SolarSummary: February 11-17, 2003

by Kirsten Elder

Companies in the news

Bekaert Energy Conversion Devices

First Solar Konarka Technologies

Kyocera MSK Corporation

Rohwedder AG RWE Solutions

New Products

Japan-based MSK Corporation has officially launched its new range of high-efficiency crystalline solar modules on the international market, having completed the IEC 61215 and Safety Class II certification process. The new range comprises three sizes in mono and polycrystalline silicon, giving a total of six modules. The largest in terms of power is the 180W monocrystalline model, which has a module efficiency of 14.2 percent and is aimed primarily at grid-tied projects. (Solarbuzz.com, 17/02/03)

Applications

Nine high schools in northeastern Wisconsin have been selected to receive the SolarWise for Schools educational program from WPS Community Foundation, Inc. Over the next two years, these schools will receive 2 kW solar-electric systems on their rooftops and a three-week curriculum package to explore Renewable Energy resources and the use of solar power. These nine high schools join 23 others already participating in the SolarWise program, bringing the total to 32. (SolarAccess.com, 12/02/03)

Markets

The state-owned Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has announced a contract with the German company, RWE Solutions, to install a 500 kW photovoltaic system. The new plant will be the first substantial PV plant in Thailand and one of the largest in South East Asia. EGAT is also reported to have plans for future development of six solar power plants that will have a combined capacity of 4,750 MW in Maehongsorn province. (Solarbuzz.com, 13/02/03)

As part of the Fijian governments long-standing policy to develop renewable energy projects, the Department of Energy has stated that it spent $1 million last year on the installation of 300 solar systems on Vanua Levu. (Fiji Live via Solarbuzz.com, 12/02/03)

The US Company, El Paso will inaugurate a new solar energy electrification system in isolated communities in Paraty (Rio de Janeiro State). Almost 130 families – more than 1,000 people – will have access to electricity for the first time. El Paso invested more than R$1mil (over $277,000) in the project as part of its wider portfolio to increase investment in alternative electric power generation in the state. (SABI via Solarbuzz.com, 17/02/03)

Investments and Finance

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) announces that it has received 19 pre-applications, representing 24 separate projects, in response to its Solar Photovoltaic Program, created to stimulate the PV market and demonstrate the use of PV systems as a viable, distributed power-generation resource in Connecticut. The range in size of proposed projects was from 600 watts to 120 kW and represents total Solar PV capacity of 523 kW. The total amount of funding requested from these projects totalled $3.6 million. (Solarbuzz.com, 12/02/03)

Sustainable Development Technology Canada, a $100 million clean technology fund, has announced the launch of its Third Round of funding. SDTC is a funding organisation mandated to foster the rapid development, demonstration and commercialisation of innovative technological solutions, which address climate change and air quality. The Foundation is an initiative of the Government of Canada, and operates as an arm’s-length, not-for-profit Corporation. (Clean Edge, 13/02/03)

The Pacific International Center of High Technology Research, a Hawaii-based t research group, is being awarded $361,000 from the Japanese government to provide solar home systems to Pacific Island areas in need. The award stems from an agreement made between former US President Ronald Reagan and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone in 1985 for cooperative technology research and development in Hawaii that benefits Asian and Pacific countries. Since the agreement was signed, the Japanese government has awarded nearly $12.4 million to PICHTR. (Pacific Business News via Solarbuzz.com, 12/02/03)

Policy and Incentives

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has announced rebate offers for companies and individuals who install and use solar photovoltaics as part of the state’s Clean Energy Program. The board, which regulates the state’s utility companies, said it would provide up to 70 percent of the costs to install PV systems that produce less than 10 kW of electricity. Systems that produce between 10 kW and 1 MW are eligible for up to a 60 percent rebate on PV system costs. Any system greater than 1 MW will only receive funding incentives up to a maximum of one megawatt of funding. (Solarbuzz.com, 12/02/03)

< FONT color=#800000 size=4>Elsewhere in Solar

The North Carolina Solar Center has launched a new, enhanced website. In addition to more in-depth information about its programs, research and services, the new site features downloadable fact sheets and research papers on a variety of renewable energy technologies, reflecting the NC Solar Center’s expanding mission. (Solarbuzz.com, 14/02/03)

Corporate News

Bekaert has advised Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) that Bekaert will not provide any additional funds to the Bekaert ECD Solar Systems/United Solar joint venture beyond March 2003, in order to focus on its core businesses. ECD has confirmed it is in discussions with potential new equity investors, who will advance its thin-film technology represented by its new 30MW manufacturing facility, to meet the joint ventures’ future cash requirements, as well as discussing restructuring of the joint ventures. (Business Wire via Solarbuzz.com, 14/02/03)

Konarka Technologies, Inc., an innovator in the development of flexible, polymer and nanoparticle-based PV technology, has acquired Quantum Solar Energy Linz, based in Linz, Austria, from Linz AG, the regional utility company. The company has been re-named Konarka Austria Forschungs- u. EntwicklungsgesmbH (Forschungs- u. Entwicklungs is translated as Research and Development). With this acquisition, Konarka is the worldwide leader in organic photovoltaics. (Clean Edge, 11/02/03)

A semiconductor plant in Toledo, Ohio is about to get $20 million in new manufacturing equipment intended to increase capacity fivefold by 2005. Phoenix-based First Solar LLC, which took over the project four years ago, plans to start the project in late March. One phase will include construction of a semiconductor layer-coating and heat strengthening system by the German firm Rohwedder AG. (Toledo Blade via Solarbuzz.com, 17/02/03)

Kyocera Solar, Inc. has been chosen by Siemens Communications to provide solar-powered systems for telecommunication projects in Ethiopia and Uganda. The photovoltaic systems will power large microwave stations, manufactured by Siemens Mobile Communications SpA, allowing Ethiopia Telecommunications Corporation to expand its network to reach 54 new sites in Ethiopia. Three additional PV systems will power telecommunications projects in Uganda. (Solarbuzz.com, 11/02/03)

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