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on December 13th, 2011% ![]()
Motech Industries has already seen an upswing in enquiries from Chinese module-producers.
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) gave a preliminary judgement last week that China’s solar cell and module manufacturers had hurt US-based competitors through unfair trade practices.
It is now up to the US Department of Commerce (DOC) to determine – possibly as soon as 12 January – whether alleged illegal subsidies and dumping occurred, and if so, the tariffs to be imposed on cell and module imports from China.
Motech senior marketing director James Chen says he is already seeing “a lot of Chinese companies making enquiries with us” – probably in anticipation of US tariffs on Chinese solar imports.
“I don’t know if it’s seasonality or because of the anti-dumping. But I think the anti-dumping case more or less has some impact,” he tells Recharge on the sidelines of the Intersolar Beijing event.
Chen says the enquiries are coming from larger Chinese module-makers – including some in the nation’s top ten – as well as smaller firms.
“People are still waiting to see what the outcome is and how much the tariffs are before making a decision,” he adds.
Chen suggests that Chinese companies may be interested in buying Motech cells to ship to a module-maker in a third country, or to a manufacturing plant outside China, as a way of avoiding anti-dumping duties.
Motech has 1.5GW of cell production capacity. It could also produce modules for Chinese firms though its capacity is small, at less than 100MW.
Other Taiwanese cell-makers such as Gintech and NeoSolar could also benefit from any US anti-dumping action.
Motech sells its cells at prices “on a par” with first-tier Chinese companies, says Chen, with US and European panel-makers currently its main customers.
The company’s production costs are, however, higher than its Chinese counterparts, largely because of import taxes on raw materials such as polysilicon brought in from China.
Motech’s revenues for January-September reached NT$24.269bn ($805m), a 7% decrease on the same period of last year. gross margin fell to 2.3% from 30% in the first nine months of 2010.
on December 11th, 2011% ![]()
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Nov 28, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) –BioSolar, inc. /quotes/zigman/6032615 BSRC 0.00% , developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, today reported that the company will present BioBacksheet integrated PV panels at the GovGreen Conference held in Washington DC later this week. The panels were produced by four PV manufacturers that are currently considering commercial use of BioBacksheet.
GovGreen ( govgreen.org ) is the marketplace for government purchase decision makers looking for green solutions. BioBacksheet is currently the only USDA certified PV backsheet for preferred purchasing by federal government agencies.
“BioSolar’s highest priority right now is assisting its prospective PV panel manufacturing customers to integrate BioBacksheet into their panels for full panel UL certification,” said Dr. Stanley Levy, the company’s Chief Technology Officer. “Another important priority is helping those solar panel manufacturers who seek additional evidence that BioBacksheet will remain intact after prolonged exposure to various harmful environmental effects such as ionizing UV radiation.”
Consistent with BioSolar’s much better than average industry test results, a recent UV exposure test has revealed that the resilience of BioBacksheet in the presence of destructive UV radiation is markedly better than traditional multi-layer laminated backsheets currently used by the PV industry today.
BioBacksheet was exposed to testing that is equivalent to 10 years of solar exposure and displayed no detectable changes. in direct contrast, competing multi-layer backsheet laminates usually experience degradation in the adhesives used to hold the layers together, increasing the risk of inter-layer delamination that can lead to the loss of solar panel’s hermetic seal against moisture. Should the seal fail, solar PV panel manufacturers might be faced with the time, expense and inconvenience of replacing panels under warranty.
Dr. David Lee, the company’s CEO, commented, “PV panel manufacturers are quickly learning that BioBacksheet is more robust than traditional multi-layer backsheets, as well as being a truly green product. BioBacksheet presents a highly attractive proposition to those PV panel manufacturers seeking ways to improve their products and reduce costs.”
About BioSolar, inc.
BioSolar, inc. has developed a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that will reduce the cost per watt of solar cells. Most of the solar industry is focused on photovoltaic efficiency to reduce cost. BioSolar is the first company to introduce a new dimension of cost reduction by replacing petroleum-based plastic solar cell components with durable bio-based materials. to learn more about BioSolar, please visit our website at biosolar.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. these forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. these include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.
SOURCE: BioSolar, inc.
Beckerman Eric Fischgrund, 201-465-8008 (Press) efischgrund@beckermanpr.com or BioSolar, inc. Tom Becker, 877-904-3733 (Investor Relations) ir@biosolar.com
Copyright Business Wire 2011
on December 10th, 2011% ![]()
SHANGHAI – Applied Materials Inc, the global leader in providing equipment, services and software for the manufacture of advanced semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic (PV) products, announced that Ruey-Bin Kao was named president of Applied Materials China, effective Dec 5, 2011.
Based in Shanghai, Kao will be responsible for the formulation of sustainable growth strategies and the management of Applied Materials’ regional business units and support functions in China. he will also strive to elevate Applied’s corporate brand in this critical market by enhancing its relationship with the government, customers and other partners in the Chinese energy, display and semiconductor industries.
“Ruey-Bin brings a wealth of industry and technology experience to the team, as well as effective cross-cultural management skills developed in the US and Asia for more than 25 years,” said Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials. “I believe he will provide the leadership and vision needed to deliver a strong country strategy for our continued growth and success in China, which is one of our top priority markets.”
Kao joins Applied Materials from Hewlett Packard China, where he served as managing director and vice president of Enterprise Business, with responsibility for driving revenue and profitability and identifying growth opportunities. Previously, he served as chairman of the Motorola Asia-Pacific Business Council and chairman of Motorola (China) Electronics Ltd. Additionally, Kao holds directorships in Shenhua Group Corp Ltd, a diversified energy enterprise, and Want-Want China Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong-listed company.
“Applied Materials has been widely recognized as a leader in nano-manufacturing technology, and I am thrilled to join a company that’s literally turning innovations into industries in solar energy, display and semiconductor manufacturing,” Kao said. “The Chinese government has laid out ambitious plans to make energy efficiency and renewable energy generation important elements of its overall energy solution. We will continue to work closely with local solar industry partners to significantly grow this market and help reduce the cost of solar energy.”
Kao holds a bachelor of science degree in computer science from Tam-Kang University in Taiwan, China; a master of science degree in computer and information science from the University of Delaware and another advanced degree in business administration from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Applied Materials has maintained a strong presence in China since 1984, when the company became the first chip equipment company to open a service and support center in the country. Applied Materials is now one of the leading suppliers of chip and solar PV manufacturing equipment and services in China. Applied Materials Xi’an Solar Technology Center is the worlds’ largest non-government-owned center for solar cell research and development, demonstration and training. The company has more than 800 employees in China and operates 12 sales, service, training and support centers across the country.
on December 2nd, 2011% ![]()
Thinking about taking the jump and making your own home solar power panels? Solar kits have been around for some time but it has only been recently that home owners have taken matters into their own hands and looked seriously at how to make their own solar power setup. Why would anyone want to make own solar power setup? Can’t you just buy them from retailers or shops? while this is true, the disadvantage is that solar configurations purchased from commercial vendors are extremely expensive. You can literally save thousands of dollars by making your own. they are also much easier to make than what you might think.
Many home owners spend up to $20k on commercial solar kits. this is obviously a lot of money and many home owners would be hard pressed to be able to justify such a high expense. the good news is that you don’t have to spend this kind of money to have access to solar power from your own home. making solar power kits is easy to do and you’ll be able to save a considerable amount of money doing it yourself. a single solar panel can be bought for less than $100 and this will allow you to start making power straight away. All that is required is a solar panel, a battery and a DC meter.
These basic parts can be found at almost any local hardware store. There’s no need to special order them. Once you’ve got the solar panel, you’ll also need to purchase a battery. this will be used to store electricity made by your solar panel. I’d recommend a 12 volt battery for those who are just starting out. a DC meter is also required to convert the power generated by your solar power panel into AC power that most home appliances use. Once you’ve got these parts you are almost done.
Simply connect the DC meter to your battery using insulated wires. Once you’ve done this you are ready to start making your own home power. Solar panels works best with direct sunlight and you’ll need to find a place around your house that has access to as much sunlight as possible. how long will it take to charge the 12 volt battery? You’ll need at least 8 hours to fully charge the battery. You are now ready to start powering your own home appliances and saving money on your power bill.
It really is that simple to make your own home solar power. not only can you get started making your own electricity for under $100, but you can also link these solar power panels together to create more power. this allows you the opportunity save anywhere from 50% and more off your current power bill. if you’d like to know more about making your own home power, visit the DIY solar power website today.
on December 1st, 2011% ![]()
Newswise — Solar power must become more efficient and less expensive to compete with energy produced by fossil fuels. Silicon-based solar cells are the dominant technology in the field, but the widespread adoption of these cells has been slowed by their high costs. Solar cells that use inorganic nanocrystals or “quantum dots” could be a cheaper alternative, but they are generally less efficient at turning solar energy into electricity.
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology researchers have now found a new way to generate an electrical field inside the quantum dots, making them more suitable for building an energy-efficient nanocrystal solar cell.
In their report in the October 9 issue of Nature Materials, Professor Nir Tessler (of the Zisapel Nano-Electronics Center in the Technion Department of Electrical Engineering) and colleagues describe how they “tuned” the electrical properties of quantum dots before testing their capabilities in a model solar cell.
Nanocrystal or quantum dots “are promising materials for low-cost and high efficiency solar cells” due to their unusual electronic properties, Tessler said. For instance, the size of a quantum dot is uniquely correlated to its light absorption, so changing a dot’s size can maximize its ability to harvest light within a solar cell.
To live up to their promise, however, the dots must share electrons efficiently-a feat that has been difficult to control. The Technion study offers a new way to bring an electrical charge to the dots-each about one-millionth the size of the period at the end of this sentence.
Tessler and colleagues were able to generate strong electrical fields within the dots by capping them with two different organic molecules. The chemical groups that attach the molecules to the dots’ surface generate the electrical field, they show.
Tessler said the findings give researchers one more method of controlling the building blocks of nanoelectronics. The dots are produced in an optoelectronic “ink” solution, he noted, which could make them suitable for future applications in “the field of printed electronics that will produce sheets of light or sheets of solar cells.”
The researchers hope to combine these findings along with their previous experiments that mix different kinds of nanocrystals, to discover whether combining the two methods might lead to even more efficient energy production.
The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology is consistently ranked among the world’s leading science and technology universities. Home to three of Israel’s five winners of the Nobel Prize in science, the Technion commands a worldwide reputation for its pioneering work in computer science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy, water-resource management, medicine, drug development, and aerospace. Headquartered in new York City, the American Technion Society (ATS) promotes scientific and technological research and education at the Technion.
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on December 1st, 2011% ![]()
There is many enthusiasm if solar panel systems eventually produced it is technique to your residences. Solar panel technology technology started to be extremely effective inside amassing sunshine, the actual power generators grew to be more streamlined with switching that will vitality directly into electrical power, along with the electric batteries became better around saving individuals created electric power.
Alongside one another, the advance of those parts designed solar panel technology systems useful and compact adequate that they’ll as a final point provide capability to a house. in the long term, actually lots of utility bill price savings as well as carbon dioxide engine performance lowering.
Nevertheless, because of the amazing belongings you might’ve got word of non commercial solar power methods, you can find something they will not tell you. in order to provide the complete picture, ok, i’ll wear out advantages and disadvantages of home solar power panels.
Gain Just one * Endless Provide
The sunlight, no less than to the long run, is usually a everlasting source of power. Compared with non-renewable fuels, natural light does not deplete all of your provide. in need of sunlight loss of life (truth be told, in case the sunshine passed on you won’t require your own residential solar panels regardless), sunshine is an limitless cause of fuel on your solar energy panels you could take advantage of with the very long run.
Advantages Two — Beneficial to our environment
Should you ever acquired the need in order to save the earth, or even value not able to generation x, solar energy panels make you portion of the answer to environmentally friendly turmoil.
Not one other enviromentally friendly disaster requirements a sense of desperation than co2 engine performance (last time We checked we are not however liable to becoming overthrown using garbage, whilst we’re also having in close proximity) along with smog. Putting in solar panels for homes include your behalf within the h2o and emission in addition to smog remedy.
Benefits three or more ( space ) Inexpensive
This is actually the help that attracts probably the most men and women. Residential solar panels are long-lasting, straightforward to sustain, and still provide cost-free energy. What more could you look for right?
For the people positive aspects, there are still down sides you are able to knowledge in the process. these are:
Weakness a person : Attachment to direct sunlight
Your anatomy’s power can be its biggest weak point. mainly because it employs sunshine seeing that gas, it can be dependent on direct sunlight this means with cases whereby the sunlight just isn’t cooperating, you should have inconsistency using your electric powered offer.
Imagine cloudy days and nights, typhoon times, or perhaps through the night once the solar does not stand out because bright. While battery pack techniques usually are enhancing as the years go by, we’re also nonetheless quite some distance to visit before we will store a lot of one’s for years for a sleek and stylish battery.
Negative aspect a couple of – Very first Price
During this period associated with development for your engineering, solar power systems are pricey. the unit is very costly coupled with set up price. You may still find simply no more cost-effective options (apart from proceeding Do-it-yourself) in addition to specialised authorities really need to install the machine to your dwelling.
Nevertheless, I will simply notice these kind of fees sacrificing as economies regarding scale gets control of whenever many people adapt pv technologies within their residence.
Problem several ( space ) Relevance of your house
The main problem in regards to solar energy panels is really because should be suited to your house seamlessly. in the fundamental, you have to have the roof that may take care of the apparatus. It ought to be moved within an angle of which catches sun rays perfectly. Lastly, there shouldn’t be any road blocks between sun rays and also the screen.
on November 30th, 2011% ![]()
Are you an environmental enthusiast? now you can use cleaner and greener form of energy with the help of commercial solar panels. here you can find some of the benefits that you get from commercial solar panels.
Reduce your utility charges
Save time and cut expenses
It is no doubt that a solar panel in your home or office provides countless benefits. By installing commercial panels you will never experience any power shut down and work in your office or company will never get interrupted as a result of power failure. it helps you to save time which means you can get more return every year. Solar energy avoids you high payment of electricity bills. you will also save money on diesel and petrol expenses which are used for your generator. Every month money savings could lead to a huge sum annually. it is obvious that a commercial panel helps to save your time and cut unwanted expenses.
Get incentives and rebates from government
Both local and State Government provides incentives for regularly using solar energy which is a renewable energy. it is a type of motivation to make people use solar energy and maintain a cleaner and greener environment. In some State additional perks are offered along with the regular incentives. Moreover one could also enjoy tax benefits by installing panels, you can deduct up to 30% from your total tax amount.
Low maintenance costs
Solar panels are easy to maintain and the cost involved in it are very low. Solar cells can be renovated or repaired easily and it can be done with less amount of money. A solar battery lasts normally for a period of 7 to 8 years and it varies from one brand to another. you can replace them after that for a minimum cost. most of the battery comes with warranty so that you need not worry about it while using them.
Clean and soundless
Solar energy is the cleaner form of energy and it does not pollute the environment in any way. it does not produce any noise or release smoke. it is no doubt that no one dislike using solar energy because of the wonderful features it possess.
Commercial panels are available in different types so when you select them choose the best according to your requirement and need.
on November 28th, 2011% ![]()
Why Install Solar Panels with Feed in Tariff Uncertainty
Article by Premier Solar
The premium feed in tariff schemes run by the individual state governments of Australia have now closed for new applications in some states and the rest, except for Queensland, are nearing their caps. however installing a solar panel system is beneficial itself even without the premium rates initially paid by the scheme.
The feed in tariff pays eligible solar PV system owners a specific rate for every kilowatt fed back to the grid but if you are not able to apply before your state cap is reached then the key in making electricity cuts rely in installing a system that suffice your energy needs.
Before purchasing a system make a simple study of your energy consumption, take your average energy usage in a month for at least a year using your electric bill. you can do this by simply subtracting the electrical reading after each from the date you wish to start with all the way to your latest bill (by doing so you will have your energy consumption monthly and see which month and season you use the most energy). Next is to subtract the first dating bill that you wish to start with all the way up to your present bill then divide them according to the number of months. The average energy consumption combined with your monthly usage will you give a clear idea how much energy you consume and when. After gathering those data, you can now decide what system size will be just enough for your home.
Without the feed in tariff scheme going off grid can also be an option, just be sure to install a solar panel system that exceeds your needs and purchase a reliable battery pack.
Environmental preservation
With or without the feed in tariff scheme, the carbon reduction effects of the system will be the same; you can still make significant cuts to your carbon footprint and preserve our environment for future generations.
A thought to ponder
It is best to combine your solar power system with a solar hot water system; this will ensure better energy sustainability especially for households who wish to go off grid and never to receive electricity bills again.
Always be sure to purchase your systems from certified manufacturers and solar retailers who are listed by the clean energy council of Australia. it is published on their extensive website for safety and quality reasons.
Premier Solar is committed to being Australia• s leading Solar Power & Renewable Energy solutions provider for both homes and medium to large scale commercial solar projects. we are specialists in effective and affordable solar PV panel System design and use only fully certified installers and product components which pass all government standards and certifications, to enable our customers to access full discounts and rebates, as well enjoy the peace of mind of 25 year warranties from long established manufacturers.
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on November 28th, 2011% ![]()
BEREA — BEREA — The first array of 60 solar panels to be erected by Berea Municipal Utilities were leased in less than four days and construction will begin in a few days. With that success, BMU is offering 25-year leases for another 60 panels, according to Steve Boyce, chair of BMU’s advisory board. A second solar array had been planned, he said, but the first array was leased so quickly that BMU decided to begin accepting leases sooner rather than later. Infrastructure, and even some panels for a second array, could put in place as the first array is constructed next to the BMU building on Harrison Street, Boyce said. At current rates, each 235-watt panel will generate electricity worth about $18 every year. if electricity rates increase 5 percent annually, as they have in recent years, a lease holder’s investment would be recovered in about 23 years, Boyce said. Investing in a solar-panel lease is more cost efficient than installing one’s own solar apparatus, he said, even after factoring in state and federal tax incentives. Lease holders will be able to monitor their panels’ production on the BMU website. To lease panels in the second array, customers should go to the utility’s office at 200 Harrison St., with a signed contract along with either full payment, $750, or a 10-percent deposit, $75, for each second-array panel they want to lease. Lease applicants should see Joyce Hendricks at the contractors entrance to the right of the main customer service entrance. She can be reached by calling 986-4391. Contracts and additional details may be obtained by going to the website bereautilities.com and clicking on “Berea Solar Farm.” Contracts can be downloaded by the clicking on the link under “How do I sign up?” in the first array, customers were limited to leasing two panels, but that limit does not apply to the second array, Boyce said. Leases are not tied to a particular address. The credits can be transferred or the leases sold. Panels may be leased with energy credit donated to a non-profit organization, Boyce said. bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.
on November 28th, 2011% ![]()
Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic energy, and when they’re picked up by traditional metallic antennas, the electrons that are generated can be converted into an electrical current. Given that optical waves are also a type of electromagnetic energy, a team of scientists from Tel Aviv University wondered if these could also be converted into electricity, via an antenna. it turns out that they can – if the antenna is very, very short. these “nanoantennas” could replace the silicon semiconductors in special solar panels, which could harvest more energy from a wider spectrum of sunlight than is currently possible.
The nanoantennas are constructed out of small amounts of aluminum and gold, and are each less than a micron in length – because light has such a short wavelength (as compared to radio waves), short antennas provide the optimal absorption. after being created, the nanoantennas were then exposed to light, to determine how well they could receive and transmit light energy. According to the initial tests, 95 percent of the wattage being absorbed by the antennas was passed along, with only 5 percent being wasted.
Not only are the nanoantennas efficient, but when their length is varied, the wavelength that they can absorb changes. Therefore, the researchers believe that one panel containing a variety of lengths of otherwise-identical nanoantennas could harvest energy from a much broader solar spectrum than is presently allowed by semiconductor technology.
To that end, the Tel Aviv team is now in the process of creating experimental plastic solar panels, nano-imprinted with varying lengths and shapes of nanoantennas. they are also looking into the electromagnetic-energy-to-electrical-current conversion process, with hopes of improving it.
Although silicon is not a particularly expensive material, the scientists believe that the superior efficiency of their panels could allow them to be smaller than present photovoltaic panels, and thus more cost-effective.
Similar research is also under way at the Idaho National Laboratory, where researchers have been developing plastic sheet solar panels stamped with nanoantennas.
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