Strong demand for solar installations across multiple markets such as Europe, U.S., Japan, and China but especially Germany has forced market research firm Solarbuzz to increase its forecast for the solar industry in 2010. The firm has also made upward adjustments to its 2009 final installation figures to 7.5GW, compared to its previous projection of 7.3GW, issued in April.
Product Briefing Outline: Kemper has extended its family of dual-axis tracking system for photovoltaic (PV) modules, and includes a larger ‘KemTrack’ 120 system, capable of handling a combined module area of 120 square meters. The construction is torsion-free, extremely robust and durable and modular in construction.
Being held in conjunction with the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), in Valencia, Spain, during the second week of September, the PV Production Forum 2010 will be part of the 25th EU PVSEC/WPEC-5. Having been organized by the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA), the one-day PV production-focused conference program has now been made available.
With a current capacity of only 20MW, CIS (copper indium selenide) thin-film manufacturer Avancis has broken ground on a new 100MW plant in Torgau, Germany. The company will ramp the facility in the first quarter of 2012, using its third-generation cell process technology, which achieved 15.1% efficiency (30 x 30 cm², fully encapsulated CIS solar module) in January. The company announced plans in early June.
Product Briefing Outline: ISRA Vision has introduced an advanced optical multi-panel inspection system called Powerscan for automated inspection of glass, surface, and laminates for the photovoltaic industry. Based on its standardised modules and software, ISRA has developed a special system setup to inspect thin-film solar modules right after lamination.
French retailer, Casino Group has again selected SunPower to supply modules for rooftop and parking area at its retail properties in France. The two companies had previously collaborated in 2009, which amounted to 15MW of installs. In total 18 properties will have been fitted with modules. However, Casino Group has 11,000 stores in 9 countries of which 9,031 are located in France.
Construction was said to have commenced on three solar photovoltaic projects totalling 36MW in Ontario, by EDF Energies Nouvelles. Two projects (12MW each) are to use Suntech c-Si modules while a third PV power plant will use CdTe thin film modules from First Solar. All three plants are expected to be grid connected by the end of the year. White Construction Canada is the general contractor for EDF EN Canada, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles.
Lagofrio Energy Solutions (LES), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TinSol Energy (TSEL) South Africa, has placed a US$210 million contract with Fidelis Energy to Supply 93MW of PV modules for several solar parks across Africa. Fidelis will begin shipments during the first quarter of 2011 as its module plant in China is expected to come on-stream during the fourth quarter of 2010.
Five-years after starting production of its copper-indium-sulfide (CIS) thin-film solar modules, Berlin-based Sulfurcell plans to set-up a North American network of system integrators and installers. As with the perceived consumer concerns for more aesthetic looking PV modules, Sulfurcell believes its ‘black-tile aesthetics’ will prove popular in that market. Sulfurcell will be offering framed, frameless, and roof-integrated modules.
Germanium solar cell substrate producer Sylarus Technologies has entered into a long-term germanium feedstock supply and recycling agreement with 5N Plus. The deal is supported by 5N Plus agreeing to the subscription of a convertible debt in Sylarus, which in turn supports the substrate manufacturers' expansion plans.
