|
|
on December 14th, 2011% ![]()
First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR)‘s stock had its “hold” rating reaffirmed by equities research analysts at Jefferies in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday. the analysts currently have a $47.00 price target on the stock.
Separately, analysts at Piper Jaffray (NYSE: PJC) reiterated an “overweight” rating on shares of first Solar in a research note to investors on Thursday, December 8th. they now have a $95.00 price target on the stock. Analysts at Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) reiterated an “equal weight” rating on shares of first Solar in a research note to investors on Tuesday, December 6th. Also, analysts at Axiom Securities reiterated a “sell” rating on shares of first Solar in a research note to investors on Tuesday, November 22nd. they now have a $38.00 price target on the stock.
First Solar, Inc. (First Solar) manufactures and sells solar modules with an advanced thin-film semiconductor technology. first Solar designs, constructs, and sells photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems. it operates the business in two segments: components segment and systems segment. Its components segment is its principal business and involves the design, manufacture, and sale of solar modules, which convert sunlight into electricity. Customers of its components segment include project developers, system integrators, and operators of renewable energy projects. In January 2011, the Company and RayTracker, Inc. announced that first Solar, Inc. has acquired RayTracker, Inc. In January 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets from Edison Mission Group’s solar project development pipeline consisting of utility-scale solar projects located primarily on private land in California and the southwestern United States.
Shares of first Solar opened at 44.85 on Tuesday. first Solar has a 52 week low of $40.05 and a 52 week high of $175.45. the stock’s 50-day moving average is $46.48 and its 200-day moving average is $86.24. the company has a market cap of $3.876 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.28.
Stay on top of analysts' coverage with our daily email newsletter that provides a concise list of analysts’ upgrades, analysts’ downgrades and analysts’ price target changes for each day. Click here to register.
on December 13th, 2011% ![]()
Are you stuck on a trip with no spare battery on hand? or have you had a transient case of Alzheimer’s lately, forgetting to charge your battery or your laptop last night before heading on a trip? you don’t have to beat yourself for being so forgetful or disoriented; relying on ad add-on gadget such as a flexible solar panel may be a worthy cause after all. we have the flexible solar panels for sale with the best deals in the market.
Flexible solar panel is another advancement in technology that fits for any tech-savvy. This is the case (flexible solar panel can come in a case in foldable manner) that will make you thank the inventor for having a great devise such as this. It is a portable system that can be a best companion for a travel writer, photographer, and business travellers and for any ordinary people who just want to go on a trip with their gadgets in tow.
Flexible solar panel system makes use of thin-film cells, a variation of rigid panels found on the roof of homes. What’s more, it ranges in size, so you can have a choice what to bring along or to use for certain application.
on December 13th, 2011% ![]()
With increasing concerns about toxic pollution, rising electricity costs, and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, the desire to use solar power is increasing rapidly. few, however, really understand what a complete solar power system is, as most available information focuses on commercial or DIY solar panels, failing to mention the rest of what is needed to create a functional system. This article is going to explain the four components of a complete solar power system, so, should you decide to convert to solar power, you’ll know exactly what you are getting into.
Solar Panels
One solar panel has three major parts, a housing unit, solar cells, and a wiring system. Housing units are most commonly built with metal frames, usually aluminum, a solid backing, which can be made of various materials, and a glass, or Plexiglas, front cover. the housing unit must be ridged, sturdy and waterproof, as moisture or warping will cause damage. Mounted on the backing are a number of solar cells. most commonly, solar panels will have 36 cells, but this does vary based on the voltage of the cells and the desired output of each panel. These solar cells are typically made of silicon. When the sun hits this material electrons are released, resulting in an electrical current. This current is then sent through, and, eventually, out of the panel by the wiring system. the wiring system on the solar panel itself is made of what is called tabbing wire. This is a long flat wire that gets soldered to the back of each cell in the panel, connecting them and allowing current to pass through from one cell to another. Also part of the solar panel wiring system is what is called a blocking diode. This is a small but important device that blocks current from reversing and traveling back into the solar panel.
Storage Devices
Solar panels do not generate enough electricity in real-time to power people’s devices, nor do they generate any electricity at all once the sun goes down. To overcome this problem, we must incorporate the use of a power storage system, namely batteries. the most important piece of information about batteries is that they are 12 volts, a fact that determines the desired voltage output of nearly all solar panels. a second essential piece of information about batteries in solar power systems is that they must be what are called deep cycle batteries. Deep cycle batteries are specifically designed to be charged up and then full depleted, over and over again. if you did this, for example, with standard automobile batteries, you would destroy them quite quickly. Finally, as one battery is not enough for the needs of most systems, one must wire a host of batteries together. This group of connected batteries is called a battery bank.
Charge Controllers
A fully functioning array of solar panels will produce great amounts of electricity all day long. Sometimes, though, our batteries are fully charged, and if fully charged batteries are fed a steady current of electricity, they will become damaged. it is necessary, therefore, to install a device that can determine the level of charge in a battery bank and then use that information to regulate the amount of energy sent to them. the device that does this is called a charge controller.
Power Inverter
The final piece of a complete solar power system is what is called the power inverter. as mentioned above, battery banks are 12-volt systems. In addition, they use what is called a direct current system, or, for short, a DC system. the appliances in one’s home, on the other hand, use 120-volt alternating current, or AC, systems. because of this, we have to convert the 12-volt DC energy coming from our battery banks into 120-volt AC energy before we can use it to power our appliances.
Putting it all Together
If you want to power your home with solar energy, remember that you’ll need more than just the solar panels that generate electricity. You’ll also need a battery bank to store your power, a charge controller to regulate your power, and an inverter to convert your power into a form that you can actually use. a system that is missing any of the abovementioned components is simply not going to work. thanks for reading, and I wish you the best with all your home improvement projects.
on December 10th, 2011% ![]()
Buying your solar system can be one of the best things you can do, as it not only saves in in the long run, but government rebates are very generous these days. Below are some tips to consider when purchasing a solar panel system and/or kits for homes.
- Research – ask friends or family if they installed a similar system and which company they went with. Ask them for their experience and the deals they received
- Check the company’s warranty details – Ensure that the manufacturer complies with government rebates, standard 25 years is suggested.
- Energy Efficiency Ratings – every home will have a difference efficiency rating and performance. It is important to see how much energy you are consuming and select a solar power panel system that can handle your energy requirements.
- Be Prepared for the Costs – Quality is important, so shop around and get the best possible deal on price. Competition is gradually increasing in the solar business, and you need to be prepared to weigh up the costs compared to the quality of the solar energy panel system you require.
- Solar Power Accreditation Certificate – All power solar kits / system require an accreditation certificate which complies with government standards. This is very important if taking advantage of government rebate and its programs.
- Decision of the type of panel to use – The space of your roof will depend highly on the type of panel and size you will need to install. Technology is increasing in the solar energy business, different types of panels are being designed and installed. Monocrystal versus thin film panels do have a major difference, especially when limited to space on the roof.
- Installation & Mounting of the Panel – Ensure the company that installs the solar panels are certified and insured for installing the system on your roof. Take particular concern if living in a environment where storms are prevalent, ensure the system is installed correctly with little or no damage to the panels.
- Be Smart About Selecting an Inverter – a panel inverter should convert DC electricity to AC efficiently. This can have a direct impact on the time it takes to have an efficient solar power system. Select a well-known brand that has excellent results and performance. Beware of other generic brands.
- Shop around with more than Three Quotes – always get more than one quote when looking to install a solar power system. Do not fall for a sales trick if the deal is too good to resist. Ensure your end up with a reputable company that complies with government rebates and solar standards and has a reasonable but competitive price for the complete job, not just the unit price.
- Look out for Scams – though illegal, unfortunately they do exist. Do not fall into a pitfall of a deal that you have to sign today on the dotted line. Avoid online deals that sound too good. Avoid a company or deal that requires down payment or an upfront deposit. Do not be pressured to sign right away, compare deals.
on December 9th, 2011% ![]()
Salt River Project announced Thursday that it will buy power from a solar array planned in Queen Creek that should be operating by late 2012, and it said another solar announcement is coming, helping meet its renewable-energy goals until about 2017.
The utility signed a 20-year power-purchase agreement with Juwi Solar inc. the company is based in Boulder, Colo., and its majority owner is Juwi Holding AG of Germany, with minority owners in the U.S.
Combined with another solar- power plant yet to be announced, SRP has nearly enough renewable energy under development to meet its alternative-energy goals through about 2017, officials said.
SRP issued a request for proposals last year for as much as 50 megawatts of solar power to be operational by late 2012 and another 50 megawatts to be online by late 2013, said Chico Hunter, SRP principal analyst for resource planning and development.
The 19-megawatt deal with Juwi (pronounced you-we) is the utility?s selection for the first part of that request for proposals.
One megawatt of energy capacity is enough electricity to power about 250 homes at once, or in the case of a solar-power plant, while the sun is shining directly on it.
SRP still has to announce a winner or winners of the second portion of its request for proposals. the company received about 100 responses to its requests for solar plants, including multiple offers from some companies, Hunter said.
SRP does not disclose the price of its power-purchase agreements.
?We evaluated the projects on a number of criteria,? Hunter said. ?Most important was price. (Juwi?s was) one of the lowest-cost projects. We also looked at experience and financial strength.?
Tempe-based first Solar inc. had a deal to purchase nearly $10 million worth of land in the far East Valley from Mesa as part of its response to SRP for solar projects, which the city disclosed in August.
It is unclear if first Solar remains in the running for the SRP projects and whether that land sale will proceed now that Juwi has been selected for the first phase of the SRP request for proposals.
?We are in negotiations with other projects,? Hunter said, adding that SRP has non-disclosure agreements with all the companies that provided proposals.
First Solar spokesman Alan Bernheimer said the company maintains an option on the Mesa land.
Juwi does not make solar panels but develops, builds and operates solar plants with panels from various companies.
It has often used panels from first Solar in the past for its solar plants, and the companies co-sponsor an amateur U.S. road-cycling team. but Seth Kassels, Juwi?s director of project management, could not say what kind of solar panels will be used for the Queen Creek project.
Bernheimer declined to say whether first Solar will supply panels to Juwi for Queen Creek.
The plant will mount solar panels on a single-axis tracker that allows them to face the sun for more hours of the day than stationary solar panels, Kassels said. A variety of companies, including first Solar, use such trackers.
Juwi has a lease at the northeastern corner of Crismon and Queen Creek roads on about 140 acres of land that currently is farmed, and the town recently approved a zoning change to allow the power plant, Kassels said.
SRP officials have set a goal to meet 20 percent of the municipal utility?s demand for electricity with conservation and renewable sources like solar and wind by 2020. it meets about 7 percent of its demand with those sources now, exceeding its goal, which increases each year until 2020.
With two wind farms being developed in the Seligman area, a new 20-megawatt solar array in Florence and another solar project or two that will come from its request for proposals, the company should meet its goals until about 2017, depending on how much electricity demand grows, Hunter said.
He said SRP is in negotiations for renewable power that was not put out in a public request for proposals and could announce a project from those discussions, but otherwise won?t need more renewable projects until 2017 or so with those that are now under development.
?A lot of that depends on when the housing market will come back,? he said. ?That is really what dictates our resource planning.?
SRP will not own any of those power projects because, as a municipal utility, it cannot take advantage of federal tax credits and other incentives that can cover 30 percent of their costs. So, SRP signs long-term deals to purchase the power from the plants while companies such as Juwi own them.
on December 8th, 2011% ![]()
If you’re still wondering if it’s a good idea to move forward with installing solar panels onto your home, then it’s important to take something into consideration. Installing solar panels can be a fun project, and it can also be a very easy one, if a bit time consuming, but only so long as you know what you’re doing, and you’re working with the proper information. Constructing a solar array can be an expensive purchase, and if you decide to have somebody else install them for you, a local contractor perhaps, then your budget’s going to have to be even more expensive. regardless, even with a potentially high initial cost, hopefully you’ll come to see that the benefits of installing solar panels onto your home clearly outweigh the downsides of relying strictly on outside electricity that’s provided by your local utilities company.
It doesn’t matter if you have a green house, a garage, a motor home, or a residential homestead, because installing solar panels will benefit each and every one, and ultimately save you, or even earn you, an abundance of money. Remember though, by investing in solar energy, you’re almost certainly going to be paying a hefty up-front investment, one that could exceed tens of thousands of dollars, depending upon the scale of the project you’re undertaking, and whether or not you decide to partake in this particular task all by yourself, or if you think it’s best to hire some outside help to lend you a hand, or simply do everything for you. Remember cost though, as having a contractor building everything and installing solar panels for you can end up costing you several thousand dollars in and of itself.
Think about the benefits and drawbacks of installing solar panels for a moment. one downside to devices that harness solar energy at the present time, and likely for some time to come, is their initial price. Many people take interest in the prospect of installing solar panels onto their home, but once they discover that the overall undertaking of the project could cost them several thousand dollars, they unfortunately shy away from the notion of harnessing solar energy to reduce the cost of their regular electricity payments. down the road, larger solar arrays will likely be more affordable to the general public, but right now, they’re a costly product, but one that will ultimately save, and possibly even earn you money in the long run.
Click on the link provided to visit my blog and find out where you can learn the most crucial information when it comes to installing solar panels onto your home.
on December 7th, 2011% ![]()
As more and more people are becoming more aware about global warming and with the economy being in the state it is right now, people are looking for a lost cost solution to their energy needs. Solar power is a great alternative clean energy source but how can you harness that power without spending your life savings? Well the solution for me was to buy chipped, defective, or damaged solar cells and build my own solar panels.
Before starting a project of this size you will have to know your budget available and how many solar panels you will want to build. Determine in watts or kw, how much power you’re going to need for your energy goals. If you check your monthly utility bill, it will show you how much power you consumed that month and if you have saved other bills you can estimate your average usage. Once you have your energy goal you can determine how many solar panels you’re going to be building. 36 solar cells produced about 20 watts in a single panel for me so that can give you a rough estimate. Depending on the size of the panels you want to make you can use more or less solar cells than I did.
So now that you have an idea of what you’re going to build and how many, you have to start gathering the materials. like I said before the best solar cells to use are damage or defective cells as they are so much cheaper than their new counterparts. you can find these solar cells in many different locations but one of the easiest that I’ve found is eBay. you can sometimes get them from broken solar lights (the solar cells are almost never the problem) or from the company that makes and maintains highway construction signs or weather sensors. these companies will sometimes willingly just give them to you because it can be expensive to dispose of the cells. If not they will usually sell them to you for even less than you can find them for on eBay. you will also need lumber for the solar panel’s housing and some caulk. Some solder and a soldering iron is also necessary.
When constructing the panel’s housing be sure to calculate the amount of room you need depending on how many solar cells you are going to have in a single panel. If you need to you can always break them up into smaller sections. I personally broke mine down into two subsections so I would have an easier time in constructing and assembling my solar panel. Once your housing is done you must solder the individual solar cells into an array. Each array should be equal in size. when your arrays are complete secure them to their housing and screw down the Plexiglas top.
Now its time to mount your panels. you can either mount them on the roof which is probably the easier of the two options. you have to find you roof jousts and secure your panels with a bolt. If that is not a viable option for you, you can always use a ground mount. they are available in many hardware stores or you can make your own.
on December 7th, 2011% U.S. solar cell makers claim Chinese manufacturers are dumping excessively cheap products on the American market.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — The U.S. Commerce Department said Wednesday that it would investigate allegations that Chinese solar cell manufacturers are illegally "dumping" their products on the American market at excessively cheap prices.
A group of American manufacturers led by SolarWorld Industries America argued in a complaint last month that Chinese firms are offering solar cells at prices well below what it costs to make and ship them thanks to subsidies from the Chinese government. The artificially low prices, the complaint claims, are pushing American manufacturers out of the industry.
"We believe the Department of Commerce investigation will show that Chinese government and Chinese solar manufacturers are — and have been — engaged in illegal practices that threaten to decimate a vitally needed renewable energy industry," SolarWorld president Gordon Brinser said in a statement.
"China’s continued practice of scoffing at international and U.S. trade law and failing to meet requirements of the WTO, including reporting its vast array of subsidy programs, are extremely disruptive to business plans of countless employers who are dependent on Chinese imports."
The complaint calls on the government to slap stiff tariffs on Chinese solar cells to level the playing field for American producers.
Others in the industry who rely on cheap solar cells, though, fear the action could drive up prices for solar power and put American jobs at risk.
"Protectionism harms the future of solar energy in America and negatively impacts consumers, ratepayers, and over 100,000 American solar jobs," another industry group, the Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy, said in a statement. "We urge policymakers to find a resolution to this dispute that ensures the continued growth of the entire U.S. solar industry and encourages continued investment in solar energy."
The Commerce Department investigation is contingent on a determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission on whether it believes Chinese imports are indeed threatening the American industry. That ruling is expected early next month.
Assuming the investigation goes ahead, Commerce will release its preliminary findings early next year.
Part of the decision for the ITC will be to determine whether thin film solar manufacturers like First Solar (FSLR), which did not sign on to the complaint, are part of the same industry as crystalline silicon producers like SolarWorld, the Washington Research Group said in an analysis on Wednesday.
Chinese firms including Suntech (STP), Yingli (YGE) and Trina are among those targeted in the complaint.
China’s Chamber of International Commerce warned the U.S. against implementing new tariffs last month, saying the move would "negatively affect both the Chinese and U.S. solar industries", Chinese state media reported last month.
Imports of Chinese solar cells were worth an estimated $1.5 billion in 2010, the U.S. Commerce Department said. SolarWorld says these imports rose more than 300 percent from 2008 to 2010.
The U.S. industry has been in the spotlight in recent weeks thanks to a scandal involving solar panel manufacturer Solyndra, which filed for bankruptcy in August despite receiving $535 million in federal loan guarantees. 
on December 3rd, 2011% ![]()
You had to feel sorry for both investors and green activists this week, with the delisting of ARISE Technologies Corp. being another nail in the coffin of solar stocks worldwide.
While still listed, joining ARISE in the world-wide decline of solar stocks are Canadian Solar (CSIQ/NASDAQ), down 81% this year; Day 4 Energy (DFE/TSX), down 85% this year; First Solar (FSLR/ NASDAQ) down 66%; MEMC Electronics Materials (WFR/NYSE) down 64%; Q-Cells (QCE in Germany), down 72%; LDK Solar (LDK/NYSE) down 66%; Evergreen Solar (EVSLRQ on Pink Sheets) down 99% this year, and Solyndra Solar, now bankrupt, and, well, you get the picture.
What happened? Flash back to 2007 and early 2008, and solar stocks were all the rage. Oil was hitting records, and investors were in a tizzy trying to find the next greatest solar stock. Timminco (TIM/TSX), which was trying to develop a better way of producing metallurgical polysilicon, rose from 18¢ to $35 in less than 16 months. Guess where it is now? back to 18¢. A complete round trip. I could fill a book on the Timminco story — hey, that’s a good idea.
Is the solar-stock collapse just another lesson for investors? just another bubble that will join the list of dotcom, wireless, income-trusts, and tulip bulbs? That’s hard to say. certainly the stock-price collapse alone implies there was a serious bubble.
One of the main reasons for the collapse in solar stocks, of course, was the collapse in oil prices. with lower oil prices, going green is not quite as profitable an alternative as you might expect. Next, governments — seeing that they are all more or less broke — decided to cut back on solar subsidies. Germany and Italy made big changes to the solar subsidy levels at about the exact wrong time for the industry. Investment bankers, as usual, were also at fault. Take a look at some of the financings done for solar companies during the boom: Day 4 went public at $7.25 in November 2007 — it’s now 8¢; Canadian Solar raised $100-million at $15.75 during the boom — it’s now $2.35.
The overall market has also been weak, but it is the collapse of polysilicon prices that has done the most damage. from a peak of near $500 a kilogram in 2008, polysilicon goes for about $33 a kilogram now. That’s a 93% decline — worse than the drop in pretty much every other commodity.
There are many lessons to be learned here: 1. just because something feels good (being green) doesn’t mean you will make any money from it. 2. When there is euphoria in any sector, use extreme caution. Most investors, given the chance of losing 93% for the chance to make 100%, would likely do nothing instead. That’s a great policy when faced with a euphoric sector. 3. Watch out for financings, as usual. Investment bankers strike when the iron is hot and they can sell deals. this in and of itself implies solar stocks were peaking when all the financings and IPOs came out. Basically, it’s the age-old rule. When everyone else is buying, maybe you shouldn’t. 4. Watch out for industries that rely on government support. far better to invest in a sector that is self-funding without subsidies or handouts. The government has enough hidden surprises for you on the personal tax level, so don’t double-up on your government risk by buying companies in need of government help to meet their business plans.
Are there any bubbles developing now that you need to watch out for? well, with the stock market not doing much, there may not be any in equities. Bonds, though, might be the biggest bubble of all time. Trillions are pouring into the bond market; companies can raise long-term money at almost 0%. Investors want all bonds, all the time. Investment bankers are slapping together bond deals designed to appeal to individual investors. Sound familiar?
Peter Hodson, CFA, is CEO of 5i Research inc., a conflict-free independent investment research network.
on December 3rd, 2011% ![]()
The more solar panels for sale the better. The more companies who enter the market the better. if there are more companies competing to sell their solar panels, then the consumers win. if there is only one company, then they get to pretty much charge what they want, but as more and more companies enter the market, the prices come down due to competition and improved products.
This is why it is great news that Q-Cells, a German Solar Company has entered the US market to sell their solar panels. Their main products is a flexible film solar panel that directly competes with First Solar’s flexible solar panels.
However, Q-Cells claims that their solar panels are more efficient, absorbing 13% to First Solar’s 11.7% efficiency. Q-Cell said their thin flexible solar panels are good for houses that do not get as much direct sunlight, and that they panels are more durable than competing solar panels.
So if you are in the market for solar panels, then you have one more option to consider. I believe that the competition will continue to increase and we will see more and more competition in the solar panel market.
|
