SolarSummary: March 11-17, 2003

by Kirsten Elder

Companies in the news

BP Solar

Carmanah Technologies

Photowatt

Shell Solar

Solar Energy Systems

Applications

The utility, NorthWestern Energy of Montana and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) recently announced details of its two residential solar energy demonstration programs, a wind energy demonstration project and solar projects intended for schools and fire stations. All the projects are funded by NorthWestern Energy’s Universal Systems Benefits (USB) charge paid by the company’s electric customers. (Solarbuzz.com, 11/03/03)

The first phase of the largest commercial solar project in the US has been completed in Suffolk County. A joint effort between a Suffolk County direct mail order company and the Long Island Power Authority has resulted in a showcase solar power system that will cover the business’ three rooftops and annually generate a possible 1.6 MWh of electricity, enough to power 125 average-sized homes. (Suffolk Life via Solarbuzz.com, 12/03/03)

Shell Solar and AE Schmidt Environmental (AESE) have combined efforts to design and construction of a 73-kilowatt solar electric system at the AESE site in Los Angeles. With the incentives received from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Gas Company, the system will pay for itself in approximately four to five years. After that, and with an anticipated useful system life in excess of 25 years, AESE can expect 20 years of free electricity, with virtually no maintenance. (Solarbuzz.com, 10/03/03)

Markets

The organisers of Intersolar – Europe’s largest fair for solar technology – are expecting a positive year for the German solar industry as policy for solar energy continues. Juergen Trittin, Germany’s Minister for the Environment, earlier this year raised the subsidies for solar thermal installations from 92 to 125 per square metre of collector surface. Within the 100,000 roofs program, low-interest loans are available for photovoltaic installations with a total output of 95 MW throughout 2003. In combination with the Renewable Energies Act (EEG), this allows an almost cost-efficient operation of photovoltaic installations. (SolarAccess.com, 12/03/03)

BP Solar is to import inexpensive solar power facilities into Tanzania. “We want to bring in the solar power facilities which cost almost a half of the current minimum price,” said BP Tanzania’s solar sale engineer. The prices, he notes, will continue to go down as taxes are reduced. Currently, a solar facility costs between Tsh400,000 (US$400) and Tsh5 million ($5,000). Importers cite heavy import duties and higher value added tax as the cause of exorbitant prices. (AllAfrica.com via Solarbuzz, 17/03/03)

Thailands largest solar power plant is due to start producing energy next March promoting the country as a solar leader in Southeast Asia. The plant is being built in northern Mae Hong Son province by the state-operated Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Although the plant will have the capacity to generate only 5MW, bringing Thailands total solar energy capacity to 10MW by 2004, it is a sign that the government is becoming more interested in the development of renewable energy. However, to make this more than just a symbolic gesture, the Southeast Asia office of Greenpeace believes that the government needs to increase its commitment manifold if it intends to make solar energy more than just a fringe achievement in the country. (Asia Times via Solarbuzz.com, 14/03/03)

Policy and Incentives …

The California Public Utilities Commission has decided to delay its decision on Exit fees until April 3^rd. There are presently two alternate proposals under consideration from Commissioner Peevey and Commissioner Lynch, both of which would make significant moves toward the exemption of exit fees for clean energy technologies. The two proposals differ in terms of the definition of exempted PV systems and also how widely any exemption should be in regard to a broader category of distributed generation technologies. (Solarbuzz.com, 13/03/03)

Industry Reports and Events

Four studies prepared for the state of Iowa show that solar PV has high potential in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska. If PV were installed in 1,000 acres of farmland, the modules would generate electricity for 111,000 homes, says a study conducted by engineering firm Black & Veatch for the Department of Natural Resources. It would displace the annual consumption of 438,480 tons of coal and stem the export of US$10.9 million to pay for fossil fuels. The study investigated PV installations for residential green power, ranch water pumping, high schools and wastewater pond aeration, and will be used to develop a strategic plan to increase the use of solar energy. (Refocus Weekly, 12/03/03)

Corporate News

Photowatt has announced three more distribution partnerships for its solar products. Solargen Solutions Ltd, based in Newport, South Wales will become a UK distributor, whilst in China, CSI – Canadian Solar Inc – will distribute Photowatt’s products in Asia. Photowatt also confirms Gechelin as a new distributor in the Italian market. The company is currently testing a prototype solar module. The product comprises 72 cells of 150×150 cm and is expected to have a rated kWp of 235 Watts. The module is under test at ESTI and is expected to be available on the
market at the end of 2003. Photowatt is also working on new high efficiency cells of 150 cm x 150 cm dimension with a silicon nitride anti-reflective coating and Back Surface Field (BSF) will also soon be available. (Solarbuzz.com, 14/03/03)

Carmanah Technologies Corporation, an alternative energy manufacturer specializing in patented solar-powered LED lighting solutions has announced its audited results for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001. The company has reported significant gains including 91 percent growth and a net profit of over 36 thousand dollars compared to the previous years net loss of CAD$676,498. (SolarAccess.com, 12/03/03)

Solar Energy Systems Ltd of Australia has released its Second Quarter Review. During the December quarter SES achieved record sales of AUS$758,000. Strond Sun Mill sales continued out of the Western Australian market, while excellent growth in Victoria and New South Wales combined with more moderate growth in South Australia and Queensland. Cash burn was lowered from AUS$216,000 to AUS$44,000.

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