanced control and monitoring technologies," said Mark Culpepper, Chief Technology Officer of SunEdison. "As the country increases investment in renewable energy, the solar industry must show results in a meaningful, transparent way."
Mark Buckley, Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Staples, Inc., noted, "The 24 systems hosted by Staples have generated more than 8 million kWh of power. Not only does SunEdison bring us electricity at predictable rates, we're able to make better usage decisions and make progress toward our short- and long-term carbon reduction goals."
SunEdison's Renewable Operations Center (ROC), located at the historic McClellan Air Force base in McClellan, California, is a key part of the company's services architecture. The ROC monitors the energy and power output of the SunEdison solar portfolio; analyzes and remotely diagnoses system performance; and then dispatches crews for rapid field service.
The SunEdison fleet operated at over 100 percent of expected generation in 2008.
SunEdison's solar fleet of 221 solar power plants has avoided more than 124 million lbs of CO2, the same amount of emissions that would be produced by driving from New York City to Los Angeles 43,101 times. One hundred GWh is enough to meet the annual energy needs for more than 13,700 California residents.
"This 100 GWh milestone reflects our commitment to service delivery and investments in advanced control and monitoring technologies," said Mark Culpepper, Chief Technology Officer of SunEdison. "As the country increases investment in renewable energy, the solar industry must show results in a meaningful, transparent way."
Mark Buckley, Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Staples, Inc., noted, "The 24 systems hosted by Staples have generated more than 8 million kWh of power. Not only does SunEdison bring us electricity at predictable rates, we're able to make better usage decisions and make progress toward our short- and long-term carbon reduction goals."
SunEdison's Renewable Operations Center (ROC), located at the historic McClellan Air Force base in McClellan, California, is a key part of the company's services architecture. The ROC monitors the energy and power output of the SunEdison solar portfolio; analyzes and remotely diagnoses system performance; and then dispatches crews for rapid field service.
The SunEdison fleet operated at over 100 percent of expected generation in 2008.
Study targets costs of Duke energy plans
A Durham environmental group says concentrating on conservation and cost-effective renewable energy would let Duke Energy Carolinas avoid costly new plants and soften steep rate increases.
The N.C. Waste Awareness and Reduction Network’s new study says new-plant costs -- particularly for multi-billion nuclear plants -- will increase N.C. rates at least 50 percent by 2024.
Report coauthor John Runkle says the increases are likely to be even higher. Nuclear plant costs have increased significantly in recent years. The report used current estimates, but he thinks the plants will cost much more to complete. Prices, he says, could double if utilities go ahead with current plants.
Duke spokeswoman Paige Sheehan takes issue with the N.C. WARN report. She says it contends Duke alone could produce more renewable energy than a N.C.-commissioned report two years ago found was possible to produce statewide.
She also says N.C. WARN opposed Duke’s Save-A-Watt program for energy efficiency. And she says it didn’t support Duke’s rooftop-solar initiative, one of the largest renewable energy programs ever proposed in the state. And she says a proposal to cut the need for plants by reducing energy reserves would be unacceptable to Duke and probably to regulators.
N.C. WARN has been a frequent Duke critic. It has criticized Save-A-Watt as inadequate. It has been in the forefront of opponents to the 825-megawatt coal-fired expansion at the Cliffside Steam Station at the border of Rutherford and Cleveland counties.
It has opposed plans by both Duke and Raleigh-based Progress Energy Inc. (NYSE:PGN) to build four nuclear reactors to produce power. Duke proposes two units in Gaffney, S.C. Progress would add two units to the Shearon Harris Nuclear Station near Raleigh.
N.C. WARN has argued in the past that these plants are unnecessary. The need for them was based on inflated demand projections, the group says.
But the group’s latest report accepts the demand projections by Duke and Progress at face value. It argues there are better and less expensive ways to get the energy needed.
Runkle the attorney for N.C. WARN. He wrote the report issued Tuesday with John Blackburn, former chairman of the Duke University economics department.
The report recommends four steps it says could save or produce enough energy to replace the need for Cliffside and the nuclear plants. Blackburn says those steps would ultimately cost less than building the new plants.
Rates would still go up, he says. But he contends they would go up more slowly than if the utilities built the plants now planned.
The report addresses energy production and conservation statewide. But it also breaks out demand and production proposals for Duke and Progress separately.
Titled North Carolina’s Energy Future, the report calls for more stringent efficiency requirements; greater production from solar, wind and other alternative technologies; improvements in demand mangement to shift load from peak energy hours, and greater use of waste heat in large industrial plants to produce electricity.
Blackburn argues efficiency programs would be virtually cost-free to customers. Renewable-energy alternatives are generally more expensive than current energy technologies -- coal, gas and nuclear. But the study says energy from the proposed nuclear plants would cost three times as much as current costs.
Solar energy costs more now than the anticipated production costs for nuclear, Blackburn concedes. But he says solar costs are dropping. The costs for nuclear production, he says, are likely to rise.
Sheehan says N.C. WARN has repeatedly argued to state regulators that Duke does not need the proposed plants. She says the arguments it makes against them in the new report have been made before in regulatory hearings. Regulators have so far supported Duke on the construction of the new plants.
She says the proposals in the study distort what can reasonably be saved by efficiency and produced by renewables.
“Duke welcomes critics to the table, but when N.C. WARN continues to misinterpret the numbers, it concerns us,” she says.
The N.C. Waste Awareness and Reduction Network’s new study says new-plant costs -- particularly for multi-billion nuclear plants -- will increase N.C. rates at least 50 percent by 2024.
Report coauthor John Runkle says the increases are likely to be even higher. Nuclear plant costs have increased significantly in recent years. The report used current estimates, but he thinks the plants will cost much more to complete. Prices, he says, could double if utilities go ahead with current plants.
Duke spokeswoman Paige Sheehan takes issue with the N.C. WARN report. She says it contends Duke alone could produce more renewable energy than a N.C.-commissioned report two years ago found was possible to produce statewide.
She also says N.C. WARN opposed Duke’s Save-A-Watt program for energy efficiency. And she says it didn’t support Duke’s rooftop-solar initiative, one of the largest renewable energy programs ever proposed in the state. And she says a proposal to cut the need for plants by reducing energy reserves would be unacceptable to Duke and probably to regulators.
N.C. WARN has been a frequent Duke critic. It has criticized Save-A-Watt as inadequate. It has been in the forefront of opponents to the 825-megawatt coal-fired expansion at the Cliffside Steam Station at the border of Rutherford and Cleveland counties.
It has opposed plans by both Duke and Raleigh-based Progress Energy Inc. (NYSE:PGN) to build four nuclear reactors to produce power. Duke proposes two units in Gaffney, S.C. Progress would add two units to the Shearon Harris Nuclear Station near Raleigh.
N.C. WARN has argued in the past that these plants are unnecessary. The need for them was based on inflated demand projections, the group says.
But the group’s latest report accepts the demand projections by Duke and Progress at face value. It argues there are better and less expensive ways to get the energy needed.
Runkle the attorney for N.C. WARN. He wrote the report issued Tuesday with John Blackburn, former chairman of the Duke University economics department.
The report recommends four steps it says could save or produce enough energy to replace the need for Cliffside and the nuclear plants. Blackburn says those steps would ultimately cost less than building the new plants.
Rates would still go up, he says. But he contends they would go up more slowly than if the utilities built the plants now planned.
The report addresses energy production and conservation statewide. But it also breaks out demand and production proposals for Duke and Progress separately.
Titled North Carolina’s Energy Future, the report calls for more stringent efficiency requirements; greater production from solar, wind and other alternative technologies; improvements in demand mangement to shift load from peak energy hours, and greater use of waste heat in large industrial plants to produce electricity.
Blackburn argues efficiency programs would be virtually cost-free to customers. Renewable-energy alternatives are generally more expensive than current energy technologies -- coal, gas and nuclear. But the study says energy from the proposed nuclear plants would cost three times as much as current costs.
Solar energy costs more now than the anticipated production costs for nuclear, Blackburn concedes. But he says solar costs are dropping. The costs for nuclear production, he says, are likely to rise.
Sheehan says N.C. WARN has repeatedly argued to state regulators that Duke does not need the proposed plants. She says the arguments it makes against them in the new report have been made before in regulatory hearings. Regulators have so far supported Duke on the construction of the new plants.
She says the proposals in the study distort what can reasonably be saved by efficiency and produced by renewables.
“Duke welcomes critics to the table, but when N.C. WARN continues to misinterpret the numbers, it concerns us,” she says.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Greenpeace pushes alternative energy
BRATTLEBORO -- Greenpeace representatives parked their Rolling Sunlight solar truck in Brattleboro Saturday to remind opponents of nuclear power that if ever there was a time to close down the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, this is it.
Rolling Sunlight is a biodiesel vehicle that has solar panels attached to it.
When it is at full power, the panels produce enough electricity to power three energy-efficient homes.
The truck has been all over the country, but for the first time Greenpeace is concentrating its work in a single state.
The group will be in Vermont through most of April to remind Vermonters that with a new administration in Washington, recent advancements in alternative energy technology and cutting edge companies in the state that are ready to put the resources to work, this is in fact the time to shut down Vernon's aging nuclear reactor.
"Vermonters have a choice here," said Greenpeace spokesman Ben Walsh, as he stood in front of the truck that was in the parking lot of the Brattleboro Food Co-op Saturday morning. "We want to take the focus away from all of the doom and gloom about Yankee and remind people that this is an opportunity to choose renewable energy as a way to replace the power that the state gets from Yankee.
Entergy Nuclear, the company that owns and operates the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon, has applied to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for an extension on the license of the plant.
That license expires in 2012 and the Vermont Public Service Board and the Legislature both have a say in whether the company will receive the license extension.
Greenpeace will drive their solar vehicle all over the state to encourage more alternative energy development and also to rally Vermonters behind the move to close down the plant.
Saturday was also the 30th anniversary of the accident at Three Mile Island and the truck was parked just a few miles upriver from the Vernon plant to show that clean and reliable alternatives are available to what organizers called the "dirty" energy produced by nuclear power.
Walsh said Brattleboro was specifically chosen as a kick off spot for the month-long Vermont tour.
"You have a unique perspective here because you are so close to the plant," he said.
Gabriel Gerow, a student coordinator with Greenpeace, has been traveling with the solar truck and he opened up a side panel to display the batteries and inverters that help convert and store the solar energy.
A Greenpeace staff member was charging up his cell phone off the truck.
"Everywhere we take this in the country it becomes a positive outreach tool to promote alternative energy," said Gerow. "We want to show that there are practical uses for this energy."
The truck has powered concerts and speaking events and on Saturday Greenpeace was handing out hot chocolate that was being made with energy from the solar truck.
Drew Hudson, from VPIRG, said that having a group like Greenpeace in the state for a month should boost the visibility of the activists who are fighting to close down Vermont Yankee.
Hudson said there are Vermont companies that are ready to move ahead with solar, hydro and biomass projects, and if Yankee closes in 2012 there would be more opportunities to move ahead with those plans.
"It's a very exciting time. There are billions of federal dollars on the table and these companies are waiting for the legislature to give them a green light," Hudson said. "Right now the big impediment to making that happen is Vermont Yankee we have to get that out of the way."
Ed Anthes, a Dummerston resident and a member of Nuclear Free Vermont, was there Saturday to support the state wide solar truck tour.
While the Legislature has put off the relicensing discussion until next year, Anthes said it was important to keep the pressure on lawmakers and remind them that the state has an opportunity to be a leader in the nationwide development of clean energy.
"The technology is there. The will is there, and the money is there," he said. "Everything is coming together and we shouldn't miss this chance."
Rolling Sunlight is a biodiesel vehicle that has solar panels attached to it.
When it is at full power, the panels produce enough electricity to power three energy-efficient homes.
The truck has been all over the country, but for the first time Greenpeace is concentrating its work in a single state.
The group will be in Vermont through most of April to remind Vermonters that with a new administration in Washington, recent advancements in alternative energy technology and cutting edge companies in the state that are ready to put the resources to work, this is in fact the time to shut down Vernon's aging nuclear reactor.
"Vermonters have a choice here," said Greenpeace spokesman Ben Walsh, as he stood in front of the truck that was in the parking lot of the Brattleboro Food Co-op Saturday morning. "We want to take the focus away from all of the doom and gloom about Yankee and remind people that this is an opportunity to choose renewable energy as a way to replace the power that the state gets from Yankee.
Entergy Nuclear, the company that owns and operates the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon, has applied to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for an extension on the license of the plant.
That license expires in 2012 and the Vermont Public Service Board and the Legislature both have a say in whether the company will receive the license extension.
Greenpeace will drive their solar vehicle all over the state to encourage more alternative energy development and also to rally Vermonters behind the move to close down the plant.
Saturday was also the 30th anniversary of the accident at Three Mile Island and the truck was parked just a few miles upriver from the Vernon plant to show that clean and reliable alternatives are available to what organizers called the "dirty" energy produced by nuclear power.
Walsh said Brattleboro was specifically chosen as a kick off spot for the month-long Vermont tour.
"You have a unique perspective here because you are so close to the plant," he said.
Gabriel Gerow, a student coordinator with Greenpeace, has been traveling with the solar truck and he opened up a side panel to display the batteries and inverters that help convert and store the solar energy.
A Greenpeace staff member was charging up his cell phone off the truck.
"Everywhere we take this in the country it becomes a positive outreach tool to promote alternative energy," said Gerow. "We want to show that there are practical uses for this energy."
The truck has powered concerts and speaking events and on Saturday Greenpeace was handing out hot chocolate that was being made with energy from the solar truck.
Drew Hudson, from VPIRG, said that having a group like Greenpeace in the state for a month should boost the visibility of the activists who are fighting to close down Vermont Yankee.
Hudson said there are Vermont companies that are ready to move ahead with solar, hydro and biomass projects, and if Yankee closes in 2012 there would be more opportunities to move ahead with those plans.
"It's a very exciting time. There are billions of federal dollars on the table and these companies are waiting for the legislature to give them a green light," Hudson said. "Right now the big impediment to making that happen is Vermont Yankee we have to get that out of the way."
Ed Anthes, a Dummerston resident and a member of Nuclear Free Vermont, was there Saturday to support the state wide solar truck tour.
While the Legislature has put off the relicensing discussion until next year, Anthes said it was important to keep the pressure on lawmakers and remind them that the state has an opportunity to be a leader in the nationwide development of clean energy.
"The technology is there. The will is there, and the money is there," he said. "Everything is coming together and we shouldn't miss this chance."
Polk Sees Surge in Businesses' Use of Solar Power
LAKELAND | On a recent morning at Publix Super Markets headquarters, the sun was beating on the roof of a nondescript electrical plant building.
This is good news for Publix, which recently embarked on the latest phase of a solar power experiment.
The plant's roof is covered with 4,000 square feet of thin photovoltaic (solar) laminates. Nearby on the ground, a 15-foot-by-20-foot array of solar panels is soaking up some rays, aided by a tracking system that can turn the panels according to weather patterns.
"This is just a test for us. We're figuring out how we can best utilize this," says Shannon Patten, a Publix spokeswoman. "We love to learn today about what's going to help us tomorrow."
Publix is among the largest area businesses to adopt solar power in recent years, but this is hardly new to Polk County.
The converts include everything from an apartment complex in north Lakeland to a mini-storage facility in Winter Haven.
Lakeland Electric and Tampa Electric are planning major initiatives as well.
What's spurring the commercial use of solar?
Observers say it's a combination of incentives, falling costs and a growing emphasis on alternative energy.
"The biggest resource we have in Florida is our rooftops, and particularly commercial rooftops, because they're so large and flat and not shaded by trees," said Bob Reedy, director of the solar energy division at the University of Central Florida's Solar Energy Center. "It's really a major power source."
Publix's solar effort began last summer when the company installed panels on the roofs of two stores in South Florida.
Officials estimate the panels generate 4 percent of the total power needs at each store; roughly 2 percent is generated by solar at the corporate offices.
Patten says the results are being monitored for the possibility of future expansion.
Bill Cook, who owns a construction business and mini-storage facility on Dundee Road in Winter Haven, installed 213 solar panels on his roof last summer.
Between the panels and high-efficiency LED lighting, Cook said he has eliminated a $1,500 monthly power bill and racked up credits with Tampa Electric through an energy-sharing incentive program.
"The last four months, TECO owes us money," Cook said. "We couldn't be happier."
Cambridge Cove apartments, off Mall Hill Road in Lakeland, recently flipped the switch on an array of panels mounted atop the complex's carports, supplying power to the main office and common areas.
Cambridge's owner, Winter Park-based Atlantic Housing Partners, has installed solar systems at two other complexes in Central Florida, and has three more in the permitting stage.
"We're designing systems for other communities that haven't come online yet," said Scott Culp, Atlantic's executive vice president. "We want to be out ahead of the technology."
The list goes on. Mulberry-based Community First Credit Union will soon finish work on a new South Lakeland branch that features a roof blanketed with solar panels.
Earlier this month, TECO announced plans for a solar plant near Mulberry that will have the capacity to power more than 3,400 homes.
In addition, Lakeland Electric has signed an agreement with Maryland firm Sun Edison to install more than 80 solar power systems here during the next decade.
Sun Edison will front all installation costs and sell the energy to Lakeland Electric, said Jeff Curry, the utility's alternative-energy coordinator.
Some of the systems could be mounted on the roofs of local businesses, which would receive credits on their power bills.
Yet in many cases solar remains a tough sell, with price tags stretching into tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of dollars.
Cook, the Winter Haven businessman, said he spent about $50,000 on his system, after incentives. Atlantic spent roughly $500,000 total for the carports and panels at Cambridge Cove, Culp said.
But "the capital cost of buying and installing systems is diving exponentially," said Reedy, of UCF's Florida Solar Energy Center.
That's mainly because of a surge in demand and sales of solar technology.
In the United States, shipments of photovoltaic components more than doubled between 2005 and 2007, following a federal tax credit that went into effect in January 2006, according to the government's Energy Information Administration.
A $5 million budget for solar rebates in Florida - earning commercial adopters up to $100,000 apiece - was completely expended last year after it attracted a "large volume" of applications, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said.
Both Reedy and Curry say they expect solar to be priced competitively with coal power within the next decade, especially as higher sales volumes lead to lower prices. Reedy said that could happen by 2015, if not sooner.
Curry said a Lakeland Electric program that gives credits to solar users had just five participants, both commercial and residential, two years ago, but has nearly tripled since then.
"We all recognize that legislators are breathing heavy when it comes to renewable energy," Curry said. "We know it's becoming a cultural requirement."
This is good news for Publix, which recently embarked on the latest phase of a solar power experiment.
The plant's roof is covered with 4,000 square feet of thin photovoltaic (solar) laminates. Nearby on the ground, a 15-foot-by-20-foot array of solar panels is soaking up some rays, aided by a tracking system that can turn the panels according to weather patterns.
"This is just a test for us. We're figuring out how we can best utilize this," says Shannon Patten, a Publix spokeswoman. "We love to learn today about what's going to help us tomorrow."
Publix is among the largest area businesses to adopt solar power in recent years, but this is hardly new to Polk County.
The converts include everything from an apartment complex in north Lakeland to a mini-storage facility in Winter Haven.
Lakeland Electric and Tampa Electric are planning major initiatives as well.
What's spurring the commercial use of solar?
Observers say it's a combination of incentives, falling costs and a growing emphasis on alternative energy.
"The biggest resource we have in Florida is our rooftops, and particularly commercial rooftops, because they're so large and flat and not shaded by trees," said Bob Reedy, director of the solar energy division at the University of Central Florida's Solar Energy Center. "It's really a major power source."
Publix's solar effort began last summer when the company installed panels on the roofs of two stores in South Florida.
Officials estimate the panels generate 4 percent of the total power needs at each store; roughly 2 percent is generated by solar at the corporate offices.
Patten says the results are being monitored for the possibility of future expansion.
Bill Cook, who owns a construction business and mini-storage facility on Dundee Road in Winter Haven, installed 213 solar panels on his roof last summer.
Between the panels and high-efficiency LED lighting, Cook said he has eliminated a $1,500 monthly power bill and racked up credits with Tampa Electric through an energy-sharing incentive program.
"The last four months, TECO owes us money," Cook said. "We couldn't be happier."
Cambridge Cove apartments, off Mall Hill Road in Lakeland, recently flipped the switch on an array of panels mounted atop the complex's carports, supplying power to the main office and common areas.
Cambridge's owner, Winter Park-based Atlantic Housing Partners, has installed solar systems at two other complexes in Central Florida, and has three more in the permitting stage.
"We're designing systems for other communities that haven't come online yet," said Scott Culp, Atlantic's executive vice president. "We want to be out ahead of the technology."
The list goes on. Mulberry-based Community First Credit Union will soon finish work on a new South Lakeland branch that features a roof blanketed with solar panels.
Earlier this month, TECO announced plans for a solar plant near Mulberry that will have the capacity to power more than 3,400 homes.
In addition, Lakeland Electric has signed an agreement with Maryland firm Sun Edison to install more than 80 solar power systems here during the next decade.
Sun Edison will front all installation costs and sell the energy to Lakeland Electric, said Jeff Curry, the utility's alternative-energy coordinator.
Some of the systems could be mounted on the roofs of local businesses, which would receive credits on their power bills.
Yet in many cases solar remains a tough sell, with price tags stretching into tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of dollars.
Cook, the Winter Haven businessman, said he spent about $50,000 on his system, after incentives. Atlantic spent roughly $500,000 total for the carports and panels at Cambridge Cove, Culp said.
But "the capital cost of buying and installing systems is diving exponentially," said Reedy, of UCF's Florida Solar Energy Center.
That's mainly because of a surge in demand and sales of solar technology.
In the United States, shipments of photovoltaic components more than doubled between 2005 and 2007, following a federal tax credit that went into effect in January 2006, according to the government's Energy Information Administration.
A $5 million budget for solar rebates in Florida - earning commercial adopters up to $100,000 apiece - was completely expended last year after it attracted a "large volume" of applications, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said.
Both Reedy and Curry say they expect solar to be priced competitively with coal power within the next decade, especially as higher sales volumes lead to lower prices. Reedy said that could happen by 2015, if not sooner.
Curry said a Lakeland Electric program that gives credits to solar users had just five participants, both commercial and residential, two years ago, but has nearly tripled since then.
"We all recognize that legislators are breathing heavy when it comes to renewable energy," Curry said. "We know it's becoming a cultural requirement."
JCP&L New Jersey solar proposal gets approval
MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY: Jersey Central Power & Light's (JCP&L) proposal to help increase the pace of solar energy project development in the state has been approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).
The JCP&L program will establish long-term agreements to purchase and sell Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) to provide a basis for financing solar generation projects in the company's service area.
JCP&L expects the plan to support the phase-in of around 42 MW of solar generating capacity over the next three years to meet Renewable Portfolio Standards through 2012. This is enough to power about 32,000 homes.
JCP&L will seek proposals for SREC purchase agreements with terms of 10 to 15 years, and will solicit proposals through a series of Requests For Proposals (RFPs). JCP&L will work through an independent RFP manager to perform solicitations. SRECs purchased through the contracts will then be sold to energy suppliers through an auction process, and revenues from the sales will be used to offset program costs.
Only projects that have been approved by the Office of Clean Energy as being qualified to receive credit for SREC generation will be eligible to participate. One SREC represents the solar renewable energy attributes of one MW/h of generation from a solar generating facility that has been certified by the BPU office of Clean Energy. The BPU had asked all the state's electric delivery companies to submit SREC-based financing plans with the goal of providing a predictable cash flow for solar generation projects.
The JCP&L program will establish long-term agreements to purchase and sell Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) to provide a basis for financing solar generation projects in the company's service area.
JCP&L expects the plan to support the phase-in of around 42 MW of solar generating capacity over the next three years to meet Renewable Portfolio Standards through 2012. This is enough to power about 32,000 homes.
JCP&L will seek proposals for SREC purchase agreements with terms of 10 to 15 years, and will solicit proposals through a series of Requests For Proposals (RFPs). JCP&L will work through an independent RFP manager to perform solicitations. SRECs purchased through the contracts will then be sold to energy suppliers through an auction process, and revenues from the sales will be used to offset program costs.
Only projects that have been approved by the Office of Clean Energy as being qualified to receive credit for SREC generation will be eligible to participate. One SREC represents the solar renewable energy attributes of one MW/h of generation from a solar generating facility that has been certified by the BPU office of Clean Energy. The BPU had asked all the state's electric delivery companies to submit SREC-based financing plans with the goal of providing a predictable cash flow for solar generation projects.
Nightfall Comes to Solar Land
A YEAR AGO, REFINED silicon for solar cells cost 450 bucks a kilo on the spot market. You can have it today for closer to 100 and if you wait a month it may be cheaper still. Thanks to the workings of international capitalism, the 90% margins available in last year's market spurred silicon-factory expansions around the planet. But the new supply arrived just as end-market demand for solar panels got eclipsed by faltering government incentives, lower oil prices and the world financial freeze.
Cheaper solar silicon is of course a great thing for the planet's living creatures. But solar companies and investors who planned for silicon that was scarce and high-priced must adjust their business models for a glut that looms larger than most anyone expected. New government subsidies will help in the U.S. and in China, which energized solar stocks last week with a plan to help China's struggling photovoltaic industry. Lower prices will also stimulate sales volumes as solar panels become cost-competitive with fossil-fueled power. The question is whether solar energy's volume producers will end up resembling the high-margined Intel or the profitless memory-chip makers. "An industry with 30 suppliers would be a nightmare," says analyst Dan Ries of the brokerage firm Collins Stewart. The "flash-memory market managed to be a nightmare with just 2½ suppliers."
The memory-chip analogy seems most apt. Barron's duly warned readers last summer ("Forecast: Clouds With Sunshine," July 21) that supply/demand shifts would hit silicon producers like MEMC Electronic Materials (ticker: WFR), which subsequently lost two-thirds of its value. But we supposed that some solar power firms would escape harm. Now it looks as if silicon panels could become so cheap that they even take share from technologies that were lower-cost substitutes -- namely, the "thin film" solar panels promoted by First Solar (FSLR) and Energy Conversion Devices (ENER).
A key selling point of thin-film panels is their reduced use of costly materials like silicon: a 97% reduction, in most thin-film technologies. Now that silicon is cheaper, First Solar is hustling around to investor conferences explaining how it aims to fly under silicon's descending cloud ceiling (see the bottom chart to the left). Some silicon panels have already become cheaper than the products of Energy Conversion. Sadly, First Solar's margins and its premium stock multiple of 22 times this year's estimates seem fated to decline. Energy Conversion will likely revert to the losses that dogged it for almost 50 years, leaving little solid value in the 15.77 stock except its net cash of $3.30 a share. Neither company responded to our repeated inquiries aboutcheap silicon.
From the start of the transistor era in the 1950s, the price of purified silicon mainly rose and fell with the tides of the semiconductor industry. Then in 2003, Germany jump-started a worldwide solar boom with an environmental imperative that its utilities subsidize solar-power providers. That one nation's utility customers underwrote half the world's solar panel sales until 2008, when even richer incentives appeared in Spain. In just August and September of last year, Spain's solar developers hooked up over a gigawatt of solar modules -- equivalent to the output of a small nuclear plant. "Spain last year was essentially Germany on steroids," says Daniel Englander, a researcher with Greentech Media. "They were willing to pay a euro per watt more than the Germans were...which totally messed-up pricing."
Those guarantees sent developers scrambling for solar panels, and sent solar-panel makers like SunPower (SPWRA), Q-Cells (QCEL) and Suntech Power (STP) scrambling for silicon. In the three years through June of last year, module maker Yingli Green Energy (YGE) reported that its contract price for silicon rose over 400%. It was a heady time to be a silicon refiner. With production costs of $30 to $40 per kilo, sales at spot- market prices of $450 could yield 90% margins for low-cost producers like Hemlock Semiconductor (a joint venture of Dow Corning and Japanese partners), Wacker-Chemie (WCH.Germany) or MEMC. Cash-flow margins for Munich-based Wacker rose last year from 40% to 50%. Even a new manufacturer like China's GCL Silicon Technology Holdings showed gross margins of more than 75% when it filed a registration to come public in the U.S.
Cheaper solar silicon is of course a great thing for the planet's living creatures. But solar companies and investors who planned for silicon that was scarce and high-priced must adjust their business models for a glut that looms larger than most anyone expected. New government subsidies will help in the U.S. and in China, which energized solar stocks last week with a plan to help China's struggling photovoltaic industry. Lower prices will also stimulate sales volumes as solar panels become cost-competitive with fossil-fueled power. The question is whether solar energy's volume producers will end up resembling the high-margined Intel or the profitless memory-chip makers. "An industry with 30 suppliers would be a nightmare," says analyst Dan Ries of the brokerage firm Collins Stewart. The "flash-memory market managed to be a nightmare with just 2½ suppliers."
The memory-chip analogy seems most apt. Barron's duly warned readers last summer ("Forecast: Clouds With Sunshine," July 21) that supply/demand shifts would hit silicon producers like MEMC Electronic Materials (ticker: WFR), which subsequently lost two-thirds of its value. But we supposed that some solar power firms would escape harm. Now it looks as if silicon panels could become so cheap that they even take share from technologies that were lower-cost substitutes -- namely, the "thin film" solar panels promoted by First Solar (FSLR) and Energy Conversion Devices (ENER).
A key selling point of thin-film panels is their reduced use of costly materials like silicon: a 97% reduction, in most thin-film technologies. Now that silicon is cheaper, First Solar is hustling around to investor conferences explaining how it aims to fly under silicon's descending cloud ceiling (see the bottom chart to the left). Some silicon panels have already become cheaper than the products of Energy Conversion. Sadly, First Solar's margins and its premium stock multiple of 22 times this year's estimates seem fated to decline. Energy Conversion will likely revert to the losses that dogged it for almost 50 years, leaving little solid value in the 15.77 stock except its net cash of $3.30 a share. Neither company responded to our repeated inquiries aboutcheap silicon.
From the start of the transistor era in the 1950s, the price of purified silicon mainly rose and fell with the tides of the semiconductor industry. Then in 2003, Germany jump-started a worldwide solar boom with an environmental imperative that its utilities subsidize solar-power providers. That one nation's utility customers underwrote half the world's solar panel sales until 2008, when even richer incentives appeared in Spain. In just August and September of last year, Spain's solar developers hooked up over a gigawatt of solar modules -- equivalent to the output of a small nuclear plant. "Spain last year was essentially Germany on steroids," says Daniel Englander, a researcher with Greentech Media. "They were willing to pay a euro per watt more than the Germans were...which totally messed-up pricing."
Those guarantees sent developers scrambling for solar panels, and sent solar-panel makers like SunPower (SPWRA), Q-Cells (QCEL) and Suntech Power (STP) scrambling for silicon. In the three years through June of last year, module maker Yingli Green Energy (YGE) reported that its contract price for silicon rose over 400%. It was a heady time to be a silicon refiner. With production costs of $30 to $40 per kilo, sales at spot- market prices of $450 could yield 90% margins for low-cost producers like Hemlock Semiconductor (a joint venture of Dow Corning and Japanese partners), Wacker-Chemie (WCH.Germany) or MEMC. Cash-flow margins for Munich-based Wacker rose last year from 40% to 50%. Even a new manufacturer like China's GCL Silicon Technology Holdings showed gross margins of more than 75% when it filed a registration to come public in the U.S.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Texas hopes to become a leader in solar energy
Texas lawmakers are considering legislation that would significantly increase incentives for solar power. More than 50 bills currently before the legislature promote the use of solar power, including one measure that would allow local governments to provide a property-tax financing program for solar power. Meanwhile, some business owners have cautioned lawmakers against subsidizing solar energy at the expense of residential, commercial and industrial consumers.
Source: http://www.smartbrief.com/news/nrca/storyDetails.jsp?issueid=CB4F9D43-2CF1-42B8-92A4-1A7CB8DBE6DA©id=8EF6D255-C6E2-44FA-8305-27FEBF19B2EA
Source: http://www.smartbrief.com/news/nrca/storyDetails.jsp?issueid=CB4F9D43-2CF1-42B8-92A4-1A7CB8DBE6DA©id=8EF6D255-C6E2-44FA-8305-27FEBF19B2EA
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