Friday, February 28, 2014

Fwd: Weather Risks and the Impact on Renewable Energy Equipment

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Rebecca Van Nichols" <rvan@tnag.net>
Date: Feb 27, 2014 7:13 PM
Subject: Weather Risks and the Impact on Renewable Energy Equipment
To: "M" <mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com>
Cc:


Weather Risks and the Impact on Renewable Energy Equipment

Adverse weather conditions can have a dramatic impact on renewable energy installations. Adequate preparation in the event of adverse weather can further reduce the level of exposure energy facilities face.

Stephen Morris, Power and Energy Underwriting Manager, HSB Insurance 
February 20, 2014  |  6 Comments

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During 2012, there were 905 natural catastrophes worldwide, 93 percent of which were weather-related disasters, costing US$170 billion. Unpredictable global climate conditions are thought to be on the increase and have recently been evidenced by major events, such as typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, flooding in the UK and the big freeze in North America. The direct cost of this weather volatility is also rising significantly with insurers paying out US$701 billion globally for damages from extreme weather events every year for the last three years alone.

New research suggests that long-term ten-year cycles in the ocean are affecting the position of the jet stream and this is contributing to the unusual weather patterns such as those recently seen in the UK. The severe storms at the end of 2013 and into 2014 are testament to the dramatic change and increased frequency that the changing climate can bring.

Such extreme weather events are headline news,  particularly in relation to the impact on infrastructure, travel delays, etc. But what about the damage caused to renewable energy equipment?

In October last year, a wind turbine in Devon, UK collapsed due to strong winds that swept across the region. More notably was the destruction of a £2 million wind turbine in North Ayrshire, Scotland, which caught fire in 2011 due to a severe storm in the area.

Whilst the reliability of renewable energy installations to withstand such events is dependent on its initial design and with consideration to its location – there are additional measures that can be taken to reduce such severe weather exposures.

1.   Wind

Wind is the number one weather risk for most equipment and as such all renewable energy equipment should be prepared for the highest winds and storms.

  • Regular checks should be carried out on the foundations, tower, and blades of wind turbines along with any other structures and equipment on site. Monitor the tower for the effects of turbulence from other wind turbines or structures nearby and ensure that the automatic shut-down mechanism for high wind speeds and braking systems are working.   
  • Dual axis photovoltaic plants have a higher exposure from wind damage than ground mounted installations due to their elevation and the overall size of the panels. There is a ‘fail-safe’ control in the event of high winds and this should be checked to ensure it is operational.
  • The condition of trees in the vicinity of any buildings or transmission lines should be inspected. Any suspect branches and trees should be removed to prevent any potential damage.

2.   Flood

Heavy rain is the most likely cause of floods, however thawing after heavy snowfall can also cause major flooding.

  • Flooding could result in water ingress into transformer and inverter housings together with site buildings. Site drainage should be inspected regularly along with any debris screens to ensure they are clear especially at locations where culverts and drains are specifically provided. Any site drainage pumps should be checked and tested to ensure they are in working order together with the condition of seals in underground cable ducts to prevent water ingress into critical areas due to flooding.
  • Hydro facilities are particularly susceptible to flood damage as although the turbine is designed to be submerged, the associated transformer and electrical equipment is not. As these are often housed nearby it is imperative that the powerhouse is located at an elevated location above the high water line. 
  • In anticipation of severe rain storms and adverse weather conditions, it is important to ensure that any susceptible equipment is moved to a location where it will not be affected by water and that temporary flood barriers are installed and activated.

3.  Hail

Hail stones over two inches in size can cause serious damage to renewable energy facilities and particular PV panels. Typically hail storms of this magnitude are found in locations such as the central states of the USA (Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and parts of New Mexico). Last year various regions around the UK and in Australia also experienced hail stones the size of tennis balls. In areas with an increased risk of hail events, measures can be taken to reduce the damage potential.

  • Use PV panels that have been certified to IEC1215/61646, ASTME1038, UL 1703 or FM4476/4478 standards to ensure that the panels are strengthened to  withstand routine hail events.
  • Check the orientation of the PV panels. Angled orientation of fixed mounted

panels (generally 30º facing southward) can help to  deflect falling hailstones and reduce the force imposed onto the  panel. Panels that are direct-mounted on low slope roofs, or are mounted horizontally (0º tilt, facing directly upward) pose a higher risk of potential damage from direct strike of large hailstones.

4.    Lightning

Structures such as wind turbines and steel framed buildings are more at risk from being damaged by lightning.  Measures to protect wind turbines against lightning strike are described in the international standard IEC 61400-24.

  • A lightning protection system Class III is normally required for turbines up to 60m and Class II if the turbine is more than 60m. The protection system comprises of air-termination systems, down-conductor/s and an earth termination system to protect against mechanical destruction and fire. Lightning strikes to wind turbines usually affect the rotor blades and bearings. To mitigate the damage affects, lightning receptors should be integrated to defined strike points along the rotor and body.
  • For steel frame factories units housing (for example) biomass units, waste-to-energy plants etc., lighting rods or air terminals are the more familiar type of lightning protection. These must be installed to the relevant local standard. Lightning rods are good at conducting electrical surges away from the actual structure of a building but they will not necessarily protect against power surges.
  • Surge protection should be fitted to help against excessive power outages, which can be caused by lightning strikes and can potentially damage computerized control units installed on biomass plants, anaerobic digesters and other waste-to-energy plants. Such measures together with appropriate lightning protection can help to prevent damage which might otherwise occur during a lightning storm.

Once a renewable energy plant has been installed it will be difficult to make any modifications without incurring significant costs. It is therefore vital that it is designed to be appropriate to the environmental and weather conditions and that the equipment is installed is in accordance with both design and manufacturers recommendations.

Each renewable energy installation brings different risk challenges and access to knowledge on risk management provided by specialist insurers and their engineers can be invaluable in helping to mitigate against weather related risk exposures.

Lead image: Wind turbine lightning via Shutterstock


Having this thug as a houseguest will certainly not go down well with the neighbors

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

this, if economical will allow component monitoring all the way to individual panels.

Jinko to launch new series of smart modules in Japan

26.02.2014: Chinese solar manufacturer JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd. will launch a new series of smart modules at the PV Expo in Japan on Feb. 26, 2014. JinkoSolar Smart Modules correct mismatch issues toward cells and module strings by using embedded cell optimizer ICs that provide sub-panel level Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) functions. This allows any underperforming cell or module strings to continue contributing power to the string while not restricting the flow of the others. The smart modules also significantly minimize the risk of hotspots, the primary cause of module failure. To learn more about smart modules, read our feature on these innovative products in the February edition of PHOTON International. © PHOTON

http://www.jinkosolar.com

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Bloomberg: Chinese Solar Growth to Underpin Record Global Expansion in 2014

From Bloomberg, Feb 25, 2014, 7:01:00 PM

Solar developers around the world will install record capacity this year as a thriving Chinese market drives growth, a Bloomberg survey showed as manufacturers in the $102 billion industry began to return to profit.

To read the entire article, go to http://bloom.bg/1pqE7Xi
Sent from the Bloomberg iPad application. Download the free application at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bloomberg-for-ipad/id364304764?mt=8



Monty Bannerman
Sent from my iPad


Carbon markets

EU CO2 continued rising as lawmakers set to vote on a market fix

European carbon prices advanced for a sixth straight week as the bloc’s lawmakers prepared to give final approval on 24 February for a plan to fix an oversupply in the region’s emissions market.

European Union allowances (EUAs) for December 2014 finished the week 8.2% up. EUAs for delivery in December ended last Friday’s session at EUR 7.23/t on ICE Futures Europe exchange in London, compared with EUR 6.68/t at the close of the previous week.

This has been the longest weekly rising streak for EU carbon permits since September 2010. Ministers in the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council are scheduled to vote on the measure known as backloading when they meet in Brussels. The plan would remove about half of one year’s supply of allowances through 2016, returning them near the end of the decade.

UN Certified Emission Reduction credits (CERs) for December 2014 lost EUR 0.04/t last week to finish at EUR 0.33/t.

German power for delivery in 2015 ended the week down 0.4% at EUR 36.60/MWh.

Monty Bannerman
ArcStar Energy
646.402.5076
www.arcstarenergy.com

Monday, February 24, 2014

BBC News: Which country has the highest tax rate?

Which country has the highest tax rate?

In which countries do high earners pay the most tax? And where do average earners pay the most?

Read more:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26327114


** Disclaimer **
The BBC is not responsible for the content of this e-mail, and anything written in this e-mail does not necessarily reflect the BBC's views or opinions. Please note that neither the e-mail address nor name of the sender have been verified.


Monty Bannerman
Sent from my iPad

Fwd: Politics/Economy News Alert: House GOP tax plan would lower rates, raise surtax on high earners




House GOP tax plan would lower rates, raise surtax on high earners
The Washington Post Monday, February 24, 2014 9:04:43 PM

Politics News Alert

House GOP tax plan would lower rates, raise surtax on high earners

Advertisement
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) plans Wednesday to release long-awaited legislation that would simplify the tax code, collapse seven brackets into two and reduce the top tax rate for individuals from 39.6 percent to 25 percent.

The plan would also impose a 10 percent surtax on certain types of earned income over about $450,000 a year.

In the end, however, the vast majority of taxpayers would see little change in their tax bills, according to an official analysis of the legislation reviewed by The Washington Post.

Read more at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/house-gop-tax-plan-would-cut-top-rates-but-also-hit-high-earners-with-a-surtax/2014/02/24/361ac868-9d92-11e3-9ba6-800d1192d08b_story.html





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Monty Bannerman
ArcStar Energy
646.402.5076
www.arcstarenergy.com

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Fwd: Weather Risks and the Impact on Renewable Energy Equipment





Weather Risks and the Impact on Renewable Energy Equipment

Adverse weather conditions can have a dramatic impact on renewable energy installations. Adequate preparation in the event of adverse weather can further reduce the level of exposure energy facilities face.

Stephen Morris, Power and Energy Underwriting Manager, HSB InsuranceDuring 2012, there were 905 natural catastrophes worldwide, 93 percent of which were weather-related disasters, costing US$170 billion. Unpredictable global climate conditions are thought to be on the increase and have recently been evidenced by major events, such as typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, flooding in the UK and the big freeze in North America. The direct cost of this weather volatility is also rising significantly with insurers paying out US$701 billion globally for damages from extreme weather events every year for the last three years alone.

New research suggests that long-term ten-year cycles in the ocean are affecting the position of the jet stream and this is contributing to the unusual weather patterns such as those recently seen in the UK. The severe storms at the end of 2013 and into 2014 are testament to the dramatic change and increased frequency that the changing climate can bring.

Such extreme weather events are headline news,  particularly in relation to the impact on infrastructure, travel delays, etc. But what about the damage caused to renewable energy equipment?

In October last year, a wind turbine in Devon, UK collapsed due to strong winds that swept across the region. More notably was the destruction of a £2 million wind turbine in North Ayrshire, Scotland, which caught fire in 2011 due to a severe storm in the area.

Whilst the reliability of renewable energy installations to withstand such events is dependent on its initial design and with consideration to its location – there are additional measures that can be taken to reduce such severe weather exposures.

1.   Wind

Wind is the number one weather risk for most equipment and as such all renewable energy equipment should be prepared for the highest winds and storms.

  • Regular checks should be carried out on the foundations, tower, and blades of wind turbines along with any other structures and equipment on site. Monitor the tower for the effects of turbulence from other wind turbines or structures nearby and ensure that the automatic shut-down mechanism for high wind speeds and braking systems are working.   
  • Dual axis photovoltaic plants have a higher exposure from wind damage than ground mounted installations due to their elevation and the overall size of the panels. There is a ‘fail-safe’ control in the event of high winds and this should be checked to ensure it is operational.
  • The condition of trees in the vicinity of any buildings or transmission lines should be inspected. Any suspect branches and trees should be removed to prevent any potential damage.

2.   Flood

Heavy rain is the most likely cause of floods, however thawing after heavy snowfall can also cause major flooding.

  • Flooding could result in water ingress into transformer and inverter housings together with site buildings. Site drainage should be inspected regularly along with any debris screens to ensure they are clear especially at locations where culverts and drains are specifically provided. Any site drainage pumps should be checked and tested to ensure they are in working order together with the condition of seals in underground cable ducts to prevent water ingress into critical areas due to flooding.
  • Hydro facilities are particularly susceptible to flood damage as although the turbine is designed to be submerged, the associated transformer and electrical equipment is not. As these are often housed nearby it is imperative that the powerhouse is located at an elevated location above the high water line. 
  • In anticipation of severe rain storms and adverse weather conditions, it is important to ensure that any susceptible equipment is moved to a location where it will not be affected by water and that temporary flood barriers are installed and activated.

3.  Hail

Hail stones over two inches in size can cause serious damage to renewable energy facilities and particular PV panels. Typically hail storms of this magnitude are found in locations such as the central states of the USA (Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and parts of New Mexico). Last year various regions around the UK and in Australia also experienced hail stones the size of tennis balls. In areas with an increased risk of hail events, measures can be taken to reduce the damage potential.

  • Use PV panels that have been certified to IEC1215/61646, ASTME1038, UL 1703 or FM4476/4478 standards to ensure that the panels are strengthened to  withstand routine hail events.
  • Check the orientation of the PV panels. Angled orientation of fixed mounted

panels (generally 30º facing southward) can help to  deflect falling hailstones and reduce the force imposed onto the  panel. Panels that are direct-mounted on low slope roofs, or are mounted horizontally (0º tilt, facing directly upward) pose a higher risk of potential damage from direct strike of large hailstones.

4.    Lightning

Structures such as wind turbines and steel framed buildings are more at risk from being damaged by lightning.  Measures to protect wind turbines against lightning strike are described in the international standard IEC 61400-24.

  • A lightning protection system Class III is normally required for turbines up to 60m and Class II if the turbine is more than 60m. The protection system comprises of air-termination systems, down-conductor/s and an earth termination system to protect against mechanical destruction and fire. Lightning strikes to wind turbines usually affect the rotor blades and bearings. To mitigate the damage affects, lightning receptors should be integrated to defined strike points along the rotor and body.
  • For steel frame factories units housing (for example) biomass units, waste-to-energy plants etc., lighting rods or air terminals are the more familiar type of lightning protection. These must be installed to the relevant local standard. Lightning rods are good at conducting electrical surges away from the actual structure of a building but they will not necessarily protect against power surges.
  • Surge protection should be fitted to help against excessive power outages, which can be caused by lightning strikes and can potentially damage computerized control units installed on biomass plants, anaerobic digesters and other waste-to-energy plants. Such measures together with appropriate lightning protection can help to prevent damage which might otherwise occur during a lightning storm.

Once a renewable energy plant has been installed it will be difficult to make any modifications without incurring significant costs. It is therefore vital that it is designed to be appropriate to the environmental and weather conditions and that the equipment is installed is in accordance with both design and manufacturers recommendations.

Each renewable energy installation brings different risk challenges and access to knowledge on risk management provided by specialist insurers and their engineers can be invaluable in helping to mitigate against weather related risk exposures.

Lead image: Wind turbine lightning via Shutterstock



Friday, February 21, 2014

Ch as se

Monty Bannerman
ArcStar Energy
+1 646-402-5076

Thursday, February 20, 2014

BBC News: Winter wettest since records began over a century ago

Islands, whether some some remote atoll, manhattan or the entire UK, will be forced to face the music first.

Winter wettest on record - Met Office

The UK has had wettest winter on record - 486.8mm of rain - beating previous 1995 record, Met Office says.

Read more:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26280219


** Disclaimer **
The BBC is not responsible for the content of this e-mail, and anything written in this e-mail does not necessarily reflect the BBC's views or opinions. Please note that neither the e-mail address nor name of the sender have been verified.


Monty Bannerman
Sent from my iPad

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Fwd: PHOTON Newsletter - International edition from February 19, 2014

See Ontario numbers.

Monty Bannerman
ArcStar Energy
+1 646-402-5076

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <newsletter@photon.info>
Date: Feb 19, 2014 1:55 AM
Subject: PHOTON Newsletter - International edition from February 19, 2014
To: <mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com>
Cc:

Personal Newsletter for Monty Bannerman
from 19.02.2014

Business
PHOTON International March 2014 issue is online

© photon-pictures.com
19.02.2014: The March 2014 issue of PHOTON International - The Solar Power Magazine is available to subscribers online. The top stories included are: - Aluminum oxide deposition systems market survey: With PERC cells the next big thing, aluminum-oxide tool suppliers gear up for prime time. - SiNx deposition equipment market survey: Silicon nitride deposition tools are not only used for applying antireflection coatings on cells but also to create PID-free modules and to apply rear passivation capping layers - German PV industry survey: In the midst of the demise of the German solar industry, a few small businesses are eking out a niche existence - British solar boom: The UK could see 700 MW of PV parks added in first quarter before support degresses in April - PHOTON Lab's outdoor module tests: The results of the January 2014 yield measurements are available. - Monthly update on solar policy, funding and markets in Africa, Middle East, the Americas, and Europe. To subscribe to the magazine, please order here: http://www.photon.info/upload/PHOTON_International_English_subscription_order_form_3985.pdf

http://www.photon.info

 


Markets
Indian government plans 4 more giant PV projects totaling 2 GW

India's Minister of Finance Palaniappan Chidambaram

© World Economic Forum
19.02.2014: India's Minister of Finance Palaniappan Chidambaram announced a government plan to build four giant PV plants with a combined capacity of 2 GW in the country. According to local news portal livemint, two of the projects would be built in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, while the two remaining projects would be installed in Gujarat and Rajasthan, respectively. Each project would have an individual capacity of 500 MW. All the projects would be part of India’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). Chidambaram has not revealed further details on the projects. The Indian government is already planning another giant solar project in the state of Rajasthan. Six Indian state-owned companies have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the 4 GW PV project. The MoU will have to be reviewed by the Indian Cabinet. Once the project has received Cabinet approval, the developers expect to begin work on the first 1 GW phase. In September 2013, India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that a 1 GW PV project would be developed in the state of Rajasthan by the end of 2016 as part of a larger 4 GW project. According to MNRE, the project will be named »Ultra- Mega Green Solar Power Project« and will be developed near Jaipur on land owned by Sambhar Salts Ltd. (SSL), a subsidiary of Hindustan Salts Ltd., a public company controlled by the Department of Heavy Industry, itself part of the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises. The first 1 GW will be installed at a 19,000-acre site near Sambhar Lake and will cost 7,500 crore ($1.5 billion) to develop. The 4 GW project will be developed in several phases over 7 to 8 years. © PHOTON

http://finmin.nic.in

http://www.livemint.com/Politics/3AP2dKD6E0pwCOyChJi4MK/Interim-budget
-India-to-set-up-large-solar-projects.html

 

Business
Today's newsletter is for February 18 and 19
19.02.2014: Due to a technical problem, the PHOTON daily newsletter was not distributed to all registered users yesterday. For this reason today's edition includes news for both February 18 and 19.

http://www.photon.info

 

Markets
Ontario's microFIT program now supports 162 MW of small PV systems
19.02.2014: The amount of PV capacity installed under Ontario’s microFIT program had reached 162 MW as of Feb. 7, 2014, according to the bi-weekly report on the program published by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). Of this total, 21.9 MW was installed through the microFIT 2.0. window, while 131.9 MW was installed under the older microFIT windows, 1.3 through 1.6. Only 880 kW was installed under the new microFIT window, microFIT 3.0. Between Jan. 6 and Feb. 7, around 2 MW of new PV capacity was installed under the microFIT program. The total microFIT procurement target available for 2014 has been set at 65.3 MW. This includes 15.3 MW of unused capacity from the 2013 quota. OPA recently revealed that Ontario had 900 MW of installed PV capacity: this included both large- and small-scale projects. © PHOTON

http://www.powerauthority.on.ca

http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/sites/default/files/bi-weekly_rep
orts/mFIT%20Report%20Bi-Weekly%20Feb_7_2014.pdf

Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie auch im PHOTON-Archiv unter folgendem Link:
http://www.photon.info/newsletter/document/84313.pdf

 

Finance & economics
Applied Materials reports strong overall sales growth but decrease for energy unit

Applied Materials' EES segment sees a drop in sales. Pictured is an Applied Materials Baccini Line screen printer.

© Michael Jun Gu / photon-pictures.com
19.02.2014: US equipment manufacturer Applied Materials Inc. recorded a year-on-year increase in sales and profit in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, which ended Jan. 26, 2014. The company posted net sales of $2.19 billion for the quarter, up from $1.57 billion in the same quarter last year. Net income increased significantly from $34 million in the first quarter of 2013 to $253 million in the first quarter of 2014. Applied Materials’ Energy and Environmental Solutions (EES) segment, which consists of the company’s PV, glass coating and web coating businesses, achieved net sales of $40 million, down 9% from the first quarter of past fiscal year, and an operating loss of $10 million. New orders for the EES segment were flat at $40 million. Looking forward, Applied Materials expects overall net sales to be up 3 percent to 10 percent from the previous quarter. © PHOTON

http://www.appliedmaterials.com

http://www.appliedmaterials.com/newsroom/news/applied-materials-announ
ces-first-quarter-results-02122014

Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie auch im PHOTON-Archiv unter folgendem Link:
http://www.photon.info/newsletter/document/84306.pdf

 

Business
Asian Development Bank rejects to finance Pakistan's 1 GW PV project
19.02.2014: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has refused to provide financing for construction of transmission lines for the 1 GW Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park to be developed by Pakistan’s government at Lal Suhanra, according to local financial newspaper Business Recorder. The article reports that ADB has declined to approve the financing for the project because it includes construction of three 132 KV transmission lines and ADB’s Multi Finance Facility (MFM) only accepts projects with transmission lines of over 220 KV. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park will be developed on 10,000 acres in the Cholistan Desert. The province issued an RfP for the first 100 MW phase of the project in mid-October. Chief Minister Sharif traveled to China on an official visit in October to garner support for the project. During the visit, Chinese officials assured the minister of China’s cooperation on providing solar energy to Pakistan. Just how China will support the province’s solar ambitions has not been specified, however. Sharif has previously said that Punjab is also seeking assistance from the UK and Germany to develop its energy sector. © PHOTON

http://www.punjab.gov.pk

http://www.brecorder.com/fuel-a-energy/193/1154280/

 

Business
Centrotherm names new CFO
19.02.2014: German PV equipment manufacturer Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG announced that it has appointed Florian von Gropper as its new executive chief financial officer. Furthermore, the company said that its chief restructuring officer Tobias Hoefer will step down from the management board, as planned, as of Feb. 17, 2014, »following the successful reorganization of the company in 2012 and 2013.« © PHOTON

http://www.centrotherm.de

http://www.centrotherm.de/uploads/media/CN_CTPV_Vorstand_CFO_EN_Final.pdf

Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie auch im PHOTON-Archiv unter folgendem Link:
http://www.photon.info/newsletter/document/84292.pdf

 

Finance & economics
Indosolar posts revenue decrease in the third quarter of fiscal year
19.02.2014: Indian solar cell manufacturer Indosolar Ltd. widened its net loss and saw it revenue decline in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, which ended on Dec. 31, 2013. Net sales reached 2.79 crore INR ($448,128) in the latest quarter, down from 16.05 crore INR in the third quarter of last year. Net loss for the period increased to 31.32 crore INR, from a loss of 17.52 crore INR a year earlier. The company also announces that CFO Anand Kumar Agarwal has resigned from the board of directors with effect of Feb. 13, 2014. Vidyut Manubhai Vora has been appointed as additional director in the category of Independent and Non Executive Director with effect of Feb. 13. © PHOTON

http://www.indosolar.co.in

http://nseindia.com/corporate/INDOSOLAR_31dec2013_S_02132014153102_.zip

 

Science & technology
JA Solar announces efficiency of over 19% for its multicrystalline solar cells

JA Solar plans to begin mass producing its multi-Si cells cell in the second half of 2014.

© Frederic Neema / photon-pictures.com
19.02.2014: Chinese solar company JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. announced it has achieved a conversion efficiency of over 19% for its multicrystalline silicon (multi-Si) solar cell. The company has not said if the results were certified by an independent entity. JA Solar plans to integrate the new multicrystalline technology into its commercial manufacturing lines in the second half of 2014. In August, JA Solar achieved a first record conversion efficiency of 18.3% for an industrial size (156x156 mm2) multicrystalline silicon solar cell. The result was certified by the Yangzhou Opto-Electrical Products Testing Institute. At the time, JA Solar said it planned to integrate the new technology into its commercial manufacturing lines within the following 6 months. © PHOTON

http://www.jasolar.com

http://investors.jasolar.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=208005&p=irol-newsArticle
_print&ID=1900582&highlight=

Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie auch im PHOTON-Archiv unter folgendem Link:
http://www.photon.info/newsletter/document/84295.pdf

 

Business
Siliken will be liquidated
19.02.2014: Struggling Spanish solar manufacturer Siliken SA will be liquidated, according to the Spanish Official Journal. The local financial newspaper Expansión reports that no investor has been found to date for the company’s main asset, the polysilicon factory in Casas-Ibáñez, in the Spanish southern province of Albacete. The company started insolvency proceedings at the commercial court of Valencia, Spain, in January 2013. At the time, Siliken failed to find an agreement with its lenders Bankia, Banesto and Catalunya Bank for the refinancing of its €130 million debt. Siliken had been granted a four-months period after filing for the pre-insolvency process in mid-September. The company has already laid off all 139 workers employed at its module factory in Rafelbunyol, Spain. Siliken also closed its factories in Mexico and Canada in 2012. © PHOTON

http://www.expansion.com/2014/02/17/valencia/1392666038.html

http://www.boe.es/borme/dias/2014/02/13/pdfs/BORME-A-2014-30-46.pdf

Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie auch im PHOTON-Archiv unter folgendem Link:
http://www.photon.info/newsletter/document/84291.pdf

 

Finance & economics
Websol Energy reports strong revenue growth, net loss increases
19.02.2014: In its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013-2014, Indian monocrystalline solar cell and module producer Websol Energy Systems Ltd. reported sales of 90.98 crore INR ($14.4 million), up considerably from 29.46 crore INR for the same quarter a year earlier. Net loss for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2013 increased to 17.35 crore INR, from 7.26 crore INR for the prior year. Websol, together with Indian solar manufacturers Indosolar Ltd. and Jupiter Solar Power Ltd., filed a petition with Indian authorities in November 2012 to start an antidumping investigation into solar cells and modules imported from the EU and Japan. © PHOTON

http://www.webelsolar.com

http://www.nseindia.com/corporate/WEBELSOLAR_31dec2013_S_0213201420350
7_.zip

 

Business
Inesa Solar obtains $11 million financing for 5 MW PV project in Argentina
19.02.2014: The Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) has agreed to provide $11 million in financing to Argentinean solar developer Inesa Solar SA for the construction of a 5 MW PV plant in the province of San Juan, Argentina. According to local newspaper Telám, the construction on the solar project will start next month and will be completed by the end of 2014. The project is part of the Cañada Honda III 20 MW PV project, of which a first 7 MW PV plant was already installed in the area. © PHOTON

http://www.telam.com.ar

http://www.telam.com.ar/notas/201402/52040-otorgan-credito-de-11-millo
nes-de-dolares-para-la-construccion-en-san-juan-del-mayor-parque-solar
-fotovoltaico-de-la-region.html

 

Business
Power Electronics completes 3 MW PV plant in northern Chile
18.02.2014: Spanish inverter provider Power Electronics announced the completion of the 3 MW PV plant Los Puquios in the northern Chilean region of Tarapacá . The company, which has provided two solar Freesun HET steel 40” containers with a power of 1.4 MW each for the project, said that the PV plant has increased Chile’s installed PV capacity to 9.7 MW. The company has not disclosed how much was invested in the project. © PHOTON

http://www.power-electronics.com

Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie auch im PHOTON-Archiv unter folgendem Link:
http://www.photon.info/newsletter/document/84273.pdf

 

Business
Renovalia Chile plans 35 MW PV project in northern Chile
19.02.2014: Chilean developer Renovalia Chile Dos SpA, a subsidiary of Spanish renewable energy company Renovalia, aims to build a 35 MW PV power plant in the Atacama region of northern Chile. According to a proposal submitted to Chilean environmental authorities, Renovalia’s Planta Fotovoltaica Cardones Solar I solar project would require an investment of $65 million. Construction of the project, located in the municipality of Copiapó, is scheduled to start in October 2014, pending approval. © PHOTON

http://seia.sea.gob.cl/expediente/ficha/fichaPrincipal.php?modo=ficha&
id_expediente=2128896557

http://infofirma.sea.gob.cl/DocumentosSEA/MostrarDocumento?docId=94/e9
/44e52b0f27b967fd6ec9645166d24159b54c

Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie auch im PHOTON-Archiv unter folgendem Link:
http://www.photon.info/newsletter/document/84288.pdf

 

Business
Solatio Energia plans 6.5 MW PV plant in Brazilian state of Sao Paulo
19.02.2014: The government of the Brazilian state of São Paulo, the government of the city of Votuporanga, local company SG Par / North Shopping and local solar developer Solatio Energia have signed an agreement to build a 6.7 MW solar park in Votuporanga. According to a statement for the city government, the state of São Paulo will exempt the project from paying the ICMS, the Brazilian state sales tax, while the city of Votuporanga will provide a surface for the PV plant. SG Par / North Shopping will buy electricity produced by the plant, while Solatio Energia will develop the project. The project will cost around 32.5 million BRL ($13.6 million). In late 2013, the government of the Brazilian state of São Paulo said it intends to introduce a tax break for PV projects that would exempt large-scale projects from paying the ICMS. At the time, the state energy minister José Anibal said that the government was examining project proposals from unnamed potential investors and that the new tax break for large-scale PV projects would be introduced soon. In April 2013, the government of São Paulo introduced the same tax break for solar thermal projects. © PHOTON

http://www.votuporanga.sp.gov.br

http://www.votuporanga.sp.gov.br/n/noticia/?x=gabinetedoprefeito&n=201
4214163613-votuporanga-tera-maior-usina-de-energia-fotovoltaica-do-bra
sil

Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie auch im PHOTON-Archiv unter folgendem Link:
http://www.photon.info/newsletter/document/84311.pdf

 

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