European Monocrystalline module prices climb

Monocrystalline module prices climb

27.04.2012: Following several weeks of little movement, the average price of monocrystalline modules rose over 4 percent in the last week. According to PHOTON's module price index, the average per watt price of monocrystalline solar modules on the German spot market climbed €0.03 in the last week to reach €0.77 ($1.02) per watt. Meanwhile, the average price of multicrystalline modules has hovered around its current price of €0.72 ($0.95) per watt for over a month now. Prices for inverters up to 5 kW have consistently risen over the past month, climbing from €0.25 ($0.33) per watt at the beginning of April to €0.33 ($0.44) per watt on April 27. The average price for these inverters is now 10 percent higher than it was a year ago. The prices of larger inverters have not changed for several weeks: the average price of inverters between 5 and 10 kW and between 10 and 100 kW stands at €0.22 ($0.29) and €0.19 ($0.25) per watt, respectively. The PHOTON editorial team calculates the price index on a weekly basis. The entire module price index, as well as indexes for other regions, cell technologies and inverters, are published on a regular basis in PHOTON International. The Monday edition of the PHOTON newsletter includes only an excerpt from the various price indexes. Source: PHOTON http://www.photon.info The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/64356.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Foxconn and Brazil's richest man to build solar panel factory in Rio de Janeiro state

Foxconn and Brazil's richest man to build solar panel factory in Rio de Janeiro state

27.04.2012: Reuters reports that Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista and Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn plan to jointly develop a $1 billion factory complex in Rio de Janeiro state that will produce solar panels, batteries and energy efficient street lamps. According to Reuters, Batista said that one of his companies would contribute half of the $1 billion, while Foxconn would contribute the other half. Batista did not specify which of his companies he was referring to, and he did not say when the complex might be built. … Source: Reuters; Summary: PHOTON http://www.reuters.com http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/04/26/foxconn-brazil-idUKE5E8DH0592 0120426

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Northland Power contracts Aecon Group to build 60 MW under Ontario FIT program

North America

Northland Power contracts Aecon Group to build 60 MW under Ontario FIT program

29.04.2012: Canadian power generation company Northland Power Inc. has selected Miwel Construction Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian construction company Aecon Group, to build six 10 MW photovoltaic (PV) power projects in Ontario. The six projects, expected to be completed in 2013, will sell electricity under Ontario’s renewable energy feed-in-tariff (FIT) program. Northland has received contracts to develop more than 130 MW of solar projects under the Ontario FIT scheme. These projects are scheduled to come online between 2012 and 2014. … Source: Aecon Group; Summary: PHOTON http://www.aecon.com http://www.aecon.com/Media_Room?articleView=individual&articleID=1250 The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/64390.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Most ambitious in the world, California Emissions Plan Goes Forward | EnergyBiz

http://www.energybiz.com/article/12/04/california-emissions-plan-goes-forward&utm_medium=eNL&utm_campaign=EB_DAILY2&utm_term=Original-Magazine

Jamaica's new net billing regulation to enter into force on May 1

Jamaica's new net billing regulation to enter into force on May 1

26.04.2012: Jamaican government news agency Jamaica Information Service (JIS), reports that on May 1, the government will launch a net billing program for solar systems up to 100 kW is size. The Jamaican net billing scheme differs slightly from net-metering schemes employed in other countries, but the principle remains that same: electric customers that own rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems can receive a credit on their electric bill for any excess electricity they produce. In the case of the Jamaican scheme, however, the price of electricity sold back to the utility is based on the “avoided cost of generation,” plus a 15 percent bonus. The “avoided cost” is defined as the cost of the fuel the utility would have to burn to generate the equivalent amount of electricity. Eligible customers are expected to receive between 18¢ and 22¢ per kWh, which is less than the retail electricity rate, which stands at about 35¢ per kWh. The regulation was approved last September, and in March, the Development Bank of Jamaica announced that it would provide loans to electric customers interested in installing PV systems. In a separate article, JIS reports that the Jamaica Energy Council (JEC) held its first meeting earlier this week. The bi-partisan council was created to speed up the implementation of Jamaica’s national energy policy and to facilitate consultation among key energy sector stakeholders. The JEC will focus on issues related to energy policy, energy efficiency and the development of conventional, renewable and alternative energy resources. The JEC is specifically tasked will reviewing potential power sources in order to diversify the countries power supply. … Source Jamaica Information Service; Summary: PHOTON http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/111-energy-mining/30356-jamaica-energy-coun cil-holds-first-meeting http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/111-energy-mining/30339-come-may-1-jamaican s-can-apply-for-licence-to-supply-national-grid

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

US Solar Heads East | FPL's rigged game and Florida's laggard status gets a little attention

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2012/04/us-solar-heads-east?cmpid=WNL-Friday-April27-2012

Latin America Report: Mexico Climate Law Takes Shape | Renewable Energy News Article

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2012/04/latin-america-report-mexico-climate-law-takes-shape?cmpid=WNL-Friday-April27-2012

InventivEnergy - Services

http://inventivenergy.com/services.php

Nunavut Mining Symposium presentations including Bernie's: NU symposium info

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

From: Gary Williams [mailto:gary@advanced-exploration.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 3:10 PM
To: 'mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com'
Subject: NU symposium info

 

http://www.nunavutminingsymposium.ca/2011/04/presentations-from-the-2011-nms-are-now-available-online/

 

 

Presentations from the Mining Symposium mentioned by Bernie.

 

 

 

 

Gary Williams, M.Sc. PGeo.

VP Environmental

Advanced Explorations Inc.

P.O. Box 100, Suite 2828

401 Bay Street

Toronto, ON

M5H 2Y4

416-203-0057 x224

 

Global solar resource database

Europe

German scientists present global solar and wind database

25.04.2012: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have presented the first Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy. The global atlas is an open access database that provides detailed data about wind and solar potential around the world. According to a statement issued by the DLR, the atlas is intended to encourage the deployment of renewable energy worldwide by making it easier to determine the best locations for wind and solar installations. … Source: International Renewable Energy Agency, German Aerospace Center; Summary: PHOTON http://www.dlr.de/dlr/presse/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10172/213_re ad-3379/year-all/ http://www.irena.org/News/Description.aspx?NType=NWS&PriMenuID=16&mnu= Pri&News_ID=191

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

FW: JCM Capital Launches $10,000,000 Solar Development Capital Fund

JCM capitalizing on the need for up-front development dollars.

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

From: JCM Solar Capital Ltd. [mailto:mstrait=jcmcapital.ca@mail76.us2.mcsv.net] On Behalf Of JCM Solar Capital Ltd.
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 12:31 PM
To: =?utf-8?Q??=
Subject: JCM Capital Launches $10,000,000 Solar Development Capital Fund

 

JCM Capital Launches $10,000,000 Solar Development Capital Fund Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.   April 25, 2012 In This Release • JCM Capital Launches $10,000,000 Solar Development Capital Fund • Invitation to our Booth #115 at CanSIA Solar Ontario 2012 Solar Ontario 2012 May 14 & 15 Booth #115 Keep Up With Us Facebook Twitter JCM Capital Launches $10,000,000 Solar Development Capital Fund for FIT Projects in Ontario, Canada Toronto, ON. (BUSINESS WIRE) April 25, 2012– JCM Capital (JCM) announced today that they have launched a $10 million solar development capital fund that will invest in early-stage photovoltaic (PV) projects installed on large commercial and industrial buildings across Ontario, leveraging  the Province's Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program.  The aim of the fund is to target application-ready projects to be submitted into the upcoming Ontario Power Authority's (OPA)  application window, and as such, assist with early-stage development  costs such as FIT application fees, structural engineering assessments, FIT security deposits and grid connection impact assessment (CIA) costs.  The fund will also invest in Ontario-based FIT contracted projects that have not yet reached commercial operation. CEO of JCM, Christian Wray, stated that despite the recent changes to the Province's Green Energy Program, the fund will ensure that necessary capital is available for quality projects that meet the requirements of the revised FIT 2.0 program.  "JCM has and will continue to support the small to mid-size solar market in Ontario with the belief that our investment in distributed solar power generation will provide the maximum benefit to all stakeholders.  The fund creates a unique solution for local PV development companies that have few options when funding early-stage projects that require significant risk capital."  Wray also noted that JCM has a strong track record in working with solar developers in Ontario and looks forward to partnering with and supporting other experienced developers as the program continues. To date JCM has successfully deployed over $5 million of development capital, enabling the advancement of an initial 20MW commercial rooftop solar portfolio. When completed, the aggregate construction costs of this initial portfolio will exceed $80 million and will offset approximately 20,000 tons of harmful C02 from being released into the earth's atmosphere - the equivalent of planting 2 million trees or removing 60,000 cars from the road. The fund will also help create further jobs in accordance with the Province's Green Energy Act initiative.   For more information, please visit www.jcmcapital.ca About JCM Capital (JCM) JCM Capital focuses primarily on financing and the co-development of solar energy projects in Ontario, Canada. The Company provides commercial solar energy developers early-stage development capital and/or equity financing solutions for 'construction-ready' and operational solar projects while offering strategic and project management support. Current portfolios include rooftop and ground-mounted projects spanning from Southwestern to Eastern Ontario.  The Company is looking to expand it's reach through the cultivation of new partnerships and associations. Media Contact: JCM: Michael Strait, COO, mstrait@jcmcapital.ca, 1.416.953.4694 Where to find JCM Capital at Solar Ontario 2012 Booth #115 Tuesday, May 15th: Opening Plenary: 9:00 am -10:00 am, Ontario's Solar Industry Now and Going Forward - micro FIT 2.0 and FIT 2.0 JCM Capital's CEO, Christian Wray, will be discussing the outcomes and implications of the overarching program changes so your business can better understand how to survive and prosper in a new microFIT and FIT environment.

Copyright © 2012 JCM Solar Capital Ltd., All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a friend of JCM Our mailing address is: JCM Solar Capital Ltd. 21 St. Clair Avenue Easte, Suite 500 Toronto, Ontario M4T 1L9 Canada Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Project Valuations for Solar Hybrid pre and post BK

Solarhybrid Israel sells 201 MW of project rights to Summit Energy

23.04.2012: German solar project developer Solarhybrid AG, which launched insolvency proceedings last month, reports that its subsidiary Solarhybrid Israel Ltd. has sold project rights for 201 MW of photovoltaic (PV) projects to Summit Energy LP Israel. According to Solarhybrid, Summit Energy will pay Solarhybrid Israel NIS 1.5 million ($0.4 million) plus earn-out payments amounting to NIS 21 million ($5.6 million). Upon completion of the projects, Summit Energy will pay Solarhybrid Israel up to NIS 4.5 million ($1.2 million) in additional earn-out payments. Solarhybrid Israel acquired the project rights in January 2012 for NIS 9 million ($2.4 million) plus the above-mentioned earn-out payments. … Source: Solarhybrid AG; Summary: PHOTON http://www.solarhybrid.ag http://presse.solarhybrid.ag/presse/news/news-2012/detail/verkauf-von- solarprojekten-in-israel/094acfe5949f1bf547f1bc8b7ec383ff/?L=en The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/64143.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

800 MW of PV under development in Brazil in First Week of Net Metering

800 MW of PV under development in Brazil

23.04.2012: One week after Brazil approved a new net-metering regulation for photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 1 MW in size, the president of the Brazil’s largest solar association Associaçao Brasileira da Industria Eletrica e Eletronica (ABINEE), Leonidas Bispo Andrade, told PHOTON that more than 800 MW of PV is currently in development across the country. “These are projects that are currently asking for permits, grid connection and developing engineering,” explained Andrade. According to Andrade, the projects’ developers are awaiting a public bidding program similar to the one Brazil developed for wind power projects. Those bids allowed 7 GW of wind projects to be contracted over the last three years. Andrade said the government does plan to introduce a solar bidding program that would include large-scale solar projects; however, it has not given any indication of when such a program would be launched. Source: PHOTON http://www.abinee.org.br

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Japanese solar FIT likely to be set at 51¢ per kWh

Asia

Japanese solar FIT likely to be set at 51¢ per kWh

23.04.2012: Citing an article published by Nikkei business daily, Reuters reports that Japan’s new feed-in-tariff (FIT) scheme will likely have a tariff of ¥42 yen (51¢) per kWh when the program launches in July. The ¥42 rate, which has yet to be approved by Japan's Trade Minister Yukio Edano, would include tax and would be effective for roughly 20 years, generally in line with what the solar industry has asked. Following last year’s Fukushima nuclear crisis, Japan has been reviewing its energy policy and has been gradually shutting down its nuclear reactors. ... Source: Reuters; Summary: PHOTON http://www.reuters.com http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/23/japan-solar-idUSL3E8FN00R20120423

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

CA CPUC expands Virtual Net Metering program

CPUC expands Virtual Net Metering program

20.04.2012: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which regulates privately owned public utilities in the state of California, said it will expand its Virtual Net Metering (VNM) program to include all multi-tenant and multi-meter properties. Previously, the program was only open to low-income tenants living in affordable housing complexes. Under the program, renters and condominium owners will now be able to share electricity bill credits with other tenants as long as all of the accounts involved are served by a single service delivery point. VNM allows multi-tenant and multi-meter properties to install a single photovoltaic system to cover the electricity load of both common and tenant areas. Once installed, these communal PV systems export electricity directly to the grid instead of to tenant meters. The participating utility then allocates the kilowatt hours from the energy produced by the PV system to both the building owner’s and the tenants’ individual utility accounts, based on a pre-arranged allocation agreement. The three utilities participating in the program are Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E). The CPUC said it would soon release updated VNM tariffs. … Source: California Public Utilities Commission; Summary: PHOTON http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/NEWS_RELEASE/164442.htm http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/DistGen/vnm.htm The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/64077.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

FW: Statement By Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty On 2012 Budget

 

 

From: Ontario News [mailto:newsroom@ontario.ca]
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 4:33 PM
To: mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com
Subject: Statement By Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty On 2012 Budget

 

Statement By Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty On 2012 Budget

April 20, 2012

Today Premier Dalton McGuinty released the following statement:

"Balancing the budget is essential to creating jobs and growing the economy. Our five-year plan to balance the budget will keep our economy on track while protecting health care and education.

The budget plan presented to Ontarians did include ideas put forward by both opposition parties.

The PCs, led by Tim Hudak, proposed a very low rate of growth in government spending. The budget proposes only one per cent annual increases in spending over the next three years, and seeks a real wage freeze for our doctors, teachers and other public servants.

The NDP, led by Andrea Horwath, proposed a freeze on corporate income taxes. Our budget proposes to freeze corporate income taxes at 11.5 per cent.

Before the budget was tabled, I informed both opposition leaders that in keeping with Ontarians' expectations we would consider changes to make the budget even better.

The PCs abandoned Ontarians from the outset. They decided to vote against the budget before they even read it, risking an unnecessary and expensive election.

The NDP have shown a willingness to work across party lines to reach an agreement. We've been working hard with the NDP to better understand their proposals. Since the beginning of those discussions, we've been clear that while we can shift funding from one priority to another, we will not consider any new unsustainable spending.

Today I spoke with Ms. Horwath about these discussions and indicated a willingness to work together to reach an agreement.

I confirmed that we are taking action to make our budget stronger in two areas: child care and the Ontario Disability Support Program.

These steps can be taken within the government's fiscal plan and by finding savings in less important programs.

To ensure the child care sector remains strong and can help families experience a seamless transition to full-day kindergarten, we will provide additional assistance to child care operators.

The additional funding will give new support to the child care sector and is found within the Ministry of Education's existing budget allocation.

We will further cut the price the government pays for the most popular generic drugs, generating enough savings to raise Ontario Disability Support Payments by one per cent.

Over the weekend, we'll continue to analyze how else we may be able to work together to make the budget stronger.

I've asked Ms. Horwath to meet on Monday and have requested that she come prepared, on behalf of her party and caucus, to reach an agreement."

LEARN MORE

• Making The 2012 Budget Even Better

---

Office of the Premier
ontario.ca/premier

 

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© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2008 - 2012

Why Hydro One's 7% renewables limit is ridiculous: Can California Handle More Wind and Solar Energy? | RenewablesBiz

http://www.renewablesbiz.com/article/12/04/can-california-handle-more-wind-and-solar-energy&utm_medium=eNL&utm_campaign=RB_DAILY2&utm_term=Original-Member

Polysilicon price drop will cause major price erosion in the solar market in 2012

Polysilicon price drop will cause major price erosion in the solar market in 2012

18.04.2012: According to the latest IHS iSuppli PV Perspectives Market Brief and the IHS iSuppli Polysilicon Price Index, current surplus production in the polysilicon industry will cause a further price reduction of the raw material, with a consequent “major price erosion” in the global solar market. According to IHS, spot market pricing for polysilicon showed a decline of 65 percent in 2011. Polysilicon prices are expected to fall a further 56 percent in 2012, leading to “long-term changes in the way polysilicon is bought and sold in the PV industry.” … Source: IHS iSuppli; Summary: PHOTON http://www.isuppli.com http://www.isuppli.com/Photovoltaics/News/Pages/Surplus-Supply-of-Poly silicon-Pressures-Pricing-but-not-all-Polysilicon-Prices-are-Equal.asp x The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/63905.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Solar sector celebrates new net-metering regulation in Brazil

Solar sector celebrates new net-metering regulation in Brazil

18.04.2012: A spokesman for the Brazilian association for the electric industry Abinee told PHOTON that Brazil’s newly approved net-metering regulation is a boon for the solar industry, although Abinee does not expect to see many new installations in 2012. Roberto Barbieri, Abinee’s adviser on electrical energy generation, transmission and distribution told PHOTON that the net-metering regulation for photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 1 MW in size – approved by the Brazilian national electric energy agency ANEEL on Tuesday – will begin to show results in early 2013. The new regulation will be published shortly in the Official Diary. Brazilian utilities will then have 240 days to implement the technical aspects of the regulation before they have to apply it. According to news agency Bloomberg, the president of energy industry association Associacao Brasileira de Distribuidores de Energia Eletrica, Nelson Fonseca Leite, estimated that Brazil could install as many as 300,000 rooftop PV systems by 2030, resulting in solar module sales of $3 billion over the next 20 years. …. Source: Aneel, Abinee, Bloomberg; Translation and summary: PHOTON http://www.aneel.gov.br/aplicacoes/noticias/Output_Noticias.cfm?Identi dade=5457&id_area=90 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-18/brazil-rules-let-consumers-tr ade-renewable-power-to-utilities.html

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Virtual Power Plants, Real Power - IEEE Spectrum

Prototype of what will be a demand-side component of a power peering architecture.

http://spectrum.ieee.org/energy/the-smarter-grid/virtual-power-plants-real-power

Ontario to review electricity services: Bentley | Ontario | News | Woodstock Sentinel Review

http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2012/04/16/ontario-to-review-electricity-services-bentley?utm_source=addThis&utm_medium=addthis_button_email&utm_campaign=Ontario+to+review+electricity+services%3A+Bentley+%7C+Ontario+%7C+News+%7C+Woodstock+Sentinel+Review#.T48ExikrPDE.email

Exploration company to study alternative energy in Nunavut - North - CBC News

Guess who, boys:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/04/08/north-nunavut-exploration-alternative-energy.html

Six Nations Of The Grand River approves next steps in solar park

http://www.sixnations.ca/CurrentUpdate.htm

Italy publishes official text of the fifth Conto Energia, introduces two new PV taxes

Going backwards: roll back the incentives AND tax the production.

16.04.2012: The Italian Ministry of Industry has published on its website the official text of the final draft of the new Italian incentive scheme for photovoltaics (PV) – the so-called fifth Conto Energia. This latest version of the draft decree confirms that the government plans to drastically cut the budget for solar incentives and that it aims introduce a six-month register for PV systems over 12 kW. The decree would also introduce two new taxes. Under the first tax, Italian energy agency Gestore dei Servizi Energetici SpA (GSE) would charge power plant owners between €2 and €5 ($2.66 and $6.67) per kW, depending on the size of an installation, when they first register a new power plant (or, with smaller installations, when they file their request for connection). Under the second tax, valid for all PV installations – including those already online – power plant owners would have to pay 0.1 euro cents per kWh produced. Considering Italy has 13 GW of installed power and an average annual production of 1,300 kWh per kW, this second tax would generate an annual income of around €17 million for the GSE. The draft decree has been submitted to the State-Regions Conference for discussion; however, the Conference has not yet said when that discussion might be held. … Source: Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico, Ministero degli Affari Regionali; Translation and summary: PHOTON http://www.statoregioni.it/Documenti/DOC_035803_odg%20csr%2019%20april e%202012.pdf http://www.sviluppoeconomico.gov.it/images/stories/normativa/DM-5-CE-I ntegrato-13-04-12-Pulito-Rinumerato_ultima.pdf The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/63730.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Europe and Asia module prices hover below $1.00/watt

Module prices hover at €0.72 per watt

13.04.2012: According to PHOTON's module price index, solar module prices on the German spot market have remained relatively stable for the last several weeks. The average price of multicrystalline modules has held at €0.72 ($0.96) per watt for the last three weeks, while the average price of monocrystalline modules fell 1.3 percent to €0.74 ($0.99) per watt. Meanwhile, prices for modules produced in Asia have hovered around their current price of €0.70 ($0.93) per watt since late March. Prices for all three types of modules are down more than 46 percent from a year ago. The PHOTON editorial team calculates the price index on a weekly basis. The entire module price index, as well as indexes for other regions, cell technologies and inverters, are published on a regular basis in PHOTON International. The Monday edition of the PHOTON newsletter includes only an excerpt from the various price indexes… Source: PHOTON http://www.photon.info The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/63681.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Brazil says solar at $0.164/kWh still too expensive to adopt

South America

Citing high cost of solar energy, Brazil says it will hold off on solar auctions for the near-term

13.04.2012: News agency Reuters reports that the secretary of energy planning for Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, Altino Ventura Filho, said that Brazil would not hold solar auctions in the near-term due to the high cost of solar energy. According to Ventura, solar energy currently costs between BRL 300 and 400 (between $164 and $219) per MWh, compared to just BRL 100 ($55) per MWh for wind power. Ventura said that Brazil would reconsider solar auctions once solar energy becomes competitive, which he expects to occur in Brazil in the next five years. … Source: Reuters; Translation and summary: PHOTON http://www.reuters.com http://br.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idBRSPE83B05P20120412

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

host-site consumption systems open up in Mexico

Airport in central Mexico to host 200 kW PV system

13.04.2012: Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte S.A.B. de CV (OMA) announced that it will install a 200 kW photovoltaic (PV) system at Zacatecas Airport in central Mexico at a cost of $850,000. The PV system, due to be commissioned in the second half of 2012, will cover about half of the airport’s electricity needs. The system is being developed under a 2010 Mexican regulation that supports the deployment of self-consumption systems of up to 500 kW. … Source: Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V.; Translation and summary: PHOTON http://www.oma.aero http://www.oma.aero/assets/015/6774.pdf The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/63665.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

FW: GE to auction 225 MW of transmission capacity connecting NYC, PJM power grids

http://www.pennenergy.com/index/power/display/2899157755/articles/pennenergy
/power/transmission/2012/april/ge-to_auction_225.html?cmpid=EnlWeeklyPowerAp
ril132012

GE to auction 225 MW of transmission capacity connecting NYC, PJM power
grids

April 9, 2012
Source: GE 

GE (NYSE: GE) unit GE Energy Financial Services announced that it will
auction 225 megawatts of bi-directional electricity transfer capacity from
its Linden variable frequency transformer (VFT) smart grid project at the
intersection of the New York City and PJM power grids.

GE Energy Financial Services will hold the auction in June to sell nine
blocks of 25 megawatts of electric transmission scheduling rights that will
become available on November 1, 2012. These blocks can be used by the
project's customers to sell power capacity and energy sourced in the PJM
Interconnection, the largest centrally dispatched electric grid in the
world, into the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and its zone
serving the New York metropolitan area. Linden VFT customers also can route
energy from NYISO to the PJM Interconnection.

The project is capable of transferring 315 megawatts of capacity, enough for
up to 315,000 homes, between PJM and NYISO, through its connection to a
cable running in bedrock 60 feet beneath the Arthur Kill waterway –
originating at GE's 900-megawatt Linden cogeneration power plant – and
connecting to Consolidated Edison's Goethals substation in the New York City
borough of Staten Island.

Since commercial operation began in 2009, the Linden VFT project has
operated with 97 percent availability, and has successfully demonstrated the
flexibility to flow power in both directions between NYISO and PJM. These
variable frequency transformers are helping to stabilize New York City's and
PJM's power grids, increasing energy reliability and providing consumers
with more diverse and lower-cost power sources. The variable frequency
transformers provide a precise control path between electrical grids,
permitting power exchanges previously impossible because of technical
constraints. They enable transmission system operators at PJM and NYISO to
control power flows with high reliability, speed and efficiency, while
offering flexibility in how utilities meet growing energy demand.

Four power marketing and trading companies won an initial auction in January
2007 for the Linden VFT's electric transmission capacity from what GE Energy
Financial Services believes was the first merchant US transmission project
not dependent on a long-term arrangement with a rate-based entity. The smart
grid project builds on GE Energy Financial Services' 30-year legacy of
investment in power transmission and generation. GE Energy Financial
Services holds equity investments in power projects which it either operates
itself or are operated by third parties with a capacity to produce 30
gigawatts.

GE Energy Financial Services will hold an "open season" to allocate
transmission scheduling rights entitling Linden VFT's customers to determine
use of the project. To learn more about the process, interested parties may
visit www.lindenvftauction.com, where they can find an Information
Memorandum that describes the Linden VFT, the transmission scheduling rights
that will be made available, the auction rules and the benefits of owning
these transmission scheduling rights, as well as a calendar and important
announcements regarding the open season. Any questions can be directed to
iam@lindenvftauction.com. The Brattle Group is managing the open season for
GE Energy Financial Services.

Bidders can procure up to nine available 25-megawatt blocks for terms
ranging from a minimum of one year, up to 10 years and seven months. Bidders
are allowed to make multiple offers for the desired number of blocks, where
each offer corresponds to a different contract duration.

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FW: New barges designed to suit needs of offshore wind industry

http://www.pennenergy.com/index/power/display/6236293744/articles/pennenergy
/power/renewable/2012/april/new-barges_designed.html?cmpid=EnlDailyPowerApri
l122012

New barges designed to suit needs of offshore wind industry

April 11, 2012
The renewable energy sector has seen dramatic growth in the past decade,
particularly wind power, but one of the primary limiting factors has been
the time and expense of installing these systems.

Bloomberg reports the offshore wind power sector could see a solution to
this problem with the introduction of new barges designed specifically to
meet the specific needs of the industry.

Traditionally offshore wind farms have relied on modified barges that were
initially designed to explore for oil, even at companies like A2Sea, a joint
venture between Siemens and Dong Energy, which is building the largest
approved offshore wind farm near London.

However, as demand for renewable energy has surged, Dong has begun
constructing ships specifically designed with wind farm construction in
mind, including features like movable legs to plant on the ocean floor,
greater capacity and improved ability to cope with sea swells.

"Having these vessels is the difference between being able to build the
projects that we're all looking at today and not," Paul Coffey, chief
operating officer of RWE's Innogy unit, told Bloomberg.

This development could prove particularly important in Europe, where wind
power is expected to employ 520,000 people by 2020, according to the
European Wind Energy Association.

Read a
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ROOFTOPS: FIT Webinar on April 17, 2012

Let's have our questions ready and have this call covered.

 

Monty

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

From: info@powerauthority.on.ca [mailto:info@powerauthority.on.ca]
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2012 3:52 PM
To: mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com
Subject: FIT Webinar on April 17, 2012

 

You are invited to participate in a webinar to learn more about the revised FIT Program. This session will focus solely on the revised FIT Program materials posted on the FIT website and will describe how you can provide feedback on the draft FIT rules, contract and standard definitions. Below are the details about the session and how you can participate. For this session we will be taking web questions only. By logging onto the weblink, you will be able to view and listen to the presentation and submit your questions.    Date: April 17, 2012 Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (ET) Web URL: http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/event/?event_id=2739 Toll Free Number:  1-866-212-4491   An archive will be posted to the FIT website shortly after the session.   We look forward to your participation in the session.   Ontario Power Authority

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Greece, Italy See Solar as Path to Economic Stability | Renewable Energy News Article

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2012/04/greece-italy-see-solar-as-path-to-economic-stability?cmpid=WNL-Friday-April13-2012

Borrego Solar completes 3.4 MW PV project at Edwards Air Force Base

Borrego Solar completes 3.4 MW PV project at Edwards Air Force Base

12.04.2012: Chinese module manufacturer Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. announced that US solar project developer Borrego Solar has completed a 3.4 MW photovoltaic project at Edwards Air Force Base using Suntech solar modules. According to Suntech, Borrego designed, financed and built the project at no upfront cost to Edwards Air Force Base, which is located in southern California’s Mojave Desert. The project consists of three ground-mounted solar parks of about 1.13 MW each. … Source: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd.; Summary: PHOTON http://ir.suntech-power.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=192654&p=irol-newsArticle& ID=1682419&hilight= http://www.borregosolar.com/solar-projects/government-and-municipal/ed wards-air-force-base/ The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/63649.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

Oakland's BrightSource Energy shelves IPO, announces it will pull S-1 - SiliconValley.com

Concentrating Solar under pressure from falling PV  and natural gas prices.

 

http://www.siliconvalley.com/latest-headlines/ci_20377019/brightsource-energy-shelves-ipo-oakland-solar-startup?source=email

Core panel component price dropping like a stone

Decline in wafer prices forces PV producers to change strategy

11.04.2012: According to the latest market research report released by IMS Research, the average price of photovoltaic (PV) wafers fell by more than 70 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2012 due to global oversupply. IMS Research found that the sharp decline in wafer prices is pushing solar producers to change their cost structures and strategies: The report reveals that many PV products manufacturers, especially Chinese producers, have reduced their in-house production and have started to buy more solar wafers from third-party suppliers. Average wafer prices stood at $0.30 per watt in the first quarter of 2012, down from just over $1 per watt a year ago. The report forecasts that wafer prices will continue to decline in 2012, falling 25 percent between the fourth quarter of 2011 and the fourth quarter of 2012. … Source: IMS Research; Summary: PHOTON http://www.imsresearch.com http://imsresearch.com/press-release/PV_Module_Suppliers_Switch_Tactic s_as_Wafer_Prices_fall_70 The complete press release can be viewed in PHOTON's archive using the following link: http://www.photon-international.com/newsletter/document/63531.pdf

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

646.402.5076

www.arcstarenergy.com