Robert Lieberman has joined Spire Corp. as corporate controller, bringing more than 25 years of manufacturing and distribution experience to the role. As corporate controller, he will be shouldered with responsibility for Spire’s financial dealings, and working on improving existing processes and business efficiencies.
RF and DC power supplier Comdel, Inc. has applied its experience to the photovoltaics industry and has been tapped to supply its CXH 50k 40MHz generator for solar applications to an unnamed Korean solar company. The CXH generator is one of the highest frequency and power generators for solar applications, and will be used in the production of glass-type solar cells.
South Africa-based solar panel and component provider Solar Vision, a former wholly-owned subsidiary of REC Group, has been sold through a management buyout. Following the decision that Solar Vision was no longer considered to be a core business for the Norway-based company, the Solar Vision was divested through a management buyout.
With outline plans for three 242MW solar thermal power plants, the recent signing of power purchase agreements between Solar Millennium, LLC, and Southern California Edison is a boon for California’s solar industry. The agreements detail the construction of two 242MW solar thermal plants, with the option to proceed with the third, subject to approval of the California Public Utilities Commission. Operation of the three parabolic trough solar power projects is expected to begin in 2013-14.
Despatch Industries’ infrared firing furnace has received a patent, bringing the company’s patent portfolio to over 30, both domestic and international. The firing furnace, while used mainly for the solar cell manufacturing process, it can, says the company, be used in a variety of industries for heating/treating applications of any material that can benefit from controlled infrared radiation.
Focussing its research capabilities on the thin-film sector, LG Display is looking to the future of solar energy with its recent investment of 50 billion won ($40 million) in a pilot line and testing facility for solar cells. The pilot line will be built in LG’s Paju display complex in Korea later this year, while an outdoor test power generation facility will also be constructed at the site.
Solar Power, Inc. (SPI) has completed a supply agreement for a total of 2MW of solar modules with Germany-based residential and commercial solar installers Bayer and Raach. SPI will supply 1MW of 200W panels and 1MW of its proprietary SkyMount commercial mounting systems for minimal commercial rooftop applications. The cost and delivery times of the agreement were not disclosed.
American Electric Power Ohio has inked a long-term deal that will see the company purchase all of the energy produced by a 10.08MW solar power plant that is planned to begin construction in Ohio in November 2009. The 20-year agreement with juwi subsidiary Wyandot Solar LLC adds to AEP’s existing renewables portfolio and is the first commercial solar-based acquisition.
China Sunergy Co., Ltd. has signed a 6-year framework agreement with Renergies Italia for delivery of 53MW of solar cells. The framework agreement includes a 3MW solar cell sales contract for delivery during 2009. The remaining 50MW will be conveyed to the Italian module manufacturer between 2010 and 2014, with each year seeing between 5 and 15MW of solar cells changing hands.
Acting as financier, and engineering, procurement and construction services provider, Scheuten Solar has signed up to work with Solesa Green Power for the development and maintenance of several PV power plants in Italy, totaling at least 5MWp per annum.
