Your daily dose of Photovoltaic Technology Developments and Solar News

Smit Ovens today announced that it has passed the 2 gigawatt peak (GWp) milestone equivalent for sales of its customized ovens in the solar energy industry. The 2 GWp figure represents the output capacity of cells that can be manufactured in one year with Smit Oven's delivered systems. Reaching this milestone reflects the company's strong sales in the solar sector, and the successful completion of 32 installations for leading manufacturers of thin-film photovoltaics around the world Read more >>

A major solar manufacturing company that officials are comparing in size to Intel is looking at sites along the Price Road Corridor in Chandler, said Economic Development Director Christine Mackay.She and Barry Broome, president and chief executive of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council say the firm's decision to build in this area could have a significant positive impact on the Valley's economy.Among the sites being considered is the 153-acre Motorolaparcel near Price and Queen Creek roads, Mackay said. Read more >>

Photovoltaic cell component manufacturer Solargiga Energy Holdings Limited (757.HK) saw profit jump 170.8% year-on-year to RMB 194.9 million, while revenues rose 76.2% to RMB 685.5 million in the first half of 2008. Read more >>

Pricing for solar modules in 2009 are likely to drop 10%-15% in 2009, with supply and demand largely in balance, according to Cowen analyst Robert Stone. Read more >>

Green Mountain Energy Company this week made good on its commitment to cooperate with the Florida Public Service Commission's (FPSC) review of Florida Power & Light's (FPL) Sunshine Energyprogram (Program). Green Mountain released a comprehensive report on its revenue and expenses for the voluntary green power program. Green Mountain also shared confidential financial records with a team of FPSC auditors at the company's Austin, Texas headquarters. The detailed report is available upon request. Read more >>

EDF Energies Nouvelles on Friday announced plans for a 500 million euro ($737 million) rights issue aimed at expanding into solar activities alongside its wind power business.It said state-controlled power group EDF and Mouratoglou Group will subscribe to their 75.1 percent stake.The company has a target of 4,000 MegaWatt in net capacity, all segments combined, by year-end 2012, including 500 MWp in solar capacity. Read more >>

For 40 years or so, the price of solar panels fell steadily, as volumes grew and technology improved. But in 2004 Germany enormously increased subsidies for solar power, prompting a surge in demand. The supply of pure silicon, the main component of most solar cells, did not keep pace. Its price rose from $25 a kilogram in 2003 to as much as $250 this year, abruptly halting the downward march in the price of panels. If making energy from sunlight is ever to become as cheap as burning fossil fuels, the price of silicon will have to fall. Read more >>

Seattle-based Cooler Planet ( www.coolerplanet.com) announced today its 10,000th solar customer consultation since launching the service last year -- a significant feat given the total national market for photovoltaic solar installations was estimated as 26,000 in 2007.The company provides free online assessment tools, educational resources, and consultation services to home and business owners considering solar installations. Cooler Planet also partners with a network of solar installers across the country and connects them with pre-screened customers from their area. Read more >>

AVA Solar, an advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer located in Fort Collins, Colorado, announced today it has completed its second institutional equity round of financing. This $104 million funding was led by DCM and included new investors Technology Partners, GLG Partners and Bohemian Companies, LLC as well as prior investors, including Invus, LP. The funds will be used to complete AVA Solar's first production facility in Longmont, Colorado, which will have the capacity to produce 200 megawatts of PV modules annually. Read more >>

More than a thousand solar panels are to be set up on land seized from the Mafia in Sicily, officials said Wednesday.''In place of abandoned villas and farmland we're providing development,'' said the mayor of the town of Campobello di Mazara, Ciro Carava', stressing that the 1,320 panels would provide valuable cash for Mafia-hit firms after the power it produces is fed into the local system.''The money will be put into a municipal fund to finance small businesses run by families who have lost relatives to the Mob or been the victims of extortion rackets,'' he said. Read more >>