By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) - 25 October 2012, 10:15
In News, Thin Film, CIGS, PV Modules, Power Generation

Topaz marks milestone with millionth PV unit

MidAmerican and First Solar install millionth PV unit at Topaz. Image credit: First Solar

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MidAmerican Solar and First Solar, developers of the 550MW Topaz solar farm in California, have installed the project’s millionth PV unit.

This marks a significant milestone in the development of Topaz, which will eventually feature up to 9 million individual modules.

Paul Caudhill, President of MidAmercian Solar, said: “The installation of the one millionth module is a major accomplishment for everyone involved with the project.”

Construction work began on site late 2011, with the first module installed in May this year. The project is due for completion in 2015, after which Pacific Gas and Electric Company will buy the electricity generated by the plant on a 25-year power purchase agreement.

The electricity generated by the Topaz project is expected to displace approximately 377,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Congrats on hitting all of the non-issues in one short post. Not one of them is true so you must be a hopeful short seller to say such nonsense. PS, You left out UFOs from the list.

Posted by Resourceguy on 2012-11-15 18:24:43

FS is no longer in the business of selling modules. They develop and sell solar projects. Now WFR and GCL do projects. Soon they all will. But FS will have the Cadmium toxicity issue, and the Tellurium supply issue and the 1% per year degradation issue. FS has about two years of clear sailing and then it's going to get rough out there.

Posted by Robert Sheperd on 2012-11-09 06:52:29

Forgot to mention the land use restrictions on Topaz that are outrageous that is not factored into Robert's simple calculation and it would be nuts to not mention they have to give away the entire site after the project life period for conservancy. Only in California---I hope.

Posted by Resourceguy on 2012-11-05 20:58:17

@ Robert: FS modules improve over time to lower the land use as was the case in some Canadian projects from early permit plan to construction phase. Panel cost for FS is approaching 60 cents per watt and more tech on the way in 2013. They make money while the others lose it and go under. You might want to do a little more research before performing simple math next time. BOS cost is rapidly falling and single pivot lowest cost trackers are also in play. The LCOE target of $100-140 per Mwh is reachable. Go get the free presentation from Nov. 1, or continue the head scratching.

Posted by Resourceguy on 2012-11-05 20:55:06

Incredible. 9 Million modules to do 550MW. 550/9 = 61W per module or about 1/4 the typical 240W C-Si module. Installing 4 times as many modules has to add to BOS costs. It will be hard for First Solar to compete in the long run as C-Si efficiencies improve and land costs (and/or maximizing the output of government land) are taken into account.

Posted by Robert Sheperd on 2012-10-26 03:26:28

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Topaz marks milestone with millionth PV unit

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