Spire Introduces the SPI-ASSEMBLER 6000

Spire Corp (Nasdaq: SPIR), a leading developer of advanced equipment for manufacturing solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, has introduced a new State of the Art Solar Cell Assembly Machine, the SPI-ASSEMBLER(TM) 6000. Built on the success of the former SPI-ASSEMBLER 5000, which is used throughout the solar module manufacturing industry, it combines tabbing and stringing into one automated production machine that interconnects solar cells by soldering flat metal leads, or tabs, to cell contacts. It has a number of advanced features recently developed in response to industry needs, including the following: * Thin silicon cells can be processed with high yield * A wide variety of interconnect ribbon types can be used, increasing manufacturing flexibility * Throughput has been increased About Spire Corporation Spire Corporation is a diversified technology company providing innovative solar energy manufacturing equipment, biomedical devices and optoelectronic components, all based upon a common technology platform. Website: http://www.spirecorp.com     

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Weekly Clean Energy Roundup:January 25, 2006

News and Events DOE Offers $100 Million for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research Stronger Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards Go Into Effect DOE and Partners Offer Workshops in Post-Hurricane Home Repair DOE to Conduct Energy Assessments at Dairy and Aluminum Plants IRS Provides Guidance on Tax Credits for Efficient Vehicles Coalition Launches Campaign to Promote Plug-In HybridsEnergy ConnectionsEIA: Oil Prices to Exceed $60 per Barrel Through 2007 News and EventsDOE Offers $100 Million for Hydrogen Fuel Cell ResearchDOE announced on Tuesday that it will provide up to $100 million over four years for research projects aimed at advancing hydrogen fuel cells. The research projects will seek to improve fuel cell membranes and water transport within the fuel cell stack while minimizing the effects of impurities on fuel cell performance and durability. The research projects will also develop new fuel cell hardware, innovative fuel cell concepts, and advanced cathode catalysts and supports. Through this investment, DOE seeks to improve performance and to lower cost of these technologies by 2010. The research funding is part of the $1.2-billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative announced by President Bush in the 2003 State of the Union Address. Applications are due by March 30th. See the solicitation on the […]

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Ormat Signs Agreement With Puget Sound Energy

Ormat Technologies’ wholly owned subsidiary, Orsumas, LLC, has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Puget Sound Energy Inc. for the supply of power from a Recovered Energy Generation System (REGS), which will be located adjacent to the Sumas Compressor Station of Northwest Pipeline Inc. (NWP) in Sumas, Washington State. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations in the last quarter of 2007 or the first quarter of 2008, and is expected to generate annual revenues of approximately $2.3 million with a 1% annual escalation. The REGS will be owned by Orsumas and will use recovered waste heat from three NWP existing gas turbines driving compressors at the station, as well as interconnect to Puget Sound Energy’s transmission grid. The facility will employ an ORMAT Energy Converter (OEC) and will have a design capacity of 4.95 MW net. On November 15, 2005, Ormat signed a 20-year Host Agreement with NWP to site the REGS and utilize waste heat from the station. The OEC is a closed loop Organic Rankine Cycle based power conversion technology, which converts recovered heat into electric power without the need for any additional fuel or water. The ORMAT Recovered Energy Generation System provides power […]

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Ormat Signs Agreement With Puget Sound Energy

Ormat Technologies wholly owned subsidiary, Orsumas, LLC, has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Puget Sound Energy Inc. for the supply of power from a Recovered Energy Generation System (REGS), which will be located adjacent to the Sumas Compressor Station of Northwest Pipeline Inc. (NWP) in Sumas, Washington State. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations in the last quarter of 2007 or the first quarter of 2008, and is expected to generate annual revenues of approximately $2.3 million with a 1% annual escalation. The REGS will be owned by Orsumas and will use recovered waste heat from three NWP existing gas turbines driving compressors at the station, as well as interconnect to Puget Sound Energy’s transmission grid. The facility will employ an ORMAT Energy Converter (OEC) and will have a design capacity of 4.95 MW net. On November 15, 2005, Ormat signed a 20-year Host Agreement with NWP to site the REGS and utilize waste heat from the station. The OEC is a closed loop Organic Rankine Cycle based power conversion technology, which converts recovered heat into electric power without the need for any additional fuel or water. The ORMAT Recovered Energy Generation System provides power […]

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US Energy Secretary Announces $119M for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman kicked off the Washington Auto Show with the announcement of $119 million in funding and a research “roadmap” aimed at identifying and overcoming the technical and manufacturing challenges associated with the further development of commercially available hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The goal of developing clean, hydrogen fuel vehicles is part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing effort to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. “Investments in fuel cell and hydrogen research today will enable America to lead the world in developing clean, hydrogen-powered automobiles that will reduce our dependence on imported oil,” said Secretary Bodman. “This funding will help overcome technical barriers and bring hydrogen and fuel cell technology from the laboratory to the showroom.” Secretary Bodman announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) will provide up to $100 million over four years for research projects seeking to improve fuel cell membranes, water transport within the stack, advanced cathode catalysts and supports, cell hardware, innovative fuel cell concepts, and effects of impurities on fuel cell performance and durability. Through this investment, DOE seeks to improve performance and to lower cost of these technologies by 2010. Further information, research specifications, and application information for interested nonprofit and […]

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