I don't know what to make of this rumor. Hearing today that Golmud, Qinghai is planning to construct a 200 MW PV plant with a RMB 4 bln investment. Supposedly the city's investment department staff revealed the sectret. Very little information except that State Power Longyuan and China Guodian are currently cooperating with the Qinghai provincial government on the project.
I'm mentioning it hear in hopes that someone reading this will have more info and comment.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Suntech to Provide Panels for Siemens PV Plants
Siemens Energy, a division of Siemens (NYSE: SI) has signed an agreement with Suntech Power, to supply solar projects in Europe.
Siemens has orders for 80 MW of PV plants in six countries. Siemens handles the turnkey construction of the plants using in-house components such as inverters and transformers and contracts with sources that produce the panels. Suntech will supply the solar panels.
In June 2010, Siemens Energy received an order from Ital Green Energy, a subsidiary of the Marseglia Group, for a PV plant with a peak output of 15 MW. The San Donaci solar power plant's planned location is the Italy's Apulia region. It was scheduled to be connected to the grid in 2010. I have seen no information confirming that they stuck to that timeline.
In July 2010, Siemens Energy also received an order from Prague-based DPES for the turnkey construction of a ground-based PV power plant in the Czech Republic. The solar plant, with a rating of 4MWp, was to be erected in Dobre Pole, around 50km south of Brno. The plant was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010. As is the case with the San Donaci solar plant, I couldn't find a confirmation that the project was completed on time.
Suntech's partnership with Siemens Energy will help promote the company's brand throughout Europe.
Siemens has orders for 80 MW of PV plants in six countries. Siemens handles the turnkey construction of the plants using in-house components such as inverters and transformers and contracts with sources that produce the panels. Suntech will supply the solar panels.
In June 2010, Siemens Energy received an order from Ital Green Energy, a subsidiary of the Marseglia Group, for a PV plant with a peak output of 15 MW. The San Donaci solar power plant's planned location is the Italy's Apulia region. It was scheduled to be connected to the grid in 2010. I have seen no information confirming that they stuck to that timeline.
In July 2010, Siemens Energy also received an order from Prague-based DPES for the turnkey construction of a ground-based PV power plant in the Czech Republic. The solar plant, with a rating of 4MWp, was to be erected in Dobre Pole, around 50km south of Brno. The plant was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010. As is the case with the San Donaci solar plant, I couldn't find a confirmation that the project was completed on time.
Suntech's partnership with Siemens Energy will help promote the company's brand throughout Europe.
Aide Solar Preparing for Global Sales Growth
Aide Solar doesn't get the brand recognition it deserves at the moment but that will change. The large-scale Chinese PV module maker is expanding its global customer base. It already has a strong Arizona presence. In October 2010, Aide Solar was named a 'Green Pioneer' in the solar industry by the Phoenix Business Journal. The award was presented in recognition of it being one of the first Chinese solar firms to establish its headquarters in Arizona.
In preparation for global sales expansion, Aide Solar announced on 25 Jan 11 that it has broken ground on the planned Phase 2 expansion of its existing 1 mln sq. ft. poly and mono crystalline solar cell and PV module production factory in Xuzhou, Jiangsu. The expansion calls for the addition of a new 947,225 square foot production facility that will be capable of housing 2GW of module capacity under a single roof when it begins production in the fourth quarter of 2011.
After completion of Phase 2 construction, Aide Solar’s existing facility in Xuzhou will be modified to house solar cell production lines only, allowing for future expansion of cell production. Both the existing facility and the newly planned adjacent solar module facility are located on a 600 acre campus owned by Aide Solar’s parent company, The PANJIT Group.
Source: http://www.aidesolar.com
In preparation for global sales expansion, Aide Solar announced on 25 Jan 11 that it has broken ground on the planned Phase 2 expansion of its existing 1 mln sq. ft. poly and mono crystalline solar cell and PV module production factory in Xuzhou, Jiangsu. The expansion calls for the addition of a new 947,225 square foot production facility that will be capable of housing 2GW of module capacity under a single roof when it begins production in the fourth quarter of 2011.
After completion of Phase 2 construction, Aide Solar’s existing facility in Xuzhou will be modified to house solar cell production lines only, allowing for future expansion of cell production. Both the existing facility and the newly planned adjacent solar module facility are located on a 600 acre campus owned by Aide Solar’s parent company, The PANJIT Group.
Source: http://www.aidesolar.com
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
President Obama Mentioning the Applied Materials Xi'an Solar Research Facility
Last night in his State of the Union speech, President Obama talked about how India and China have realized that can compete in new technology by educating their children younger and earlier, with greater emphasis on math and science, and investing in research. As proof of their progress, he said, "Just recently, China became the home of the world's largest private solar research facility."
I'm glad he mentioned the Applied Materials 400,000 square feet Xi'an R&D center. As he noted, it is the largest non-government solar energy research facility in the world. President Obama, however, used it to show how China is beating the US in clean tech research investment rather than holding the facility up as an example of how a US company can benefit from strong Chinese support for its solar industry. The Chinese central government, Shaanxi provincial government, and Xi'an municipality have all worked well with Applied Materials and this partnership could carry over into new solar and LED projects in the province.
Before the solar research facility was opened in October 2009, Applied Materials had set up an Innovation Fund to support local research and development capabilities and scholarships for outstanding students in Xi'an. Applied Materials's China operation shows how the US-China renewable energy relationship is not a new post-Sputnik race to the moon.
It's a shame the president missed the opportunity. He could have said that the world's largest private solar research facility in Xi'an is being built by an American company through a partnership with the Chinese side that serves as a model for further cooperation. He could have mentioned that Suntech has a manufacturing facility in Arizona and ENN, Duke are exploring sites in southern Nevada for a utility-level solar plant.
I'm glad he mentioned the Applied Materials 400,000 square feet Xi'an R&D center. As he noted, it is the largest non-government solar energy research facility in the world. President Obama, however, used it to show how China is beating the US in clean tech research investment rather than holding the facility up as an example of how a US company can benefit from strong Chinese support for its solar industry. The Chinese central government, Shaanxi provincial government, and Xi'an municipality have all worked well with Applied Materials and this partnership could carry over into new solar and LED projects in the province.
Before the solar research facility was opened in October 2009, Applied Materials had set up an Innovation Fund to support local research and development capabilities and scholarships for outstanding students in Xi'an. Applied Materials's China operation shows how the US-China renewable energy relationship is not a new post-Sputnik race to the moon.
It's a shame the president missed the opportunity. He could have said that the world's largest private solar research facility in Xi'an is being built by an American company through a partnership with the Chinese side that serves as a model for further cooperation. He could have mentioned that Suntech has a manufacturing facility in Arizona and ENN, Duke are exploring sites in southern Nevada for a utility-level solar plant.
Bank of China Financing JinkoSolar Manufacturing
Bank of China has offered JinkoSolar a credit facility that could be worth approximately US$7.6 billion over a five-year period. According to a recent study by Mercom Capital Group, US$34 billion was provided by Chinese Government Banks to China-based solar companies last year, in which key beneficiaries were LDK Solar, Yingli Green, JA Solar, Suntech and Trina Solar.
JinkoSolar’s credit facility is also significant as the PV manufacturer is much smaller by capacity and revenue that the likes of LDK Solar and Yingli Green. The largest single transaction last year was the US$8.9 billion credit facility to LDK Solar, by the China Development Bank.
JinkSolar had recently guided 2010 revenue would be in the range of US$638-US$648 million, as its production capacity reached its targets of 600MW of production capacity in wafers, cells and modules each.
However, the company has yet to guide capacity and revenue expectations in 2011. The signing of an agreement with BOC, suggests that JinkoSolar will follow others in expanding capacity aggressively in 2011.
JinkoSolar’s credit facility is also significant as the PV manufacturer is much smaller by capacity and revenue that the likes of LDK Solar and Yingli Green. The largest single transaction last year was the US$8.9 billion credit facility to LDK Solar, by the China Development Bank.
JinkSolar had recently guided 2010 revenue would be in the range of US$638-US$648 million, as its production capacity reached its targets of 600MW of production capacity in wafers, cells and modules each.
However, the company has yet to guide capacity and revenue expectations in 2011. The signing of an agreement with BOC, suggests that JinkoSolar will follow others in expanding capacity aggressively in 2011.
Solar Gard Plans a New Qingdao Manufacturing Facility
First of all, nice choice for a location for your conference, Solar Gard. At its Annual Asian Distributor Conference in Xishuangbanna this week, the company announced plans for constructing a new manufacturing plant in Qingdao.
This facility is to meet the growing demand for the company's Quantum and Solar Gard branded window films and PV backsheet products.
Solar Gard will be hiring technical, manufacturing and managerial employees for the operation. Expected to open in early 2012, the Qingdao coating and laminating site will service customers predominantly in China and throughout Asia and is projected to contribute 25% revenue growth to Bekaert Specialty Films global operations.
The Qingdao manufacturing plant will meet California’s EPA standards and will pursue ISO 14001:2004 certification. Solar Gard's architectural, automotive and industrial films are manufactured by Bekaert Specialty Films, LLC, part of Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB).
This facility is to meet the growing demand for the company's Quantum and Solar Gard branded window films and PV backsheet products.
Solar Gard will be hiring technical, manufacturing and managerial employees for the operation. Expected to open in early 2012, the Qingdao coating and laminating site will service customers predominantly in China and throughout Asia and is projected to contribute 25% revenue growth to Bekaert Specialty Films global operations.
The Qingdao manufacturing plant will meet California’s EPA standards and will pursue ISO 14001:2004 certification. Solar Gard's architectural, automotive and industrial films are manufactured by Bekaert Specialty Films, LLC, part of Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB).
China Regulates Multi-crystalline Silicon Production
Multi-crystalline silicon players in China have to meet an access threshold that requires at least 30 per cent of capital fund for any new and expansion projects, said in a joint statement by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National and Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
According to the statement, output capacity of new solar power multi-crystalline silicon projects would be no less than 3,000 tons/year, and that of semiconductor multi-crystalline silicon projects no less than 1,000 tonnes/year.
Chinese government would also suspend approvals to new multi-crystalline silicon projects.
This is a smart move by the government. Keeping the current supply and demand in balance will promote integration within multi-crystalline silicon industry.
Source: http://www.caijing.com.cn/2011-01-25/110627666.html
According to the statement, output capacity of new solar power multi-crystalline silicon projects would be no less than 3,000 tons/year, and that of semiconductor multi-crystalline silicon projects no less than 1,000 tonnes/year.
Chinese government would also suspend approvals to new multi-crystalline silicon projects.
This is a smart move by the government. Keeping the current supply and demand in balance will promote integration within multi-crystalline silicon industry.
Source: http://www.caijing.com.cn/2011-01-25/110627666.html
Rumors of ENN, Duke partnership on Southern Nevada Solar Plant
The Las Vegas Sun is reporting that according to sources familiar with the negotiations, ENN Group is looking at making a major investment in solar energy production in Southern Nevada. They will be in partnership with a US company, most likely Duke Energy.
Sen. Harry Reid met with ENN Group's chairman and founder Wang Yusuo last week, according to sources familiar with he discussions, to press for Nevada's candidacy as a site, arguing that the workforce is ready for it.
Sen. Harry Reid met with ENN Group's chairman and founder Wang Yusuo last week, according to sources familiar with he discussions, to press for Nevada's candidacy as a site, arguing that the workforce is ready for it.
OSolar Supplies Trackers For 10 MW PV Project In Tibet
OSolar Ltd. says its utility-scale, single-axis tracking system has been installed at a PV project in Lhasa, Tibet. The 10 MW plant was commissioned by Longyuan (Beijing) Solar Engineering Technology Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of China Guodian Group.
OSolar provided 394 kW of its tracking system for the project. According to the company, the single-axis tracking system at this site will deliver an estimated 20% more annual energy per kilowatt than a fixed-tilt PV system.
I wish the company kept more up-to-date news on its website. It's a nice looking site, http://www.osolar.com/, but it would be in their best interest to make it easier for people to find the latest info on their partnerships and projects.
OSolar provided 394 kW of its tracking system for the project. According to the company, the single-axis tracking system at this site will deliver an estimated 20% more annual energy per kilowatt than a fixed-tilt PV system.
I wish the company kept more up-to-date news on its website. It's a nice looking site, http://www.osolar.com/, but it would be in their best interest to make it easier for people to find the latest info on their partnerships and projects.
China Southern Power to Upgrade
I wrote about Huaneng last Sunday, 23 Jan. Today's China utility company is China Southern Power Grid.
The state-owned company has power distribution monopolies in five southern regions and has budgeted 500 billion yuan to expand and upgrade its networks in the next five years.
The planned expenditure is two-thirds higher than the 302 billion yuan spent between 2006 and last year and 3.8 times the spending between 2001 and 2005.
China Southern Power Grid forecasts that Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan and Guizhou as well as the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region would together require 60 GW of new power generating capacity over the next five years. This represents 35 per cent of the five regions' total existing generating capacity of 170 GW.
China Southern Power projected earlier that power consumption in its operating regions would grow by 10 per cent this year, while the growth of installed capacity was expected to be slower. This would result in tighter supply, with a maximum generating capacity shortage of 6 GW, mostly suffered by Guangdong.
To cope with demand growth, China Southern Power will expand its trunk transmission grids and local distribution networks, as well as high-capacity long-distance power lines to transmit electricity from energy-rich Guizhou and Yunnan to power-hungry Guangdong.
In the past decade, the company has built 13 high-capacity power grids specifically to transmit power from the western regions, which have 23 GW of capacity, to Guangdong.
Last year, western provinces supplied a quarter of Guangdong's power consumption and met up to one-third of its peak demand loads, China Southern Power said.
The company plans to almost double its maximum "west-to-east" power transmission from 23 GW to 43 GW by the end of 2015.
The state-owned company has power distribution monopolies in five southern regions and has budgeted 500 billion yuan to expand and upgrade its networks in the next five years.
The planned expenditure is two-thirds higher than the 302 billion yuan spent between 2006 and last year and 3.8 times the spending between 2001 and 2005.
China Southern Power Grid forecasts that Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan and Guizhou as well as the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region would together require 60 GW of new power generating capacity over the next five years. This represents 35 per cent of the five regions' total existing generating capacity of 170 GW.
China Southern Power projected earlier that power consumption in its operating regions would grow by 10 per cent this year, while the growth of installed capacity was expected to be slower. This would result in tighter supply, with a maximum generating capacity shortage of 6 GW, mostly suffered by Guangdong.
To cope with demand growth, China Southern Power will expand its trunk transmission grids and local distribution networks, as well as high-capacity long-distance power lines to transmit electricity from energy-rich Guizhou and Yunnan to power-hungry Guangdong.
In the past decade, the company has built 13 high-capacity power grids specifically to transmit power from the western regions, which have 23 GW of capacity, to Guangdong.
Last year, western provinces supplied a quarter of Guangdong's power consumption and met up to one-third of its peak demand loads, China Southern Power said.
The company plans to almost double its maximum "west-to-east" power transmission from 23 GW to 43 GW by the end of 2015.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
TBEA, China Xinjiang SunOasis to Build Xi'an PV Park
If only Chinese PV companies would keep their website up-to-date. This morning I ran across a China Knowledge Newswire report about TBEA and China Xinjiang SunOasis agreeing to build a new PV park in Xi'an. I went to both websites for both companies and no mention of the agreement. The SunOasis website hasn't been updated since 2009 so I think it's time for them to fire their internet PR team.
The report said TBEA, a Chinese power equipment manufacturer and distributor in China, on 24 Jan 11 inked a contract to build a photovoltaic park, which will cost around RMB 3.4 billion, in Xi'an. The park, which will be located in the Xi'an Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, is designed to have an annual output capacity of 500 MW of solar cells, 500 MW of PV modules and other PV-related capacities. Upon the completion of the park, the total output value is expected to exceed RMB 10 billion per year. China Xinjiang SunOasis, which will be engaged in the construction and management of the park, is 72.95% owned by TBEA and has a registered capital of RMB 131 million. The subsidiary has built two PV production bases in Xi'an and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The report said TBEA, a Chinese power equipment manufacturer and distributor in China, on 24 Jan 11 inked a contract to build a photovoltaic park, which will cost around RMB 3.4 billion, in Xi'an. The park, which will be located in the Xi'an Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, is designed to have an annual output capacity of 500 MW of solar cells, 500 MW of PV modules and other PV-related capacities. Upon the completion of the park, the total output value is expected to exceed RMB 10 billion per year. China Xinjiang SunOasis, which will be engaged in the construction and management of the park, is 72.95% owned by TBEA and has a registered capital of RMB 131 million. The subsidiary has built two PV production bases in Xi'an and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Corroborating Report on Firt Solar's plans for Vietnam Manufacturing Plant
Asia Pulse is reporting 25 Jan 11 he Ho Chi Minh City Peoples' Committee has given the nod to First Solar to build a solar cell plant in the South-East Industrial Zone of Cu Chi district. Le Thanh Hai, Politburo member and secretary of the municipal Party Committee handed over the investment certificate to the group on Jan. 21.
As the largest foreign-invested project in Ho Chi Minh City in 2010, the US$1 billion-plus plant will produce thin-film solar power panels. According to Tymen DeJong, the group's vice chairman in charge of global production, the first phase of the project will be kicked off on Jan. 24 at a cost of US$300 million and include four lines.
I mentioned it in an earlier post but this confuses me. Why not China? Obviously there are many factors that are confidential. I will be asking around to find out more.
As the largest foreign-invested project in Ho Chi Minh City in 2010, the US$1 billion-plus plant will produce thin-film solar power panels. According to Tymen DeJong, the group's vice chairman in charge of global production, the first phase of the project will be kicked off on Jan. 24 at a cost of US$300 million and include four lines.
I mentioned it in an earlier post but this confuses me. Why not China? Obviously there are many factors that are confidential. I will be asking around to find out more.
Praxair Sales Part of PV Manufacturing Ramp-Up Plans
I'm always watching for sales agreements or any indications that a Chinese PV company will expand production.
25 Jan 11 several sources are reporting that Praxair Electronics has signed three contracts with Chinese PV manufacturers. The company will supply silane, ammonia and bulk atmospheric gas to Shanxi Luan Solar Energy, based in Changzhi, Shanxi, and silane to Changzhou Trina Solar, a subsidiary of Trina Solar. Praxair Electronics will also supply silane and ammonia to Realforce Solar, owned by Realforce Group in Jining, Shandong.
ShanXi LuAn Solar Energy is expected to increase its production capacity to 1 GW within the next two years. Realforce Solar plans to achieve 480 MW of annual capacity but has not set a specific timeline.
Anne Roby, president of Praxair Electronics, which serves over 50 solar power firms worldwide, said the company won 15 major new solar contracts last year.
Reportedly, Praxair (China) Investment Co Ltd, controlled by Praxair Inc, is a leading industrial gas provider in China and headquartered in Shanghai.
25 Jan 11 several sources are reporting that Praxair Electronics has signed three contracts with Chinese PV manufacturers. The company will supply silane, ammonia and bulk atmospheric gas to Shanxi Luan Solar Energy, based in Changzhi, Shanxi, and silane to Changzhou Trina Solar, a subsidiary of Trina Solar. Praxair Electronics will also supply silane and ammonia to Realforce Solar, owned by Realforce Group in Jining, Shandong.
ShanXi LuAn Solar Energy is expected to increase its production capacity to 1 GW within the next two years. Realforce Solar plans to achieve 480 MW of annual capacity but has not set a specific timeline.
Anne Roby, president of Praxair Electronics, which serves over 50 solar power firms worldwide, said the company won 15 major new solar contracts last year.
Reportedly, Praxair (China) Investment Co Ltd, controlled by Praxair Inc, is a leading industrial gas provider in China and headquartered in Shanghai.
Monday, January 24, 2011
CNBM helps Parity Solar to Expand Capacity of Zhenjiang Facility
21 Jan 11 PV Tech reported Parity Solar has reached a deal with China National Building Materials (CNBM) to expand the production capacity of its existing PV module manufacturing facility in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu. Parity Solar hope the joint venture will help increase annual production of thin-film and poly-crystalline products to 500MW. The agreement between the two firms was formalized on December 1, 2010, after several months of due diligence and government approvals
CNBM’s input will also allow Parity Solar to increase the scale of its global pipeline network by securing new projects in China, the Middle East, Africa and South America, where CNBM already has a strong presence in glass and concrete manufacturing and engineering.
“CNBM is an ideal partner with its materials businesses and global EPC [engineering, procurement and construction] capabilities, ” said Scott Burton, Parity’s CEO. “Together, we can access new markets rapidly. There are also tremendous synergies in applying CNBM’s solar glass, building material and raw materials strengths to create cost advantages both at the product and system level.
“Parity’s production base in Zhenjiang is world class, but PV requires big investment and global market access over the long term. CNBM and Parity together have unlimited options and we will be aggressive in becoming a leader in several key areas such as large-scale, low-cost power stations, BIPV materials and global EPC and project development services.”
“CNBM has already invested in critical solar raw materials and other PV technology areas. Now, with Parity we have the capability to expand rapidly and apply our capabilities. We will be the leader in China and we will also pursue this goal on a global scale,” added CNBM chairman, Song Zhiping.
CNBM’s input will also allow Parity Solar to increase the scale of its global pipeline network by securing new projects in China, the Middle East, Africa and South America, where CNBM already has a strong presence in glass and concrete manufacturing and engineering.
“CNBM is an ideal partner with its materials businesses and global EPC [engineering, procurement and construction] capabilities, ” said Scott Burton, Parity’s CEO. “Together, we can access new markets rapidly. There are also tremendous synergies in applying CNBM’s solar glass, building material and raw materials strengths to create cost advantages both at the product and system level.
“Parity’s production base in Zhenjiang is world class, but PV requires big investment and global market access over the long term. CNBM and Parity together have unlimited options and we will be aggressive in becoming a leader in several key areas such as large-scale, low-cost power stations, BIPV materials and global EPC and project development services.”
“CNBM has already invested in critical solar raw materials and other PV technology areas. Now, with Parity we have the capability to expand rapidly and apply our capabilities. We will be the leader in China and we will also pursue this goal on a global scale,” added CNBM chairman, Song Zhiping.
First Solar Possibly Opening Vietnam Manufacturing Facility
One of the most interesting details that has come out of the recent discussions about the First Solar Ordos, Inner Mongolia utility-level PV project is the modules will come from the company's Malaysia facility. I was surprised there wasn't a stipulation from the Chinese side that the modules had to come from a Chinese provider.
On 23 Jan 11, Bloomberg quoted the Thoi Bao Kinh newspaper as saying First Solar has received a Vietnamese investment permit to build a $1 billion solar panel factory in Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese paper didn't say where it got the information.
Seems like China would be a logical place for First Solar to set up a manufacturing plant. I'll be watching for more info on this Vietnam facility.
On 23 Jan 11, Bloomberg quoted the Thoi Bao Kinh newspaper as saying First Solar has received a Vietnamese investment permit to build a $1 billion solar panel factory in Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese paper didn't say where it got the information.
Seems like China would be a logical place for First Solar to set up a manufacturing plant. I'll be watching for more info on this Vietnam facility.
Yingli Becomes Official Sponsor of Bayern Munich Football Club
I am a big hockey fan. Grew up loving the Montreal Canadiens and they are still my favorite team. I have, however, warmed up to the San Jose Sharks since they have been sponsored by both Applied Materials and Canadian Solar. I even have a Canadian Solar/Sharks long sleeved shirt that I wear for workouts. Too loyal to the Canadiens to wear it in public but I do like the Sharks for how they combine my love for solar and hockey.
I'm not as big of a soccer/football fan but I did watch the World Cup in South Africa. Seeing the Yingli's banners was the highlight for me. Very interesting watching how Chinese solar companies present themselves to the world. China wants to be seen as a renewable energy technological leader. The PV companies want to be taken seriously rather than be thought of as cheap manufacturers. Rightly so. But it is wise to add a human element to their image internationally. Sponsoring sporting events and teams is a great way to achieve that.
I just read in PVTech that Bayern Munich football club (FCB) has signed a three-year sponsorship contract with Yingli. The company will become an Official Premium Partner of the four-time European Cup winning team, granting it marketing rights in areas such as ticketing, hospitality, advertising and public relations.
I know nothing about German football but I do know Bayern Munich and can imagine their very distinct logo. Growing up in Washington State, the two European teams that everyone knew about were Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Of course, smart move to broaden your company's appeal in Germany. I just hope it doesn't alienate the fans of the other German teams.
I'm not as big of a soccer/football fan but I did watch the World Cup in South Africa. Seeing the Yingli's banners was the highlight for me. Very interesting watching how Chinese solar companies present themselves to the world. China wants to be seen as a renewable energy technological leader. The PV companies want to be taken seriously rather than be thought of as cheap manufacturers. Rightly so. But it is wise to add a human element to their image internationally. Sponsoring sporting events and teams is a great way to achieve that.
I just read in PVTech that Bayern Munich football club (FCB) has signed a three-year sponsorship contract with Yingli. The company will become an Official Premium Partner of the four-time European Cup winning team, granting it marketing rights in areas such as ticketing, hospitality, advertising and public relations.
I know nothing about German football but I do know Bayern Munich and can imagine their very distinct logo. Growing up in Washington State, the two European teams that everyone knew about were Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Of course, smart move to broaden your company's appeal in Germany. I just hope it doesn't alienate the fans of the other German teams.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
China Huaneng Group
Last week GT Research hosted an excellent webinar on the United States utility-level solar market. As an introduction, the analyst said, actually there is no such thing as a 'United States' solar market. It's more like 50 solar markets or 3,000 markets for each utility. Same could be said about China, maybe even more so.
I will be writing about the utilities over the next week. I'll start off with the big one. China Huaneng Group is China's top power producer and the parent of Huaneng Power International Inc. Last week the company said that its domestic installed power capacity had exceeded 100 GW at the end of last year, ranking second globally and first in Asia.
The company had 11.9% share in China's electricity market by capacity. At the end of last year, the company's domestic and overseas installed power capacity had totaled 113.43 GW, of which 20 GW or about 17% was clean energy power capacity. The ratio was 10.5 percentage points higher than that at the end of 2005.
The company's electricity output was 537.6 terawatt hours in 2010, 2.1 times the figure in 2005 and accounting for 12.8% the country's total.
Last year, Huaneng Group's profit increased by RMB 100 million year on year to RMB 6.98 billion, while its operating revenue jumped 28% year on year to RMB 227 billion.
By 2015, the group aims to realize more than RMB 300 billion in operating revenue and to have at least 150 GW of installed power capacity.
I will be writing about the utilities over the next week. I'll start off with the big one. China Huaneng Group is China's top power producer and the parent of Huaneng Power International Inc. Last week the company said that its domestic installed power capacity had exceeded 100 GW at the end of last year, ranking second globally and first in Asia.
The company had 11.9% share in China's electricity market by capacity. At the end of last year, the company's domestic and overseas installed power capacity had totaled 113.43 GW, of which 20 GW or about 17% was clean energy power capacity. The ratio was 10.5 percentage points higher than that at the end of 2005.
The company's electricity output was 537.6 terawatt hours in 2010, 2.1 times the figure in 2005 and accounting for 12.8% the country's total.
Last year, Huaneng Group's profit increased by RMB 100 million year on year to RMB 6.98 billion, while its operating revenue jumped 28% year on year to RMB 227 billion.
By 2015, the group aims to realize more than RMB 300 billion in operating revenue and to have at least 150 GW of installed power capacity.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Duke's ENN Partnership
Yesterday I wrote about how impressed I am with how Applied Materials conducts business in China. Another company that has very productive, successful ties to the country is Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS).
DEGS, part of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar and biopower projects. DEGS builds, owns and operates electric generation for large energy consumers, municipalities, utilities and industrial facilities.
DEGS has multifaceted relationship with the Chinese company, ENN. Since its founding 20 years ago, ENN has grown into an integrated group of companies that provides overall clean energy solutions to city governments and heavy industry throughout China.
Last year I talked to Dave Mohler, Duke's Chief Technology Officer, about their China business and relationship with ENN. He talked about how impressed Jim Rogers and he were when they visited ENN headquarters and how he sensed the two companies had very compatible visions. He said they felt an immediate connection to ENN's dynamic spirit. The Chinese company obviously felt the same way and the two companies have had a productive relationship ever since.
I asked Dave about specific lessons they have learned about doing business in China. He said they quickly figured out that they needed to maintain several parallel relationships. There were party leaders as well as government, business leaders whom Duke needed to deal with.
This is where finding the right Chinese partner is crucial for an American company. The complicated web of political, business connections in China is daunting. The first thing you hear in Doing Business in China 101 is that it is all about connections, or guanxi. Many times these introductory courses leave out just how complicated these relationships can be.
Duke fortunately forged an especially strong tie with ENN. I get the sense that the Chinese company has been especially helpful to Duke in understanding the Chinese side. The two companies are also looking at cooperating on solar projects in the US.
Another smart move on Duke's part was hiring River Lu. She is a Chinese national who went to school at the Monterey Institute for International Studies. She heads up Duke's China office and is doing an excellent job.
As more evidence for how well Duke, ENN are working together, the two companies this week announced an agreement to collaborate on the development of technologies to help build greener cities in China and the United States.
The agreement creates the Future Energy Technology Demonstration Platform and paves the way to exchange knowledge on advanced energy, building and transportation technologies.
ENN is constructing China's first smart energy "eco-city" in Langfang, China, close to Beijing. Duke will collaborate with ENN to develop the eco city and will adapt what is learned from the eco city development as it deploys clean energy technologies.
DEGS, part of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar and biopower projects. DEGS builds, owns and operates electric generation for large energy consumers, municipalities, utilities and industrial facilities.
DEGS has multifaceted relationship with the Chinese company, ENN. Since its founding 20 years ago, ENN has grown into an integrated group of companies that provides overall clean energy solutions to city governments and heavy industry throughout China.
Last year I talked to Dave Mohler, Duke's Chief Technology Officer, about their China business and relationship with ENN. He talked about how impressed Jim Rogers and he were when they visited ENN headquarters and how he sensed the two companies had very compatible visions. He said they felt an immediate connection to ENN's dynamic spirit. The Chinese company obviously felt the same way and the two companies have had a productive relationship ever since.
I asked Dave about specific lessons they have learned about doing business in China. He said they quickly figured out that they needed to maintain several parallel relationships. There were party leaders as well as government, business leaders whom Duke needed to deal with.
This is where finding the right Chinese partner is crucial for an American company. The complicated web of political, business connections in China is daunting. The first thing you hear in Doing Business in China 101 is that it is all about connections, or guanxi. Many times these introductory courses leave out just how complicated these relationships can be.
Duke fortunately forged an especially strong tie with ENN. I get the sense that the Chinese company has been especially helpful to Duke in understanding the Chinese side. The two companies are also looking at cooperating on solar projects in the US.
Another smart move on Duke's part was hiring River Lu. She is a Chinese national who went to school at the Monterey Institute for International Studies. She heads up Duke's China office and is doing an excellent job.
As more evidence for how well Duke, ENN are working together, the two companies this week announced an agreement to collaborate on the development of technologies to help build greener cities in China and the United States.
The agreement creates the Future Energy Technology Demonstration Platform and paves the way to exchange knowledge on advanced energy, building and transportation technologies.
ENN is constructing China's first smart energy "eco-city" in Langfang, China, close to Beijing. Duke will collaborate with ENN to develop the eco city and will adapt what is learned from the eco city development as it deploys clean energy technologies.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Ceradyne Opens Second Solar Energy Ceramic-Related Factory in Tianjin
On 19 Jan 11 Ceradyne announced the opening of its new 218,000-square-foot factory in Tianjin. This newly constructed facility will produce high-purity ceramic crucibles for the forming of large polysilicon ingots for use in the manufacturing of PV silicon solar cells.
The new facility is located on Ceradyne's 13.7-acre plot in the Tianjin Airport Economic Area. The operation will be run by Ceradyne Chinese executives and engineers who have been trained by U.S.-based Ceradyne Thermo Materials' management.
Bruce Lockhart, Ceradyne Vice President responsible for the Company's solar energy efforts, commented: "This is a very exciting event for Ceradyne and particularly for Ceradyne Thermo Materials. It was only three and a half years ago that we opened the first crucible factory in Tianjin for the development and manufacture of high-technology ceramic crucibles to meet our Chinese customers' requirements."
The new facility is located on Ceradyne's 13.7-acre plot in the Tianjin Airport Economic Area. The operation will be run by Ceradyne Chinese executives and engineers who have been trained by U.S.-based Ceradyne Thermo Materials' management.
Bruce Lockhart, Ceradyne Vice President responsible for the Company's solar energy efforts, commented: "This is a very exciting event for Ceradyne and particularly for Ceradyne Thermo Materials. It was only three and a half years ago that we opened the first crucible factory in Tianjin for the development and manufacture of high-technology ceramic crucibles to meet our Chinese customers' requirements."
Applied Materials to bring Solar Decathlon to China
Applied Materials has been one of the most forward thinking US companies when it comes to taking advantage of China's solar industry push. With so much talk of US and China as solar competitors, there are companies like Applied Materials who see opportunity. AM's Xi'an solar research facility is the best example of how they are benefiting from China's aggressive solar policies. The center is largest non-governmental solar energy research facility in the world. The 400,000 square foot complex is comprised of laboratory and office buildings as well as a complete crystalline silicon pilot process. I wrote about the center in detail last year so look for posts dated March 2010 for more info.
Another example of the growing Applied Materials connection to the country is how they are bringing the Solar Decathlon to China. This week Applied Materials signed a MOU with Beijing University, the China National Energy Administration (NEA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) to create competition program China fashioned after the highly successful US model.
Beijing University and Applied Materials, with support from the US DOE and the China NEA, will collaborate to design a program and ensure a successful implementation by 2013 of the Chinese Solar Decathlon competition that will challenge students to design and build a self-sufficient house powered by the sun. Applied has supported teams from University of Texas-Austin and Santa Clara University at previous U.S. competitions as well as being a national sponsor of the 2009 competition. Additionally, China had two universities participate in Solar Decathlon Europe and one of them, Tianjin in Shanghai, will participate in the US program in September 2011, in Washington, DC.
Another example of the growing Applied Materials connection to the country is how they are bringing the Solar Decathlon to China. This week Applied Materials signed a MOU with Beijing University, the China National Energy Administration (NEA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) to create competition program China fashioned after the highly successful US model.
Beijing University and Applied Materials, with support from the US DOE and the China NEA, will collaborate to design a program and ensure a successful implementation by 2013 of the Chinese Solar Decathlon competition that will challenge students to design and build a self-sufficient house powered by the sun. Applied has supported teams from University of Texas-Austin and Santa Clara University at previous U.S. competitions as well as being a national sponsor of the 2009 competition. Additionally, China had two universities participate in Solar Decathlon Europe and one of them, Tianjin in Shanghai, will participate in the US program in September 2011, in Washington, DC.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
DoD US Only Solar Panel Requirement Might Mean More Chinese PV Companies Setting Up North American Facilities
There is still debate over how much the 7 Jan 11 authorization law forcing the US Department of Defense to only buy US-made solar panels will affect Chinese PV sales. First question is how many potential sales have been derailed. My sense from talking to Chinese PV companies is selling to the DoD was not part of their North American solar market sales strategy.
What is more clear is which Chinese solar companies are benefiting. The law won't affect Suntech since they have a module plant in Arizona. Even if this law doesn't have a massive direct effect on Chinese PV sales to the United States, it serves as a warning that similar protectionist laws might be passed in the near future. As Evergreen shifts its manufacturing from Massachusetts to Wuhan, citing cheaper labor and property and better government subsidies, it initially seemed odd that Suntech was moving in the opposite direction. Both companies said that they had high hopes for an expansive North American solar market and therefore it was worth putting up with higher labor, land costs. Seeing this DoD law as possibly the first of many restrictive US-only solar module laws, many more Chinese PV might re-consider following Suntech's lead and set up US manufacturing facilities.
What is more clear is which Chinese solar companies are benefiting. The law won't affect Suntech since they have a module plant in Arizona. Even if this law doesn't have a massive direct effect on Chinese PV sales to the United States, it serves as a warning that similar protectionist laws might be passed in the near future. As Evergreen shifts its manufacturing from Massachusetts to Wuhan, citing cheaper labor and property and better government subsidies, it initially seemed odd that Suntech was moving in the opposite direction. Both companies said that they had high hopes for an expansive North American solar market and therefore it was worth putting up with higher labor, land costs. Seeing this DoD law as possibly the first of many restrictive US-only solar module laws, many more Chinese PV might re-consider following Suntech's lead and set up US manufacturing facilities.
Hanwha SolarOne inks $500m Investment into Jiangsu PV Production Facilities
18 Jan 11 NewNet reported Hanwha SolarOne has inked a $500m investment to build the first phase of a new solar cell and module production facility in Jiangsu's Nantong development zone. Hanwha SolarOne was formerly known as 'Solarfun'.
The company will invest the capital over three years to build the facilities with 1 GW annual capacity during the first phase.
The Nantong economic development zone is just north of Hanwha SolarOne’s headquarters in Shanghai and also located close to the company’s manufacturing base in Qidong, Jiangsu.
Hanwha SolarOne has a strategic partnership with its largest shareholder Hanwha Group, which is active in solar project development and financing. Hanwha Group also plans to enter the polysilicon production market, according to Hanwha SolarOne.
The company will invest the capital over three years to build the facilities with 1 GW annual capacity during the first phase.
The Nantong economic development zone is just north of Hanwha SolarOne’s headquarters in Shanghai and also located close to the company’s manufacturing base in Qidong, Jiangsu.
Hanwha SolarOne has a strategic partnership with its largest shareholder Hanwha Group, which is active in solar project development and financing. Hanwha Group also plans to enter the polysilicon production market, according to Hanwha SolarOne.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Is Canadian Solar Chinese? Does it matter?
On 18 Jan 11 ADP News Asia/Pacific is reporting GCL-Poly Energy said it agreed to supply 5.2 GW of wafer and polysilicon products over the coming five years to 'China-focused' PV products maker Canadian Solar.
First of all, interesting news. I'm also interested in this 'China-focused' label. What does that mean? Canadian Solar was founded in Ontario, sponsors the San Jose Sharks hockey team, and has its headquarters in Canada. Besides, it's called 'Canadian'Solar. Seems easy, Canadian Solar is a North American company.
But the company has a PV Research Center in Suzhou and have seven wholly-owned manufacturing subsidiaries across China.
With all of the debate about US, China clean tech competition and potential trade wars, there isn't enough attention to how some North American and Chinese renewable energy companies are already very connected and not fully one nationality or the other.
First of all, interesting news. I'm also interested in this 'China-focused' label. What does that mean? Canadian Solar was founded in Ontario, sponsors the San Jose Sharks hockey team, and has its headquarters in Canada. Besides, it's called 'Canadian'Solar. Seems easy, Canadian Solar is a North American company.
But the company has a PV Research Center in Suzhou and have seven wholly-owned manufacturing subsidiaries across China.
With all of the debate about US, China clean tech competition and potential trade wars, there isn't enough attention to how some North American and Chinese renewable energy companies are already very connected and not fully one nationality or the other.
PV Manufacturing Equipment Spending Grew For Sixth Consecutive Quarter Q4'10
ElectroIQ reported on 17 Jan 11 that quarterly PV manufacturing equipment spending by c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film solar panel producers grew for the sixth consecutive quarter during Q4'10 to US$2.9B, as double-digit Q/Q manufacturing capacity growth continued to grip the PV industry. Rising equipment demand from Asian cell manufacturers will be the primary driver of global industry revenues during 2011, forecast to grow from $10.7B in 2010 to $11.7B.
Driven by vertical integration aspirations of tier 1 Chinese c-Si producers and strong investment into existing and emerging thin-film technologies, a further 1.25 GW of quarterly manufacturing capacity came online during Q4'10, bringing annualized c-Si cell and thin-film panel capacity added during 2010 to 11.5GW, according to the latest Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report. "Equipment suppliers aligned with tier 1 customer expansions and their process technology trends are posting record quarterly revenues, while at the same time accumulating tool backlogs in excess of trailing twelve month (ttm) revenues," noted Finlay Colville, senior analyst at Solarbuzz. "Leading equipment suppliers Applied Materials, Centrotherm, GT Solar and Meyer Burger are now trending with ttm PV revenues exceeding $500M, while emerging process tool suppliers such as Amtech Systems, DEK-Solar, Despatch Industries and Jusung Engineering are projected to post Y/Y PV-specific revenue growth rates between 220% and 360%."
With strong capacity expansions in excess of 60% Y/Y also announced for 2011, bookings for preferred equipment suppliers are driving tool backlogs to levels that have not been seen since 2008, when high-value turn-key thin-film business was a key contributor. At end Q4'10, there are now 20 equipment suppliers with order backlogs in excess of $100M, with the majority of these orders scheduled for shipment during 1H'11. The total PV equipment backlog saw 26% Y/Y growth vs. Q4'09, reflected in the PV Book-to-Bill ratio, which averaged well above parity (1.24) for 2010 and peaked at an eight-quarter-high of 1.7 during Q2'10.
Applied Materials remains PV revenue leader for 2010, but Centrotherm positioned for number 1 spot in 2011 Q4'10 equipment spending patterns were again characterized by themes having a dramatic effect on the market-share and performance of PV equipment suppliers. Tier 1 c-Si manufacturers remain committed to capacity expansion by placing high-volume orders on preferred process tool suppliers. CIGS and CdTe expansions provided strong bookings for a variety of thin-film deposition tool suppliers, often based on customized product offerings. Asian-based turnkey equipment suppliers continued to dominate a-Si/uc-Si bookings and shipments, analogous to Applied Materials, Oerlikon, and ULVAC's market entry several years ago.
However, it was the geographic shift in PV manufacturing to China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia that represented the greatest opportunity for the equipment supply-chain, with 85% of c-Si cell revenues and 60% of thin-film revenues during 2010 attributed to PV manufacturers across these regions. Revenues available for tool suppliers from European PV manufacturers continue to decline. Collectively, Centrotherm and Roth-&-Rau generated only 12% of PV revenues from European customers in 2010, compared to 33% back in 2008.
The leading equipment beneficiary during 2010 was Applied Materials with strong process tool supply to tier 1 cell manufacturers, supplemented by deferred revenue recognition from legacy turn-key thin-film shipments. Full year PV-specific revenue estimates of US$1.3-1.5B are more than US$500M greater than any other PV equipment supplier for 2010.
In 2011, equipment spending for the c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel segment is forecast to grow to $11.7B, but remains subject to a number of uncertainties. This includes the precise phasing of expansions enacted by all thin-film manufacturers (with the exception of First Solar) and the effects of possible c-Si module over-supply during 1H'11. Leading equipment suppliers will be those with both strong market-share and a broad range of products spread across the various served addressable markets for PV equipment suppliers today.
With a flexible product portfolio spanning the entire c-Si value-chain and the option of supplying either single process tools or turn-key c-Si lines, Centrotherm has emerged as the equipment supplier to watch during 2011. Revenues in 2010 increased each quarter with over 75% coming from single process c-Si tools, heavily weighted towards end-users across Asia. In addition, the capability to offer standard or high-efficiency c-Si lines and upgrade packages completes a balanced portfolio, which can readily adapt to changes in customer profile or demand.
"Understanding that the total addressable market for PV equipment suppliers is comprised of different served market segments remains an essential part of equipment suppliers' growth strategies," adds Colville.
Each equipment segment has unique commercial challenges including: competitive landscape, revenue growth rates, technology roadmaps, and supply-chain preferences. The Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report provides the tools to enable PV equipment suppliers to navigate around these challenges by identifying target customers or competitors, equipment revenues on offer down to the key process tool level, and the precise timing of each PV manufacturer's announced fab expansion plans by quarter out to 2014.
The Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly features a capacity and production database incorporating Solarbuzz’s proprietary industry knowledge across over 300 c-Si cell and thin-film panel producers, and a PowerPoint report with analysis on technology and equipment spending trends. All data and analysis is updated on a quarterly basis and includes expansion and spending activity from the immediate quarter closed for over 1000 capacity expansion phases out to 2014. The performance of leading PV equipment suppliers is analyzed, including PV-specific revenues, bookings, and backlogs, updated on a quarterly basis.
Driven by vertical integration aspirations of tier 1 Chinese c-Si producers and strong investment into existing and emerging thin-film technologies, a further 1.25 GW of quarterly manufacturing capacity came online during Q4'10, bringing annualized c-Si cell and thin-film panel capacity added during 2010 to 11.5GW, according to the latest Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report. "Equipment suppliers aligned with tier 1 customer expansions and their process technology trends are posting record quarterly revenues, while at the same time accumulating tool backlogs in excess of trailing twelve month (ttm) revenues," noted Finlay Colville, senior analyst at Solarbuzz. "Leading equipment suppliers Applied Materials, Centrotherm, GT Solar and Meyer Burger are now trending with ttm PV revenues exceeding $500M, while emerging process tool suppliers such as Amtech Systems, DEK-Solar, Despatch Industries and Jusung Engineering are projected to post Y/Y PV-specific revenue growth rates between 220% and 360%."
With strong capacity expansions in excess of 60% Y/Y also announced for 2011, bookings for preferred equipment suppliers are driving tool backlogs to levels that have not been seen since 2008, when high-value turn-key thin-film business was a key contributor. At end Q4'10, there are now 20 equipment suppliers with order backlogs in excess of $100M, with the majority of these orders scheduled for shipment during 1H'11. The total PV equipment backlog saw 26% Y/Y growth vs. Q4'09, reflected in the PV Book-to-Bill ratio, which averaged well above parity (1.24) for 2010 and peaked at an eight-quarter-high of 1.7 during Q2'10.
Applied Materials remains PV revenue leader for 2010, but Centrotherm positioned for number 1 spot in 2011 Q4'10 equipment spending patterns were again characterized by themes having a dramatic effect on the market-share and performance of PV equipment suppliers. Tier 1 c-Si manufacturers remain committed to capacity expansion by placing high-volume orders on preferred process tool suppliers. CIGS and CdTe expansions provided strong bookings for a variety of thin-film deposition tool suppliers, often based on customized product offerings. Asian-based turnkey equipment suppliers continued to dominate a-Si/uc-Si bookings and shipments, analogous to Applied Materials, Oerlikon, and ULVAC's market entry several years ago.
However, it was the geographic shift in PV manufacturing to China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia that represented the greatest opportunity for the equipment supply-chain, with 85% of c-Si cell revenues and 60% of thin-film revenues during 2010 attributed to PV manufacturers across these regions. Revenues available for tool suppliers from European PV manufacturers continue to decline. Collectively, Centrotherm and Roth-&-Rau generated only 12% of PV revenues from European customers in 2010, compared to 33% back in 2008.
The leading equipment beneficiary during 2010 was Applied Materials with strong process tool supply to tier 1 cell manufacturers, supplemented by deferred revenue recognition from legacy turn-key thin-film shipments. Full year PV-specific revenue estimates of US$1.3-1.5B are more than US$500M greater than any other PV equipment supplier for 2010.
In 2011, equipment spending for the c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel segment is forecast to grow to $11.7B, but remains subject to a number of uncertainties. This includes the precise phasing of expansions enacted by all thin-film manufacturers (with the exception of First Solar) and the effects of possible c-Si module over-supply during 1H'11. Leading equipment suppliers will be those with both strong market-share and a broad range of products spread across the various served addressable markets for PV equipment suppliers today.
With a flexible product portfolio spanning the entire c-Si value-chain and the option of supplying either single process tools or turn-key c-Si lines, Centrotherm has emerged as the equipment supplier to watch during 2011. Revenues in 2010 increased each quarter with over 75% coming from single process c-Si tools, heavily weighted towards end-users across Asia. In addition, the capability to offer standard or high-efficiency c-Si lines and upgrade packages completes a balanced portfolio, which can readily adapt to changes in customer profile or demand.
"Understanding that the total addressable market for PV equipment suppliers is comprised of different served market segments remains an essential part of equipment suppliers' growth strategies," adds Colville.
Each equipment segment has unique commercial challenges including: competitive landscape, revenue growth rates, technology roadmaps, and supply-chain preferences. The Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report provides the tools to enable PV equipment suppliers to navigate around these challenges by identifying target customers or competitors, equipment revenues on offer down to the key process tool level, and the precise timing of each PV manufacturer's announced fab expansion plans by quarter out to 2014.
The Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly features a capacity and production database incorporating Solarbuzz’s proprietary industry knowledge across over 300 c-Si cell and thin-film panel producers, and a PowerPoint report with analysis on technology and equipment spending trends. All data and analysis is updated on a quarterly basis and includes expansion and spending activity from the immediate quarter closed for over 1000 capacity expansion phases out to 2014. The performance of leading PV equipment suppliers is analyzed, including PV-specific revenues, bookings, and backlogs, updated on a quarterly basis.
Monday, January 17, 2011
DEK Solar Has Opened Shenzhen Manufacturing Plant
DEK Solar has opened a new manufacturing plant in Shenzhen. Initial production at the facility will be solely focused on producing DEK’s successful metallization platform, the PV1200.
"The introduction of a DEK Solar manufacturing presence in China is extremely good news for our customers in Asia,” said DEK’s chairman, John Knowles. “Moving production closer to them, customers can now expect even shorter lead times, already a major competitive differentiator for our team. This model is based on the success we've enjoyed with our SMT business in the region, where keeping manufacturing close to our customers worldwide has been an important strategy.
“Our extensive global footprint has enabled us to pioneer major advances in lead times, in addition to an award-winning approach to customer service and support. I'm delighted to extend this footprint even wider for solar customers in Asia and look forward to seeing the positive results this increased resource will have on their production challenges."
"The introduction of a DEK Solar manufacturing presence in China is extremely good news for our customers in Asia,” said DEK’s chairman, John Knowles. “Moving production closer to them, customers can now expect even shorter lead times, already a major competitive differentiator for our team. This model is based on the success we've enjoyed with our SMT business in the region, where keeping manufacturing close to our customers worldwide has been an important strategy.
“Our extensive global footprint has enabled us to pioneer major advances in lead times, in addition to an award-winning approach to customer service and support. I'm delighted to extend this footprint even wider for solar customers in Asia and look forward to seeing the positive results this increased resource will have on their production challenges."
China's Power Consumption Rose 14.56%
China's total power consumption in 2010 rose 14.56 per cent year on year to more than 4.19 trillion kilowatt-hours, Xinhua News Agency reported 17 Jan 11, citing data from the China Electricity Council (CEC).
Over the course of the year, total installed power capacity increased 10.07 per cent to 962 GW.
Hydropower accounted for 213.4 GW, up from 196 GW at the end of 2009, while wind power almost doubled to 31.07 GW. Nuclear power accounted for 10.82 GW, up from 9 GW in the previous year.
The total proportion of non-fossil fuel energy rose to 26.53 per cent, up slightly from 25.4 per cent in the previous year.
China plans to raise total power capacity to around 1,440 GW by 2015, but government officials hope ambitious wind, hydro and nuclear targets will bring the level of thermal power down to around 67 per cent.
CEC figures also showed that about 11 GW of small thermal power facilities were shut down in 2010 as part of efforts to meet national energy efficiency targets.
Total investment in the power sector fell 8.45 per cent in 2010 to 705.1 billion yuan ($US107 billion), Xinhua said.
Over the course of the year, total installed power capacity increased 10.07 per cent to 962 GW.
Hydropower accounted for 213.4 GW, up from 196 GW at the end of 2009, while wind power almost doubled to 31.07 GW. Nuclear power accounted for 10.82 GW, up from 9 GW in the previous year.
The total proportion of non-fossil fuel energy rose to 26.53 per cent, up slightly from 25.4 per cent in the previous year.
China plans to raise total power capacity to around 1,440 GW by 2015, but government officials hope ambitious wind, hydro and nuclear targets will bring the level of thermal power down to around 67 per cent.
CEC figures also showed that about 11 GW of small thermal power facilities were shut down in 2010 as part of efforts to meet national energy efficiency targets.
Total investment in the power sector fell 8.45 per cent in 2010 to 705.1 billion yuan ($US107 billion), Xinhua said.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Ontario Solar Market
I am a big Ontario fan. I wish all states and provinces looked to it as an example of how to use feed-in tariffs to promote renewable energy business. Can't remember who first called Ontario, 'Germany of North America'; it fits perfectly.
On 14 Jan 11 Marketwire reported P2 Solar (OTCBB:PTOS) aims to commission 10 MW or more of solar PV projects in Ontario. Over the past few months, management has undertaken a comprehensive study of Ontario's FiT program to prepare for an entry into this market.
One of the smart Ontario policies that makes it attractive for renewable businesses is not requiring a minimal financial or other criteria for market entry. Applicants need to navigate certain procedural requirements and there are normal stage-by-stage financial closure but the process is far easier than other states and provinces.
The project approval is subject to site specific conditions such as grid congestion, difficulty of grid connectivity and other factors. Applicants need to undertake careful planning for site selection.
Mr. Raj-Mohinder Gurm CEO of P2 Solar said, "Entry into the Ontario solar market will be a very nice compliment to our existing target market India. We have identified a sub-set of potential sites that we believe are good candidates for receiving clearance from Hydro One within a reasonable time-frame."
The company's next step is to engage a real estate consulting firm that is experienced in site selection, development and tie-up under Ontario's FIT program. These consultants will assist P2 in narrowing down a short list of potential sites to two or three based on additional study of the above factors as well as zoning, soil conditions and other factors. Entry into the Ontario market will require significant attention and dedicated focus from management.
"We are endeavouring to bring additional personnel on board in the very near future to assist the existing team with additional expertise to take advantage of this appealing target market," exclaimed Raj-Mohinder Gurm.
I'm hoping more Chinese PV companies follow P2's lead.
On 14 Jan 11 Marketwire reported P2 Solar (OTCBB:PTOS) aims to commission 10 MW or more of solar PV projects in Ontario. Over the past few months, management has undertaken a comprehensive study of Ontario's FiT program to prepare for an entry into this market.
One of the smart Ontario policies that makes it attractive for renewable businesses is not requiring a minimal financial or other criteria for market entry. Applicants need to navigate certain procedural requirements and there are normal stage-by-stage financial closure but the process is far easier than other states and provinces.
The project approval is subject to site specific conditions such as grid congestion, difficulty of grid connectivity and other factors. Applicants need to undertake careful planning for site selection.
Mr. Raj-Mohinder Gurm CEO of P2 Solar said, "Entry into the Ontario solar market will be a very nice compliment to our existing target market India. We have identified a sub-set of potential sites that we believe are good candidates for receiving clearance from Hydro One within a reasonable time-frame."
The company's next step is to engage a real estate consulting firm that is experienced in site selection, development and tie-up under Ontario's FIT program. These consultants will assist P2 in narrowing down a short list of potential sites to two or three based on additional study of the above factors as well as zoning, soil conditions and other factors. Entry into the Ontario market will require significant attention and dedicated focus from management.
"We are endeavouring to bring additional personnel on board in the very near future to assist the existing team with additional expertise to take advantage of this appealing target market," exclaimed Raj-Mohinder Gurm.
I'm hoping more Chinese PV companies follow P2's lead.
Solaria's President Talking About Thin Film
Which US companies will be able to compete with Trina, Yingli, and other Chinese companies who can keep module costs in the neighborhood of $1.10 per watt?
Over the last week, I have been watching Solaria. The company caught my attention from comments made by the company's president late last year. At a panel discussion, Suvi Sharma, Solaria's President, said: "Aside from First Solar, there is no bankable thin-film." Great way to catch people's attention.
Solaria is a Fremont, CA-based company that builds crystalline silicon solar panels that look like standard form-factor 60-cell panels. They are about 14 percent efficient modules and put out approximately 230 watts. The twist is that Solaria concentrates the sunlight using a simple 2X lensing system and reduces the amount of silicon that goes into each panel by half. Additionally, Solaria claims it can ride innovation gains in crystalline silicon to produce cheaper and more efficient panels since the cell is 75 percent to 80 percent of the cost of the module. There is also a roadmap to 3X concentration.
Solaria's thesis is roughly this: most of the capital expense and cost in building a PV module is early in the process -- in silicon, ingot, wafer, and cell. By reducing the amount of silicon, Solaria claims that the price of the module is reduced and the capex required to get the solar industry to meaningful scale (i.e., to 50 GW or to 100 GW) is vastly reduced. The plan is to replace expensive photovoltaics with low-cost optics.
Solaria's big challenge is to prove itself as bankable. Once that's accomplished, the company will compete with the Chinese PV manufacturers. I will be watching in 2011 whether they can succeed.
Over the last week, I have been watching Solaria. The company caught my attention from comments made by the company's president late last year. At a panel discussion, Suvi Sharma, Solaria's President, said: "Aside from First Solar, there is no bankable thin-film." Great way to catch people's attention.
Solaria is a Fremont, CA-based company that builds crystalline silicon solar panels that look like standard form-factor 60-cell panels. They are about 14 percent efficient modules and put out approximately 230 watts. The twist is that Solaria concentrates the sunlight using a simple 2X lensing system and reduces the amount of silicon that goes into each panel by half. Additionally, Solaria claims it can ride innovation gains in crystalline silicon to produce cheaper and more efficient panels since the cell is 75 percent to 80 percent of the cost of the module. There is also a roadmap to 3X concentration.
Solaria's thesis is roughly this: most of the capital expense and cost in building a PV module is early in the process -- in silicon, ingot, wafer, and cell. By reducing the amount of silicon, Solaria claims that the price of the module is reduced and the capex required to get the solar industry to meaningful scale (i.e., to 50 GW or to 100 GW) is vastly reduced. The plan is to replace expensive photovoltaics with low-cost optics.
Solaria's big challenge is to prove itself as bankable. Once that's accomplished, the company will compete with the Chinese PV manufacturers. I will be watching in 2011 whether they can succeed.
German Solar Subsidy Cuts
When I talk to Suntech people about why they are setting up a manufacturing facility in Arizona, they mention big hopes for the North American solar market, especially considering the German subsidy cuts. I've heard this from a couple of other Chinese PV makers. General consensus is Europe, Germany and Spain in particular, will no longer have the current PV demand since the governments are cutting subsidies.
So, though this blog only watches China solar, I need to cover the latest news on European subsidies. Jefferies & Co. solar energy technology analyst Jesse Pichel today wrote on 14 Jan 11 that an anticipated cut in solar power project subsidies by Germany next week will likely not forestall projects, though it will lead to reduced selling prices for the modules sold into solar panel installations.
Pichel sees a 9% to 12% reduction in the Germany FiT, though he still sees the country offering a “robust” 5 to 6 GW of installation this year. The weak pace of installations in the second half of last year basically means the cuts won’t curtail installations this year.
However, he also sees an acceleration in price declines for modules, perhaps after a 9% subsidy cut starting in April. Without saying how fast the pace of decline will be, Pichel writes that rooftop installations can support a price of $1.50 per module, while larger systems require something more like $1.38 and ground projects would need $1.25 per module.
So, though this blog only watches China solar, I need to cover the latest news on European subsidies. Jefferies & Co. solar energy technology analyst Jesse Pichel today wrote on 14 Jan 11 that an anticipated cut in solar power project subsidies by Germany next week will likely not forestall projects, though it will lead to reduced selling prices for the modules sold into solar panel installations.
Pichel sees a 9% to 12% reduction in the Germany FiT, though he still sees the country offering a “robust” 5 to 6 GW of installation this year. The weak pace of installations in the second half of last year basically means the cuts won’t curtail installations this year.
However, he also sees an acceleration in price declines for modules, perhaps after a 9% subsidy cut starting in April. Without saying how fast the pace of decline will be, Pichel writes that rooftop installations can support a price of $1.50 per module, while larger systems require something more like $1.38 and ground projects would need $1.25 per module.
Friday, January 14, 2011
JinkoSolar Announces 1.3 MW Solar Module Supply Agreement Premier Power
JinkoSolar announced on 7 Jan 11 that it has entered into a module supply agreement with Premier Power Renewable Energy, a leading photovoltaic system integrator based in California. Under the terms of the agreement, JinkoSolar will supply Premier Power with 1.3 MW of multi-crystalline solar modules in the first quarter of 2011.
The agreement enables Premier Power to expand its product portfolio to include another high-quality supplier with cost-efficient manufacturing. JinkoSolar continuously improves the quality and cost of its products through its vertical integration, proprietary technology, equipment updates and strict quality control procedures in accordance with ISO 9001 quality management standards. JinkoSolar has received CE and TUV certifications for all solar modules sold in Europe and UL certifications for all solar modules sold in the United States.
"Premier Power has always sought to be an innovative leader in solar energy integration systems. We welcome JinkoSolar to our group of strategic suppliers, with whom we work closely on a continual basis to maximize performance and drive down costs," said Dean Marks, chairman and chief executive officer of Premier Power.
"We are excited to develop a long-term customer relationship with a leading global solar player like Premier Power," said JinkoSolar's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Xiande Li. "Our products are among the most efficient, affordable and reliable products available today. Our vertically integrated manufacturing platform provides a more efficient production process with shorter product development and production cycles as well as better control over quality and lower costs compared to less vertically integrated solar power companies. We're pleased that we were selected by Premier Power for this supply agreement to the U.S. as we look to expand our geographic presence and capitalize on the growth of the US solar market."
The agreement enables Premier Power to expand its product portfolio to include another high-quality supplier with cost-efficient manufacturing. JinkoSolar continuously improves the quality and cost of its products through its vertical integration, proprietary technology, equipment updates and strict quality control procedures in accordance with ISO 9001 quality management standards. JinkoSolar has received CE and TUV certifications for all solar modules sold in Europe and UL certifications for all solar modules sold in the United States.
"Premier Power has always sought to be an innovative leader in solar energy integration systems. We welcome JinkoSolar to our group of strategic suppliers, with whom we work closely on a continual basis to maximize performance and drive down costs," said Dean Marks, chairman and chief executive officer of Premier Power.
"We are excited to develop a long-term customer relationship with a leading global solar player like Premier Power," said JinkoSolar's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Xiande Li. "Our products are among the most efficient, affordable and reliable products available today. Our vertically integrated manufacturing platform provides a more efficient production process with shorter product development and production cycles as well as better control over quality and lower costs compared to less vertically integrated solar power companies. We're pleased that we were selected by Premier Power for this supply agreement to the U.S. as we look to expand our geographic presence and capitalize on the growth of the US solar market."
Daqo New Energy Raises Guidance; Plans New Xinjiang Polysilicon Facility
Polysilicon manufacturer, Daqo New Energy Corporation, has revised guidance for its fourth quarter which ended December 31, 2010. Based on the customer orders and product deliveries, the Company now estimates its fourth quarter shipments of polysilicon to be between 930 to 950 metric tons, or MT, above the high-end of its previous guidance of 825 MT to 850 MT given on November 16, 2010.
The Company also shipped approximately 3 to 4 MW of photovoltaic modules, versus its previous guidance of 4 to 5 MW. Primarily as a result of the increased shipments, total revenues for the fourth quarter 2010 are currently estimated to range between US$75 to US$76 million, also above the high end of its previous range of US$65 to US$69 million.
Daqo New Energy also announced that it plans to build its Phase 2 polysilicon production facility in Shihezi Economic Development Area in Xinjiang. This new production facility is expected to commence production in the third quarter of 2012 and to be fully ramped up by the end of 2012.
"We are happy to raise the fourth quarter guidance due to better than expected customer demand and pricing environment. Furthermore, we are pleased to report that we have made encouraging progress in pursuing our polysilicon production capacity expansion strategy. Our periodical maintenance and capacity enhancement of our Phase 1 polysilicon manufacturing facility undertaken in December 2010 had been completed on schedule, and we have selected the location for our Phase 2 polysilicon manufacturing facility," said Dr. Gongda Yao, Chief Executive Officer of Daqo New Energy. "The successful completion of the Phase 1 capacity enhancement project has increased our total production capacity to 4,300 MT in 2011, which will help us to better serve our customers in the future.”
The Company also shipped approximately 3 to 4 MW of photovoltaic modules, versus its previous guidance of 4 to 5 MW. Primarily as a result of the increased shipments, total revenues for the fourth quarter 2010 are currently estimated to range between US$75 to US$76 million, also above the high end of its previous range of US$65 to US$69 million.
Daqo New Energy also announced that it plans to build its Phase 2 polysilicon production facility in Shihezi Economic Development Area in Xinjiang. This new production facility is expected to commence production in the third quarter of 2012 and to be fully ramped up by the end of 2012.
"We are happy to raise the fourth quarter guidance due to better than expected customer demand and pricing environment. Furthermore, we are pleased to report that we have made encouraging progress in pursuing our polysilicon production capacity expansion strategy. Our periodical maintenance and capacity enhancement of our Phase 1 polysilicon manufacturing facility undertaken in December 2010 had been completed on schedule, and we have selected the location for our Phase 2 polysilicon manufacturing facility," said Dr. Gongda Yao, Chief Executive Officer of Daqo New Energy. "The successful completion of the Phase 1 capacity enhancement project has increased our total production capacity to 4,300 MT in 2011, which will help us to better serve our customers in the future.”
China Promises $61.4 bn Smart Grid Market
I recently was talking to someone about First Solar's Ordos PV solar plant. I said that I will remain skeptical until I see groundbreaking on transmission infrastructure projects that will connect the plant to the grid.
Today, 14 Jan 11, a report from Environmental Leader quotes a Zpryme study as saying The value of China’s smart grid market is projected to rise from $22.3 billion to $61.4 billion over the next five years, providing a market unrivalled by any in the world.
The size of China’s smart grid market will provide an unmatched economy of scale, but the country’s protectionist policies will continue to pose major obstacles, the Zpryme report said.
The biggest slice of the Chinese smart grid will be in transmission and distribution (T&D), which Zpryme projects will grow from $4.5 billion in 2010 to $21.2 billion in 2015, an annual growth rate of 36.4 percent.
But foreign firms’ best chance of success is through providing IT and networking systems to automate distribution and manage electricity demand, the report said. China’s capabilities in this area are still limited, Zpryme said.
Market research firm SBI Energy estimates that the world market for smart grid software and data management applications will grow to $2.9 billion in 2015.
Zpryme predicts that global blue chip companies such as GE, Siemens and IBM, and more specific smart grid-focused companies such as Telvent and Landis+Gyr, will continue to move into the Chinese smart grid market without significant competition in 2011. These operations will take the forms of joint ventures, domestic firm partnerships, pilot projects and independent Chinese operations.
At the same time, Chinese smart grid firms will increasingly move beyond their nation’s borders, Zpryme said.
China’s ambitious smart grid plans are part of the government’s plans to meet soaring demand, move electricity from resource centers in the west to load centers in the east, and meet goals on carbon emissions and renewable energy.
The country has a goal of reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 40 to 45 percent between 2005 and 2020. China also aims to meet 15 percent of energy demand from renewable energy by 2020.
But while China has made great strides in renewable installations – this year becoming the country with the most installed wind power capacity – much of that power has nowhere to go. About 30 percent of wind turbines in China are not connected to a transmission network, Zpryme said.
And while utilities in the U.S. are trying to retrofit their infrastructure with smart grid technology, China will be building that technology into a slew of new transmission networks. The new power lines are expected to reach 20 GW of capacity by 2020, and include the world’s first 1,000 kv alternating power line.
China’s centralized, state-owned transmission companies and streamlined regulation will also make such infrastructure projects much faster to build than in the U.S., Zpryme said.
Last October Pike Research predicted that one of 2011’s top smart grid trends would be the smart meter and AMI focus shifting toward Europe and China.
Today, 14 Jan 11, a report from Environmental Leader quotes a Zpryme study as saying The value of China’s smart grid market is projected to rise from $22.3 billion to $61.4 billion over the next five years, providing a market unrivalled by any in the world.
The size of China’s smart grid market will provide an unmatched economy of scale, but the country’s protectionist policies will continue to pose major obstacles, the Zpryme report said.
The biggest slice of the Chinese smart grid will be in transmission and distribution (T&D), which Zpryme projects will grow from $4.5 billion in 2010 to $21.2 billion in 2015, an annual growth rate of 36.4 percent.
But foreign firms’ best chance of success is through providing IT and networking systems to automate distribution and manage electricity demand, the report said. China’s capabilities in this area are still limited, Zpryme said.
Market research firm SBI Energy estimates that the world market for smart grid software and data management applications will grow to $2.9 billion in 2015.
Zpryme predicts that global blue chip companies such as GE, Siemens and IBM, and more specific smart grid-focused companies such as Telvent and Landis+Gyr, will continue to move into the Chinese smart grid market without significant competition in 2011. These operations will take the forms of joint ventures, domestic firm partnerships, pilot projects and independent Chinese operations.
At the same time, Chinese smart grid firms will increasingly move beyond their nation’s borders, Zpryme said.
China’s ambitious smart grid plans are part of the government’s plans to meet soaring demand, move electricity from resource centers in the west to load centers in the east, and meet goals on carbon emissions and renewable energy.
The country has a goal of reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 40 to 45 percent between 2005 and 2020. China also aims to meet 15 percent of energy demand from renewable energy by 2020.
But while China has made great strides in renewable installations – this year becoming the country with the most installed wind power capacity – much of that power has nowhere to go. About 30 percent of wind turbines in China are not connected to a transmission network, Zpryme said.
And while utilities in the U.S. are trying to retrofit their infrastructure with smart grid technology, China will be building that technology into a slew of new transmission networks. The new power lines are expected to reach 20 GW of capacity by 2020, and include the world’s first 1,000 kv alternating power line.
China’s centralized, state-owned transmission companies and streamlined regulation will also make such infrastructure projects much faster to build than in the U.S., Zpryme said.
Last October Pike Research predicted that one of 2011’s top smart grid trends would be the smart meter and AMI focus shifting toward Europe and China.
US Politics an Incentive For Chinese PV companies to set up N American Manufacturing Facilities
Big news this week was Evergreen shutting down their Devens facility and moving manufacturing to Wuhan. The company cited cheaper Chinese labor, property costs, and subsidies for renewable energy as reasons for the move. Looming US anti-Chinese PV trade laws, however, will continue to make Chinese companies like Suntech consider constructing North American manufacturing facilities and finding American partners.
President Obama has signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (H.R.5136), introduced last year by then-Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., contains an amendment authored by Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., requiring that PV modules purchased by the Department of Defense (DOD) through subcontracts - including Energy Savings Performance Contracts, land leases and utility service contracts - be produced either in the US or in countries that are signatories of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement.
The Hinchey amendment was added to the bill when the House voted on it last May, and builds upon the Buy American Act. A component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Buy American provision originally applied to the importation of steel. The House version of the bill contained this provision whereas the Senate version did not, and the reconciliation bill tied the Buy American provision to actions conducted through the WTO.
Under the new provision, the DOD can only buy PV modules manufactured in countries that have signed the WTO side agreement and China hasn't.
Trade relations between the US and China took a beating last month when the US accused China of violating WTO rules by providing unfair subsidies to Chinese wind power manufacturers.
Considering the DOD is the largest government purchaser of solar panels and that China supplies more solar modules to the U.S. than any other country, the enacted provision has obvious implications not only for Sino-American trade relations, but also for US solar manufacturing business. According to IMS Research, Chinese companies supply over half of the solar panels used in the US, led by giants such as JA Solar and Yingli Solar.
These actions, in turn, may prompt Chinese manufacturers to set up production facilities in the U.S. and to form joint ventures with American companies.
German manufacturer SolarWorld has already expanded its production facilities by adding factories in Camarillo, CA, and Hillsboro, OR, China may win when it comes to labor expenses, but the US offers its own advantages for solar module manufacturing, including a highly silicon-savvy workforce.
President Obama has signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (H.R.5136), introduced last year by then-Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., contains an amendment authored by Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., requiring that PV modules purchased by the Department of Defense (DOD) through subcontracts - including Energy Savings Performance Contracts, land leases and utility service contracts - be produced either in the US or in countries that are signatories of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement.
The Hinchey amendment was added to the bill when the House voted on it last May, and builds upon the Buy American Act. A component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Buy American provision originally applied to the importation of steel. The House version of the bill contained this provision whereas the Senate version did not, and the reconciliation bill tied the Buy American provision to actions conducted through the WTO.
Under the new provision, the DOD can only buy PV modules manufactured in countries that have signed the WTO side agreement and China hasn't.
Trade relations between the US and China took a beating last month when the US accused China of violating WTO rules by providing unfair subsidies to Chinese wind power manufacturers.
Considering the DOD is the largest government purchaser of solar panels and that China supplies more solar modules to the U.S. than any other country, the enacted provision has obvious implications not only for Sino-American trade relations, but also for US solar manufacturing business. According to IMS Research, Chinese companies supply over half of the solar panels used in the US, led by giants such as JA Solar and Yingli Solar.
These actions, in turn, may prompt Chinese manufacturers to set up production facilities in the U.S. and to form joint ventures with American companies.
German manufacturer SolarWorld has already expanded its production facilities by adding factories in Camarillo, CA, and Hillsboro, OR, China may win when it comes to labor expenses, but the US offers its own advantages for solar module manufacturing, including a highly silicon-savvy workforce.
Canadian Solar Supplying Modules to SunEdison's Rovigo Solar Plant
Canadian Solar announced on 13 Jan 11 that the company was one of the module suppliers to Europe's largest capacity PV solar power plant. The construction company, SunEdison, successfully interconnected a 70 MW PV power plant in Northeast Italy, near the town of Rovigo, which is now the largest capacity single-operating PV solar power plant in Europe, with interconnection completed in just nine-months.
"The impressive scale of this milestone European PV project is a direct testament to the high quality work by SunEdison and its partners, including Canadian Solar. We are proud that Canadian Solar's modules were selected to be a part of this major project due to our proven track record of high quality and reliability," said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar. "Canadian Solar has already deployed over 1 GW of modules around the world in the last 8 years. We look forward to continuing to work with our customers, such as SunEdison, to promote the expansion of solar energy worldwide."
Though Canadian Solar was founded in Ontario in 2001, its R&D and manufacturing are in China.
Canadian Solar opened its newest state-of-the-art PV Research Center in the Suzhou in early 2009. The 1500 square meter (16,145 sf) facility is staffed by PhD scientists, engineers and technicians focused on continuous improvement of efficiency and production yields for standard poly-silicon cells and our proprietary solar grade e-cells.
The research and development of high efficiency solar cell structures includes enhanced selective emitters, N-type and wrap-through back-contact cells. Canadian Solar partners with academic and business leaders such as DuPont, ECN, University of Toronto and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Canadian Solar's research center is the only provincially accredited PV cell research center in Jiangsu.
Established in early 2008, the Canadian Solar PV Testing Lab ensures the highest international testing standards for solar panels, operating with a full accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 (Accreditation Criteria for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
The Photovoltaic Testing Lab has been equipped with a damp heat chamber, thermal cycling chamber, UV chamber, hotspot test equipment, IR camera, salt spray chambers and water spray chambers. The following reliability tests may be conducted in our lab: thermal cycling, damp heat, UV, hotspot, mechanical load, I-V performance, outdoor exposure, dry & wet hi-pot, bypass diode thermal, humidity freeze and robustness of terminations.
Canadian Solar production facilities are structured for vertically-integrated manufacturing of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar PV modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products. Canadian Solar has successfully established seven wholly-owned manufacturing subsidiaries across China with some of the lowest manufacturing cost structures in the industry.
Canadian Solar has fast become one of the largest solar companies in the world. With a combined manufacturing facility space of close to 256,439 sqm (2.76 million SF), Canadian Solar’s 8000 employees around the world created revenues of $705 million in 2008: a 133% growth over 2007.
"The impressive scale of this milestone European PV project is a direct testament to the high quality work by SunEdison and its partners, including Canadian Solar. We are proud that Canadian Solar's modules were selected to be a part of this major project due to our proven track record of high quality and reliability," said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar. "Canadian Solar has already deployed over 1 GW of modules around the world in the last 8 years. We look forward to continuing to work with our customers, such as SunEdison, to promote the expansion of solar energy worldwide."
Though Canadian Solar was founded in Ontario in 2001, its R&D and manufacturing are in China.
Canadian Solar opened its newest state-of-the-art PV Research Center in the Suzhou in early 2009. The 1500 square meter (16,145 sf) facility is staffed by PhD scientists, engineers and technicians focused on continuous improvement of efficiency and production yields for standard poly-silicon cells and our proprietary solar grade e-cells.
The research and development of high efficiency solar cell structures includes enhanced selective emitters, N-type and wrap-through back-contact cells. Canadian Solar partners with academic and business leaders such as DuPont, ECN, University of Toronto and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Canadian Solar's research center is the only provincially accredited PV cell research center in Jiangsu.
Established in early 2008, the Canadian Solar PV Testing Lab ensures the highest international testing standards for solar panels, operating with a full accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 (Accreditation Criteria for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
The Photovoltaic Testing Lab has been equipped with a damp heat chamber, thermal cycling chamber, UV chamber, hotspot test equipment, IR camera, salt spray chambers and water spray chambers. The following reliability tests may be conducted in our lab: thermal cycling, damp heat, UV, hotspot, mechanical load, I-V performance, outdoor exposure, dry & wet hi-pot, bypass diode thermal, humidity freeze and robustness of terminations.
Canadian Solar production facilities are structured for vertically-integrated manufacturing of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar PV modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products. Canadian Solar has successfully established seven wholly-owned manufacturing subsidiaries across China with some of the lowest manufacturing cost structures in the industry.
Canadian Solar has fast become one of the largest solar companies in the world. With a combined manufacturing facility space of close to 256,439 sqm (2.76 million SF), Canadian Solar’s 8000 employees around the world created revenues of $705 million in 2008: a 133% growth over 2007.
JinkoSolar Announces Registration of Short-Term Financing Bonds
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: JKS), announced today that Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. ("Jiangxi Jinko"), one of the company's wholly owned subsidiaries, has successfully registered its plan to issue unsecured one-year short-term bonds with an aggregate principal amount of RMB 600 million with the PRC National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors ("NAFMII"). The Company further announced that under the Registered Issue, Jiangxi Jinko issued unsecured short-term bonds with a principal amount of RMB 300 million on 13 Jan 11 (the "First Tranche Issue").
The Registered Issue allows Jiangxi Jinko to issue RMB-denominated unsecured one-year short-term bonds in two tranches on the PRC inter-bank bond market. The First Tranche Issue was issued on January 13, 2011, and will mature on January 14, 2012. The First Tranche Issue bears a fixed annual interest rate of 5.28%, lower than the current benchmark one-year lending rate of 5.81%. The second tranche with a principal amount of RMB 300 million (the "Second Tranche Issue") is expected to be issued from February to December in 2011.
Industrial Bank acted as the lead underwriter and bookrunner for the First Tranche Issue with standby commitment. Approximately 83% of the proceeds will be used as working capital, and the remaining 17% will be used to repay bank loans of higher interest rates.
Relevant legal documentation, including the offering circular and issuance announcement of the First Tranche Issue, are published on the websites of ChinaMoney (http://www.chinamoney.com.cn) and ChinaBond (http://www.chinabond.com.cn). The Company will make required disclosure in respect of the Second Tranche Issue upon its issuance.
"We are proud to announce that we are the second Chinese solar company permitted to issue RMB-denominated bonds," said Mr. Longgen Zhang, chief financial officer of JinkoSolar. "The Registered Issue requires no pledge or guarantee from JinkoSolar or any third party, which demonstrates investors' confidence in our ability to deliver strong financial results in 2011 as well as the Chinese government's support for the solar industry as a whole. Given the expectation that China will continue to increase the lending interest rate to counter the fast-rising inflation following the recent increase in the lending interest rate on December 26, 2010, we believe the Registered Issue will provide us with favorable interest rates and improve our capital structure by broadening our financing channels, lowering financial risk and enhancing our cash position."
The Registered Issue allows Jiangxi Jinko to issue RMB-denominated unsecured one-year short-term bonds in two tranches on the PRC inter-bank bond market. The First Tranche Issue was issued on January 13, 2011, and will mature on January 14, 2012. The First Tranche Issue bears a fixed annual interest rate of 5.28%, lower than the current benchmark one-year lending rate of 5.81%. The second tranche with a principal amount of RMB 300 million (the "Second Tranche Issue") is expected to be issued from February to December in 2011.
Industrial Bank acted as the lead underwriter and bookrunner for the First Tranche Issue with standby commitment. Approximately 83% of the proceeds will be used as working capital, and the remaining 17% will be used to repay bank loans of higher interest rates.
Relevant legal documentation, including the offering circular and issuance announcement of the First Tranche Issue, are published on the websites of ChinaMoney (http://www.chinamoney.com.cn) and ChinaBond (http://www.chinabond.com.cn). The Company will make required disclosure in respect of the Second Tranche Issue upon its issuance.
"We are proud to announce that we are the second Chinese solar company permitted to issue RMB-denominated bonds," said Mr. Longgen Zhang, chief financial officer of JinkoSolar. "The Registered Issue requires no pledge or guarantee from JinkoSolar or any third party, which demonstrates investors' confidence in our ability to deliver strong financial results in 2011 as well as the Chinese government's support for the solar industry as a whole. Given the expectation that China will continue to increase the lending interest rate to counter the fast-rising inflation following the recent increase in the lending interest rate on December 26, 2010, we believe the Registered Issue will provide us with favorable interest rates and improve our capital structure by broadening our financing channels, lowering financial risk and enhancing our cash position."
Danen, Walsin Lihwa reportedly team up to build solar wafer plant in Jiangsu
Danen Technology and Walsin Lihwa Holdings plan to jointly set up a solar wafer plant in Liyang, Jiangsu with investment totaling US$500 million, according to China media reports. The pair recently signed an investment MOU with the local government.
Danen and Walsin will allocate US$200 million for the first phase of investment, the reports indicated. Initially, the joint-venture plant will be capable of producing 1GWp, with an aim to expand annual output to 2.5GWp, the reports revealed.
In response, Danen said it did attend an MOU signing ceremony, but cooperation details will not be determined until after the Lunar New Year. Danen also noted the company's fundamental goal for 2011 is to reach a total capacity of 520MWp by the end of the year.
Danen earlier disclosed plans to expand capacity at its second wafer plant, which just came online in the third quarter of 2010. Annual capacity at the plant will jump to 400MWp by the end of 2011 from only 90MWp in 2010.
In other news, industry sources have commented that the reported joint-venture plant between Danen and Walsin could be an indicator that Danen is able to gain financial support from Walsin. Currently Walsin's PCB maker subsidiary HannStar Board owns a stake in Danen.
Danen and Walsin will allocate US$200 million for the first phase of investment, the reports indicated. Initially, the joint-venture plant will be capable of producing 1GWp, with an aim to expand annual output to 2.5GWp, the reports revealed.
In response, Danen said it did attend an MOU signing ceremony, but cooperation details will not be determined until after the Lunar New Year. Danen also noted the company's fundamental goal for 2011 is to reach a total capacity of 520MWp by the end of the year.
Danen earlier disclosed plans to expand capacity at its second wafer plant, which just came online in the third quarter of 2010. Annual capacity at the plant will jump to 400MWp by the end of 2011 from only 90MWp in 2010.
In other news, industry sources have commented that the reported joint-venture plant between Danen and Walsin could be an indicator that Danen is able to gain financial support from Walsin. Currently Walsin's PCB maker subsidiary HannStar Board owns a stake in Danen.
ReneSola Achieves 17.5% Solar Cell Efficiency with New Wafer
ReneSola announced on 14 Jan 11 that it has developed a new multicrystalline wafer, the Virtus Wafer, which improves solar cell efficiency.
The Virtus Wafer achieves an average cell conversion efficiency rate of 17.5%, more than 1% higher than the industry-standard cell conversion efficiency rate for cells using multicrystalline wafers. ReneSola intends to commence pilot production of the Virtus Wafer in the first half of 2011.
The Virtus Wafer produces a conversion efficiency rate close to that of a monocrystalline wafer while maintaining the relatively low production cost of a multicrystalline wafer.
ReneSola is a leading global manufacturer of solar wafers and provider of solar module OEM services. They began their solar business in 2005 as a solar wafer manufacturer and quickly grew to become one of the largest solar wafer manufacturers in the world. Leveraging our strong base in solar wafer manufacturing, they expanded our operations upstream into polysilicon production and downstream into PV cell and PV module production to become a fully vertically integrated solar company. Our solar products include virgin polysilicon, monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar ingots and wafers, PV cells and modules.
The Virtus Wafer achieves an average cell conversion efficiency rate of 17.5%, more than 1% higher than the industry-standard cell conversion efficiency rate for cells using multicrystalline wafers. ReneSola intends to commence pilot production of the Virtus Wafer in the first half of 2011.
The Virtus Wafer produces a conversion efficiency rate close to that of a monocrystalline wafer while maintaining the relatively low production cost of a multicrystalline wafer.
ReneSola is a leading global manufacturer of solar wafers and provider of solar module OEM services. They began their solar business in 2005 as a solar wafer manufacturer and quickly grew to become one of the largest solar wafer manufacturers in the world. Leveraging our strong base in solar wafer manufacturing, they expanded our operations upstream into polysilicon production and downstream into PV cell and PV module production to become a fully vertically integrated solar company. Our solar products include virgin polysilicon, monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar ingots and wafers, PV cells and modules.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
German Centrosolar Will Supply Taiwan's TSMC With Solar Panels
Centrosolar Group AG, a rooftop solar-system maker, will build panels for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to show Germany can compete with production in lower-cost countries, the company said.
Centrosolar initially will supply 100 MW a year of module capacity using component cells supplied by TSMC, said Alexander Kirsch, the Munich-based company’s chief executive officer. Terms of the deal are confidential, he said on a conference call 12 Jan 11.
German solar product makers including Q-Cells SE have opened factories in Asia to reduce labor and operating expenses and to try match prices offered by Chinese competitors. TSMC, the world’s largest custom manufacturer of chips, may benefit from moving production closer to prospective clients as it turns to renewable energy to boost growth.
“Modules can be made competitively in Germany and there is demand,” Kirsch said today on a call with reporters. “It takes six weeks for shipments from Asia to reach Europe. That costs money but in a changing market it’s also a disadvantage.”
Centrosolar initially will supply 100 MW a year of module capacity using component cells supplied by TSMC, said Alexander Kirsch, the Munich-based company’s chief executive officer. Terms of the deal are confidential, he said on a conference call 12 Jan 11.
German solar product makers including Q-Cells SE have opened factories in Asia to reduce labor and operating expenses and to try match prices offered by Chinese competitors. TSMC, the world’s largest custom manufacturer of chips, may benefit from moving production closer to prospective clients as it turns to renewable energy to boost growth.
“Modules can be made competitively in Germany and there is demand,” Kirsch said today on a call with reporters. “It takes six weeks for shipments from Asia to reach Europe. That costs money but in a changing market it’s also a disadvantage.”
Chaori Solar's Board Approves $546 mln Investment in Henan Project
In a filing to Shenzhen's stock exchange on 13 Jan 11, Shanghai Chaori Solar Energy Science & Technology Co. said its board of directors approved to invest 3.6 billion yuan ($546 million) to build a new plant in Yanshi, Henan.
GCL-Poly, Trina Supply Agreement Signed
GCL-Poly Energy on 11 Jan said it has signed a supplemental long-term supply agreement with Trina Solar.
Pursuant to the agreement, GCL-Poly Energy Holdings intends to deliver a total of 7,500 megawatts of solar modules to Trina Solar during the period from January 2011 to December 2015, and the terms of the agreement also contain a price adjustment clause.
Established in 1997, Trina Solar is based in Changzhou, Jiangsu and produces PV products, such as ingots, wafers and modules. In addition, GCL-Poly Energy has inked an agreement with Chinese PV product maker Solarfun to supply 2.5 GW of silicon products from 2011 to 2015, China Knowledge reported earlier.
Pursuant to the agreement, GCL-Poly Energy Holdings intends to deliver a total of 7,500 megawatts of solar modules to Trina Solar during the period from January 2011 to December 2015, and the terms of the agreement also contain a price adjustment clause.
Established in 1997, Trina Solar is based in Changzhou, Jiangsu and produces PV products, such as ingots, wafers and modules. In addition, GCL-Poly Energy has inked an agreement with Chinese PV product maker Solarfun to supply 2.5 GW of silicon products from 2011 to 2015, China Knowledge reported earlier.
CSP Under Seige From PV
GTM Research forecasts the CSP market to grow from $3 billion in 2011 to over $10 billion by 2013. But beyond 2013, the situation is much less rosy. With 2011 installations slated to reach 472 MW and 2012 forecasted to exceed 1,200 MW, the first wave of global project commissionings brings optimism. However, this optimism will be increasingly mitigated by the competitive, long-term threat posed by solar PV, which continues to reduce its installed cost faster than CSP.
At over 250 pages with more than 140 data-rich exhibits, Concentrating Solar Power 2011: Technology, Costs and Markets examines in detail the state of the industry with an emphasis on project economics (cost per watt and cost per kWh), top markets (U.S., Spain, and China), and a detailed CSP pipeline with over 170 projects globally. The report forecasts CSP and PV costs as well as expected total installations through 2020.
Brett Prior, the author of the study and senior analyst at GTM Research, says “The trend of CSP projects being converted into PV projects is a troubling one. In order to turn the tide, CSP developers need either to improve their cost per kWh against PV or to convince utilities to pay extra for storage and dispatchable generation. Barring one of these outcomes, the future viability of CSP is at risk.”
At over 250 pages with more than 140 data-rich exhibits, Concentrating Solar Power 2011: Technology, Costs and Markets examines in detail the state of the industry with an emphasis on project economics (cost per watt and cost per kWh), top markets (U.S., Spain, and China), and a detailed CSP pipeline with over 170 projects globally. The report forecasts CSP and PV costs as well as expected total installations through 2020.
Brett Prior, the author of the study and senior analyst at GTM Research, says “The trend of CSP projects being converted into PV projects is a troubling one. In order to turn the tide, CSP developers need either to improve their cost per kWh against PV or to convince utilities to pay extra for storage and dispatchable generation. Barring one of these outcomes, the future viability of CSP is at risk.”
REC Predicts 30-40% Supply Increase in World Solar Market in 2011
Norwegian solar group Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (OSL: REC), or REC, expects a 30-40% supply increase in the solar market in 2011, CEO Ole Enger said on 12 Jan 11 during a presentation at an industry event.
The big question is, of course, if demand will mark a corresponding rise, Enger said at the Power and Renewable Energy Conference, arranged in Oslo by Pareto Securities. Enger is confident that demand will also grow, but he is not sure how much. Subsidies are being reduced and the cuts are taking place faster than we have expected, the CEO said, adding that the trend is likely to continue. However, he said that the cuts are positive since they could not have been sustainable over a long time. "I think that what authorities have done is very logical. For us it is very important to cut costs," he said.
The big question is, of course, if demand will mark a corresponding rise, Enger said at the Power and Renewable Energy Conference, arranged in Oslo by Pareto Securities. Enger is confident that demand will also grow, but he is not sure how much. Subsidies are being reduced and the cuts are taking place faster than we have expected, the CEO said, adding that the trend is likely to continue. However, he said that the cuts are positive since they could not have been sustainable over a long time. "I think that what authorities have done is very logical. For us it is very important to cut costs," he said.
Evergreen Shutting Down Devens, MA Plant
Evergreen shutting down its Devens, MA plant is no surprise to anyone who has been watching the company over the last year. The company has been gradually shifting the string wafer manufacturing of its Wuhan plant.
Michael El-Hillow, Evergreen CEO, is citing low manufacturing costs and Chinese government subsidies as the two big reasons why the company has to shift its string ribbon manufacturing to China.
Evergreen Solar has an agreement with Jiawei Solar in Wuhan. Evergreen manufactures string ribbon wafers using its quad furnaces at a leased facility being built on Jiawei’s Wuhan campus. Jiawei will process the string ribbon wafers into Evergreen Solar-branded panels on a subcontract basis.
Evergreen reimburses Jiawei for its cell and panel conversion costs, plus a subcontractor fee. The actual price paid to Jiawei is negotiated annually. The Wuhan government provides, or coordinate with other Chinese governmental agencies, various incentives, including guarantees necessary to obtain third-party bank or other financing.
Initial capacity is expected to be approximately 100 MW and the parties intend to expand production capacity to approximately 500 MW by 2012, the timing and extent of which will be determined in 2010.
Michael El-Hillow, Evergreen CEO, is citing low manufacturing costs and Chinese government subsidies as the two big reasons why the company has to shift its string ribbon manufacturing to China.
Evergreen Solar has an agreement with Jiawei Solar in Wuhan. Evergreen manufactures string ribbon wafers using its quad furnaces at a leased facility being built on Jiawei’s Wuhan campus. Jiawei will process the string ribbon wafers into Evergreen Solar-branded panels on a subcontract basis.
Evergreen reimburses Jiawei for its cell and panel conversion costs, plus a subcontractor fee. The actual price paid to Jiawei is negotiated annually. The Wuhan government provides, or coordinate with other Chinese governmental agencies, various incentives, including guarantees necessary to obtain third-party bank or other financing.
Initial capacity is expected to be approximately 100 MW and the parties intend to expand production capacity to approximately 500 MW by 2012, the timing and extent of which will be determined in 2010.
Sunergy Expands Switzerland Presence
China Sunergy, a specialized solar cell and module manufacturer based in Nanjing, announced 12 Jan 11 that it has won a 1.1 MW solar module supply contract in Switzerland for 2011.
Under the agreement, China Sunergy will supply Sunergic S.A., one of the leading solar system integrators in Switzerland, with the solar modules for up to 1.1 MW for Services Industriel de Geneve (SIG), a Swiss utility.
"We are very pleased to partner with Sunergic S.A. on one of the largest PV solar projects in Switzerland," said Mr. Stephen Zhifang Cai, CEO of China Sunergy. "This partnership demonstrates our concerted efforts to explore new markets. We believe there will be more opportunities like this in the following months as a result of our strategy."
Nico Lugt, Sunergic's CEO said, "Sunergic is excited to have won the bid for the SIG solar project again this year, although global competition continues to be very strong. Our cooperation with China Sunergy differentiates us from other companies in the space and guarantees project quality. With this partnership, we are able to remain among the leading distributors in the Swiss solar market. We look forward to working with China Sunergy on more projects in the coming years."
Under the agreement, China Sunergy will supply Sunergic S.A., one of the leading solar system integrators in Switzerland, with the solar modules for up to 1.1 MW for Services Industriel de Geneve (SIG), a Swiss utility.
"We are very pleased to partner with Sunergic S.A. on one of the largest PV solar projects in Switzerland," said Mr. Stephen Zhifang Cai, CEO of China Sunergy. "This partnership demonstrates our concerted efforts to explore new markets. We believe there will be more opportunities like this in the following months as a result of our strategy."
Nico Lugt, Sunergic's CEO said, "Sunergic is excited to have won the bid for the SIG solar project again this year, although global competition continues to be very strong. Our cooperation with China Sunergy differentiates us from other companies in the space and guarantees project quality. With this partnership, we are able to remain among the leading distributors in the Swiss solar market. We look forward to working with China Sunergy on more projects in the coming years."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Liu Tienan Will Replace Zhang Guobao as head of National Energy Administration
Zhang Guobao, we barely knew you. Both China's Economic Observer 经济观察 and Reuters are reporting that Liu Tienan has taken his place as the head of the National Energy Administration.
At present, the Organization Department of the Central Committee of the CPC has not yet formally announced the news, and Zhang Guobao's name has not been removed from the administration's leadership roster on the NDRC website. However the official with the National Energy Administration told the 经济观察 that the announcement is going to take place very soon.
As things stand, a meeting in Harbin on ecological protection and economic development which took place on 9 Jan will have been Zhang Guobao's last meeting as the head of the National Energy Administration in Harbin.
Liu Tienan, the new head of the National Energy Administration, is from Qi County in Shanxi Province. He was born in Beijing in 1954 and he joined the Communist Party in 1976. He has a master's degree in economics and a PhD in engineering. His professional career includes various leadership positions for departmental agencies of the NDRC.
Zhang Guobao confirmed Liu's appointment to Reuters and stated, "I'm sure Liu will do a good job. We've worked together for around a decade already."
At present, the Organization Department of the Central Committee of the CPC has not yet formally announced the news, and Zhang Guobao's name has not been removed from the administration's leadership roster on the NDRC website. However the official with the National Energy Administration told the 经济观察 that the announcement is going to take place very soon.
As things stand, a meeting in Harbin on ecological protection and economic development which took place on 9 Jan will have been Zhang Guobao's last meeting as the head of the National Energy Administration in Harbin.
Liu Tienan, the new head of the National Energy Administration, is from Qi County in Shanxi Province. He was born in Beijing in 1954 and he joined the Communist Party in 1976. He has a master's degree in economics and a PhD in engineering. His professional career includes various leadership positions for departmental agencies of the NDRC.
Zhang Guobao confirmed Liu's appointment to Reuters and stated, "I'm sure Liu will do a good job. We've worked together for around a decade already."
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Elkem Solar sold to China National Bluestar as part of US$2 bln Deal
Elkem Silicon Materials (polysilicon) and Elkem Solar (solar wafers) are part of a business divesture plan of Norwegian conglomerate, Orkla to primarily state-owned Chinese chemical firm, China National Bluestar. The US$2 billion all cash transaction also includes Elkem’s Aluminium and carbon’s businesses. Completion of the deal is expected during the 1st half of 2011.
“It is important to secure that Elkem has a new owner able to further develop its potential and keep its competence and resources united,” commented Bjørn M. Wiggen, President and CEO of Orkla ASA. “In Bluestar, Elkem will have an owner that has solid financial capacity and is well positioned in the world’s largest market for metals and renewables. Bluestar has the best attributes to take advantage of the potential of Elkem’s technological strength and competence.”
Okla noted that the solar operations would remain in Norway and that Elkem Solar’s technology for polysilicon production had significantly lower energy consumption than traditional technologies
“For Bluestar, the combination with Elkem will give them access to Elkem’s excellent management experience and industry-leading technological know-how. We strongly believe in the huge potential for Elkem’s new solar-grade technology,” added Ren Jianxin, President of Chemchina and Chairman of Bluestar.
Polysilicon production capacity at Elkem for its first plant at Fiskaa was 6,000MT and cost approximately US$600 million to build in 2009.
“It is important to secure that Elkem has a new owner able to further develop its potential and keep its competence and resources united,” commented Bjørn M. Wiggen, President and CEO of Orkla ASA. “In Bluestar, Elkem will have an owner that has solid financial capacity and is well positioned in the world’s largest market for metals and renewables. Bluestar has the best attributes to take advantage of the potential of Elkem’s technological strength and competence.”
Okla noted that the solar operations would remain in Norway and that Elkem Solar’s technology for polysilicon production had significantly lower energy consumption than traditional technologies
“For Bluestar, the combination with Elkem will give them access to Elkem’s excellent management experience and industry-leading technological know-how. We strongly believe in the huge potential for Elkem’s new solar-grade technology,” added Ren Jianxin, President of Chemchina and Chairman of Bluestar.
Polysilicon production capacity at Elkem for its first plant at Fiskaa was 6,000MT and cost approximately US$600 million to build in 2009.
CNPV Utility-level Solar Plant in Shandong
PRNewswire-Asia reported on 10 Jan 11 that CNPV, the Luxembourg integrated solar PV manufacturer, announced the handover and inauguration of Shandong's first 7 MW solar power project.
The report is somewhat confusing with very clunky English:
As part of the National Golden Sun Demonstration Project, the project was designed, developed and implemented by CNPV to fully demonstrate the real life capability of solar power generation. Utilising CNPV high power, high efficiency Premium modules that the Company produces, the 7MW rating significantly exceeds the trial projects previously installed as proof of concept.
Since it is part of the National Golden Sun Demonstration Project, I assume it received federal funds under this program. I wish the report had included more details.
The report went on to say:
Mr. Zhang Shunfu CEO & Mr. B. Veerraju Chaudary COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV jointly said, "Our success in developing and exhibiting this technology is a major milestone on the road of national solar photovoltaic power acceptance. CNPV is very pleased and honoured to play a leading role in the development of the first largest utility scale on-grid 7MW solar PV power plant in Shandong Province, which represents a major milestone in the development of China's renewable energy industry. We applaud the decisive steps taken by China's central government and local government to support sustainable energy development and establish a greener economy in China. With closer cooperation between strategic energy investors, power developers and solution providers, we are confident that solar energy will become increasingly cost effective and achieve grid parity in many locations over the next few years. We are supremely grateful to our strong internal team and the outstanding unswerving support from leading government officials. Together we have demonstrated that our City can play a principal role in the world's green energy transformation and are subsequently now actively exploring our next and bigger venture."
The report is somewhat confusing with very clunky English:
As part of the National Golden Sun Demonstration Project, the project was designed, developed and implemented by CNPV to fully demonstrate the real life capability of solar power generation. Utilising CNPV high power, high efficiency Premium modules that the Company produces, the 7MW rating significantly exceeds the trial projects previously installed as proof of concept.
Since it is part of the National Golden Sun Demonstration Project, I assume it received federal funds under this program. I wish the report had included more details.
The report went on to say:
Mr. Zhang Shunfu CEO & Mr. B. Veerraju Chaudary COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV jointly said, "Our success in developing and exhibiting this technology is a major milestone on the road of national solar photovoltaic power acceptance. CNPV is very pleased and honoured to play a leading role in the development of the first largest utility scale on-grid 7MW solar PV power plant in Shandong Province, which represents a major milestone in the development of China's renewable energy industry. We applaud the decisive steps taken by China's central government and local government to support sustainable energy development and establish a greener economy in China. With closer cooperation between strategic energy investors, power developers and solution providers, we are confident that solar energy will become increasingly cost effective and achieve grid parity in many locations over the next few years. We are supremely grateful to our strong internal team and the outstanding unswerving support from leading government officials. Together we have demonstrated that our City can play a principal role in the world's green energy transformation and are subsequently now actively exploring our next and bigger venture."
Suntech Australia, Infigen Energy's Get Go Ahead on New South Wales Solar Installation
NewNet is reporting Infigen Energy and Suntech Australia have been given the go-ahead to construct a AUD$300m ($297m) installation in New South Wales. I'm familiar with Suntech Australia and need to find out how it is tied to China's Suntech. I know Shi Zhengrong did most of his PhD research in Australia
The local New South Wales government has reportedly approved a plan to build a 100MW solar development, which will be the first constructed in the state. The project will receive funding under the Australian federal government’s Solar Flagships scheme.
In November, the two companies filed documents with the Australian government to develop a number of solar farms in New South Wales.
The Solar Flagships program is part of the Australian government’s A$4.5bn Clean Energy Initiative, which was originally announced in the May 2009 budget.
The local New South Wales government has reportedly approved a plan to build a 100MW solar development, which will be the first constructed in the state. The project will receive funding under the Australian federal government’s Solar Flagships scheme.
In November, the two companies filed documents with the Australian government to develop a number of solar farms in New South Wales.
The Solar Flagships program is part of the Australian government’s A$4.5bn Clean Energy Initiative, which was originally announced in the May 2009 budget.
China May Release Renewable Energy Plan This Year
China may release a plan for renewable energy resources management year, the China Securities Journal reported 10 Jan 11, citing an unidentified person at the energy bureau.
LDK's Climb Drags Several Along With It
Several solar companies climbed 10 Jan 11 after LDK Solar raised its guidance and Edison International announced several power-purchase agreements in California.
LDK Solar climbed 19 percent to $12.39 at 1:22 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading, the largest percentage gain in two months. The company said today fourth-quarter sales will be 21 percent higher than the top end of its previous $750 million estimate.
Edison said its Southern California Edison utility will buy energy from three solar farms that SunPower plans to build in the state, with total capacity of 711 megawatts. The unit also said it had signed four contracts to purchase power from plants being developed in California by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, with a combined capacity of 120 MW.
SunPower increased 7.5 percent to $14.45, the biggest gain of any company in the 100-member WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index. Six of the 10 companies on the index with the biggest percentage gains today make solar products.
“The space has tended to move as a whole,” Adam Krop, an analyst with New York-based Ardour Capital Partners said, in a Bloomberg interview. Several solar energy companies were riding the coattails of LDK and SunPower, he said.
JA Solar increased 4 percent to $7.41 while Suntech was also 4 percent higher.
“The space has been really undervalued for the past four to six weeks,” Krop said. “With all these positive news announcements, eventually there has to be some positive movement.”
Trina Solar increased 2 percent to $25.53. First Solar advanced 2 percent as well to $136.20. Apollo Solar Energy Technology Holdings Ltd. of Hong Kong rose 1.8 percent.
LDK Solar climbed 19 percent to $12.39 at 1:22 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading, the largest percentage gain in two months. The company said today fourth-quarter sales will be 21 percent higher than the top end of its previous $750 million estimate.
Edison said its Southern California Edison utility will buy energy from three solar farms that SunPower plans to build in the state, with total capacity of 711 megawatts. The unit also said it had signed four contracts to purchase power from plants being developed in California by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, with a combined capacity of 120 MW.
SunPower increased 7.5 percent to $14.45, the biggest gain of any company in the 100-member WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index. Six of the 10 companies on the index with the biggest percentage gains today make solar products.
“The space has tended to move as a whole,” Adam Krop, an analyst with New York-based Ardour Capital Partners said, in a Bloomberg interview. Several solar energy companies were riding the coattails of LDK and SunPower, he said.
JA Solar increased 4 percent to $7.41 while Suntech was also 4 percent higher.
“The space has been really undervalued for the past four to six weeks,” Krop said. “With all these positive news announcements, eventually there has to be some positive movement.”
Trina Solar increased 2 percent to $25.53. First Solar advanced 2 percent as well to $136.20. Apollo Solar Energy Technology Holdings Ltd. of Hong Kong rose 1.8 percent.
JinkoSolar to issue RMB 300 mln in bills on 13 Jan
JinkoSolar on 6 Jan announced that it will issue RMB 300 million in short-term bills with a maturity of 365 days on the inter-bank market on 13 Jan 11.
The firm said in a statement that this batch of bills will be issued at face value and the coupon rate will be determined during the process of book building.
The bills will become tradable on 17 Jan. RMB 250 million from the proceeds will be used to replenish working capital, while the remaining RMB 50 million will be allotted to pay back bank loans, according to the firm.
China Cheng Xin International Credit Rating Co Ltd has rated the bills and the issuers as A-1 and A+, respectively. Last month, the company said that it had raised annual output of solar cells and modules to 600 megawatts each, according to an earlier report from China Knowledge.
The firm said in a statement that this batch of bills will be issued at face value and the coupon rate will be determined during the process of book building.
The bills will become tradable on 17 Jan. RMB 250 million from the proceeds will be used to replenish working capital, while the remaining RMB 50 million will be allotted to pay back bank loans, according to the firm.
China Cheng Xin International Credit Rating Co Ltd has rated the bills and the issuers as A-1 and A+, respectively. Last month, the company said that it had raised annual output of solar cells and modules to 600 megawatts each, according to an earlier report from China Knowledge.
Monday, January 10, 2011
China’s Sky Solar enters Brazilian market
China-based solar developer Sky Solar is leading the country’s push into the South American photovoltaic market through an agreement to construct a plant in Brazil.
The plant is expected to be constructed with the next year through an agreement with Sobral city government.
The area of land being dedicated for the project is 7.5 hectare and the overall output is predicted to be in the region on 3MW.
It has been estimated that for each megawatt, there will be a ten million Brazilian real investment.
Sky Solar has worked hard to gain a foothold in international markets and has now established over ten subsidiaries throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
The plant is expected to be constructed with the next year through an agreement with Sobral city government.
The area of land being dedicated for the project is 7.5 hectare and the overall output is predicted to be in the region on 3MW.
It has been estimated that for each megawatt, there will be a ten million Brazilian real investment.
Sky Solar has worked hard to gain a foothold in international markets and has now established over ten subsidiaries throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
Bullish start to the year for Chinese solar stocks
NewNet is reporting Chinese solar manufacturers are starting to look fiercer than they have in a while.
Polysilicon maker Daqo New Energy led the rally, rising 30 per cent over the first week of trading in 2011 after announcing fourth quarter revenue guidance of $75m to $76m, up from earlier estimates of $65m to $69m.
The Chongqing-based company expects fourth-quarter shipments of polysilicon to be between 930MT and 950MT, well above previous guidance of 825-850MT.
Daqo New Energy also revealed plans for a new production facility in Shihezi, Xinjiang, to be operational by late 2012.
But with $166.8m owed, its debt/equity ratio (1.87x) remains among the highest in the industry.
Wafer and module maker LDK Solar spiked early on Monday, 3 Jan 11 but slipped over the week on balance sheet worries after the capital boost from the company’s sale of a $240m stake in its polysilicon subsidiary was partly offset by its acquisition of a controlling interest in US vertically integrated firm Solar Power.
The company’s stock closed at $10.43 on Friday, up just three per cent on the week before.
Solar Power’s over the counter shares were pushed up by the acquisition, ending the week up 76 per cent at $0.51.
Trina Solar rose 6.9 per cent over the week to $25.04, buoyed by news at the end of December that the module manufacturer would invest $800m over three years in a manufacturing and research facility at Changzhou in Jiangsu province.
The firm has just competed a 5MW PV plant in the Indian state of Gujarat, developed by local energy and infrastructure business Lanco Infratech.
But at 6.70 its price to earnings ratio still looks modest, indicating investors are not too sanguine about future dividends.
Meanwhile US-based GT Solar International hit 15-month highs, up 15.1 per cent to $10.50. The factory equipment manufacturer announced its first order for a silicon ingot production system, a $37.5m contract with South Korean module manufacturer, on Friday.
The company’s products are used in the chemical industry as well as in solar manufacturing, giving it a backstop in the event of a solar slowdown.
Already the most highly capitalized solar manufacturer on the market, First Solar edged up 2.57 per cent over the week, after announcing it would co-operate with Guangdong Nuclear’s solar arm on the stalled Ordos solar project.
The 2GW project was delayed as negotiations with the Chinese government over feed-in tariffs dragged on. First Solar thinks the domestic nuclear giant will bring with it the muscle to bargain with the authorities.
Also, the first week of January saw GE Financial Services and Vancouver-based Plutonic Power sign a contract for three solar plants in Ontario totaling 50MW from First Solar.
GE will invest about $55m in the development, while First Solar will arrange project finance from banks before construction begins in mid 2011.
Polysilicon maker Daqo New Energy led the rally, rising 30 per cent over the first week of trading in 2011 after announcing fourth quarter revenue guidance of $75m to $76m, up from earlier estimates of $65m to $69m.
The Chongqing-based company expects fourth-quarter shipments of polysilicon to be between 930MT and 950MT, well above previous guidance of 825-850MT.
Daqo New Energy also revealed plans for a new production facility in Shihezi, Xinjiang, to be operational by late 2012.
But with $166.8m owed, its debt/equity ratio (1.87x) remains among the highest in the industry.
Wafer and module maker LDK Solar spiked early on Monday, 3 Jan 11 but slipped over the week on balance sheet worries after the capital boost from the company’s sale of a $240m stake in its polysilicon subsidiary was partly offset by its acquisition of a controlling interest in US vertically integrated firm Solar Power.
The company’s stock closed at $10.43 on Friday, up just three per cent on the week before.
Solar Power’s over the counter shares were pushed up by the acquisition, ending the week up 76 per cent at $0.51.
Trina Solar rose 6.9 per cent over the week to $25.04, buoyed by news at the end of December that the module manufacturer would invest $800m over three years in a manufacturing and research facility at Changzhou in Jiangsu province.
The firm has just competed a 5MW PV plant in the Indian state of Gujarat, developed by local energy and infrastructure business Lanco Infratech.
But at 6.70 its price to earnings ratio still looks modest, indicating investors are not too sanguine about future dividends.
Meanwhile US-based GT Solar International hit 15-month highs, up 15.1 per cent to $10.50. The factory equipment manufacturer announced its first order for a silicon ingot production system, a $37.5m contract with South Korean module manufacturer, on Friday.
The company’s products are used in the chemical industry as well as in solar manufacturing, giving it a backstop in the event of a solar slowdown.
Already the most highly capitalized solar manufacturer on the market, First Solar edged up 2.57 per cent over the week, after announcing it would co-operate with Guangdong Nuclear’s solar arm on the stalled Ordos solar project.
The 2GW project was delayed as negotiations with the Chinese government over feed-in tariffs dragged on. First Solar thinks the domestic nuclear giant will bring with it the muscle to bargain with the authorities.
Also, the first week of January saw GE Financial Services and Vancouver-based Plutonic Power sign a contract for three solar plants in Ontario totaling 50MW from First Solar.
GE will invest about $55m in the development, while First Solar will arrange project finance from banks before construction begins in mid 2011.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Haikou to build world's largest PV manufacturing base
Three Chinese PV firms will invest more than RMB 30 billion to build the world's largest PV manufacturing base in Haikou over the next five years, according to Bureau of Science Technology and Information Industry of Hainan Province.
Of the three firms, Yingli, plans to inject a total of RMB 11 billion into the city's PV industry between 2011 and 2013.
AVIC Sanxin, formerly known as Shenzhen Sanxin Specialty Glass Tech Co Ltd, will start a high-end specialty glass project in Haikou with an investment of RMB 3 billion during the period of 2011 to 2015.
Beijing-based investment company Hanergy Holding Group Ltd, formerly known as Farsighted Group, intends to spend a total of RMB 17.5 billion on four PV projects in Haikou, including a 1,000 MW thin film solar cell project and a 100 MW demonstration PV power generation station.
Xu Tangxian, mayor of Haikou, said the base is expected to lead China's PV industry after the five-year output expansion.
Of the three firms, Yingli, plans to inject a total of RMB 11 billion into the city's PV industry between 2011 and 2013.
AVIC Sanxin, formerly known as Shenzhen Sanxin Specialty Glass Tech Co Ltd, will start a high-end specialty glass project in Haikou with an investment of RMB 3 billion during the period of 2011 to 2015.
Beijing-based investment company Hanergy Holding Group Ltd, formerly known as Farsighted Group, intends to spend a total of RMB 17.5 billion on four PV projects in Haikou, including a 1,000 MW thin film solar cell project and a 100 MW demonstration PV power generation station.
Xu Tangxian, mayor of Haikou, said the base is expected to lead China's PV industry after the five-year output expansion.
Premier Power Signs PV Supply Deal With JinkoSolar
Premier Power Renewable Energy Inc., an integrator of photovoltaic systems, has signed a supply agreement with China-based solar product manufacturer JinkoSolar Co. Ltd. Under the terms of the agreement, JinkoSolar will supply Premier Power with 1.3 MW of multicrystalline solar modules this quarter.
According to Premier Power, JinkoSolar's manufacturing platform provides an efficient production process with short product development and production cycles.
"We're pleased that we were selected by Premier Power for our first major supply agreement to the U.S. market as we look to expand our geographic presence and capitalize on the growth of the U.S. solar market," says Xiande Li, JinkoSolar's chairman.
SOURCE: Premier Power
According to Premier Power, JinkoSolar's manufacturing platform provides an efficient production process with short product development and production cycles.
"We're pleased that we were selected by Premier Power for our first major supply agreement to the U.S. market as we look to expand our geographic presence and capitalize on the growth of the U.S. solar market," says Xiande Li, JinkoSolar's chairman.
SOURCE: Premier Power
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Taiwan-based solar cell makers lower spot price to US$1.15/W
Digitimes is reporting Taiwan-based solar cell makers have recently lowered solar cell spot quotes to US$1.15-1.18/W as more production capacity go online, especially those of their China-based counterparts, according to industry sources.
China's solar cell manufacturers are quoting as low as US$1.10-1.13/W if order volume is large enough, the sources said.
Some of China's solar cell companies had warned in November of 2010 that solar cell prices in December and the first quarter of 2011 could dip to US$1.25/W, and Taiwanese companies were still quoting at US$1.40-1.43/W at the time with full utilization.
Taiwan's solar cell makers have seemingly learned their lessons from previous years when downstream demand cooled off substantially. Unlike during the economic crisis in 2008 and 2009 when Taiwan-based cell makers were a step low in matching price cuts by competition, the companies are quoting more aggressively this time around as it is now clear that end-use demand will not rebound so quickly, the sources noted.
With more competitive quotes and perhaps quality superiority over their Chinese competitors, most solar cell makers in Taiwan are aiming for capacity utilization of 80-100% for the first quarter, but they are still concerned with low order visibility, said the sources.
In 2008-2009, Taiwan's solar cell makers were less willing to slash prices, because they had material inventory procured at a relatively high cost, and were hesitant to manufacture for a loss. However, with solar system installation down in Europe, governments continuing to reduce incentives and new solar cell production lines operational, shoring up capacity utilization has become critical to maintain economy of scale.
China's solar cell manufacturers are quoting as low as US$1.10-1.13/W if order volume is large enough, the sources said.
Some of China's solar cell companies had warned in November of 2010 that solar cell prices in December and the first quarter of 2011 could dip to US$1.25/W, and Taiwanese companies were still quoting at US$1.40-1.43/W at the time with full utilization.
Taiwan's solar cell makers have seemingly learned their lessons from previous years when downstream demand cooled off substantially. Unlike during the economic crisis in 2008 and 2009 when Taiwan-based cell makers were a step low in matching price cuts by competition, the companies are quoting more aggressively this time around as it is now clear that end-use demand will not rebound so quickly, the sources noted.
With more competitive quotes and perhaps quality superiority over their Chinese competitors, most solar cell makers in Taiwan are aiming for capacity utilization of 80-100% for the first quarter, but they are still concerned with low order visibility, said the sources.
In 2008-2009, Taiwan's solar cell makers were less willing to slash prices, because they had material inventory procured at a relatively high cost, and were hesitant to manufacture for a loss. However, with solar system installation down in Europe, governments continuing to reduce incentives and new solar cell production lines operational, shoring up capacity utilization has become critical to maintain economy of scale.
REC enters three-year wafer supply contract with Asian solar cell producer
On January 3, 2010 Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC, Sandvika, Norway) announced that it has entered into a contract to supply multicrystalline silicon wafers to an un-named Asian solar PV cell producer from 2011 through 2013.
Though the current value of the contract is NOK$1.1 billion (USD$190 million), the agreement is scheduled as a take-or-pay contract and the wafers will be sold at prevailing market prices. REC states that it has received pre-payment for the contract, representing roughly 10% of the contract value.
With the opening of a new wafer, cell and module production facility in Singapore in November 2010, REC has established a strong presence in Asia.
Though the current value of the contract is NOK$1.1 billion (USD$190 million), the agreement is scheduled as a take-or-pay contract and the wafers will be sold at prevailing market prices. REC states that it has received pre-payment for the contract, representing roughly 10% of the contract value.
With the opening of a new wafer, cell and module production facility in Singapore in November 2010, REC has established a strong presence in Asia.
Poly Plant Project to offer technology, tools for Shansheng New Energy plant
Poly Plant Project (PPP) will be working with Baotou City Shansheng New Energy for the delivery of a basic engineering package (BEP) and key equipment packages for the polysilicon production plant. Once work on the polysilicon plant has been completed, Shansheng New Energy will have its own coal and quartz mines, a coal-fired power generation plant, MGSi production, polysilicon production, ingot pulling, cell and module production lines and PV power generating installations.
"We are pleased to be working with Shansheng New Energy Company and this project is another milestone for PPP as we will provide them with our most comprehensive package of polysilicon production process technology, equipment and services to date," said Jan Maurits, president of Poly Plant Project. "In addition to the process technology required for this state-of-the-art polysilicon production plant, PPP will also provide the CVD Reactors, power supplies and a large package of key equipment, all of which have been designed and integrated into the complete plant design by our engineering team."
Over the next few years, Shansheng New Energy will be expanding its polysilicon production from its current 3,000MTY to 18,000MTY as well as ramping up their module production from its current 200MW to 1GW.
"Working with Poly Plant Project will enable Shansheng New Energy Company to realize its goal of being a completely integrated and self-sufficient photovoltaic company," said Baoli Tian, vice president and sales director of Baotou City Shansheng New Energy Company.
"We chose PPP because they are providing us with a complete, efficient polysilicon production solution that will enable us to compete with any company in terms of cost per kilogram of polysilicon produced at our plant. PPP's plant design will provide Shansheng New Energy Company with a low cost of operation by reducing electricity consumption and the closed loop design will ensure our plant will conserve the environment."
The BEP provided by PPP will include a cold conversion hydrogeneration process for TCS production, TCS purification, polysilicon deposition and chlorosilanes recovery and neutralization. PPP will also supply Shansheng New Energy with a complete package of key specialty equipment for TCS production, polysilicon deposition and other heat recovery and transfer equipment.
Additionally, PPP’s field services team will offer project management, construction and installation support, commission and startup support, ramp-up to reach nameplate capacity as well as ensuring the plant is in working order and at its prime service level. Finally, PPP will be offering a set of guarantees, which include the plant’s polysilicon output and the purity of the polysilicon material produced by PPP’s process technology and equipment.
Reported by Syanne Olson in PV Tech magazine
"We are pleased to be working with Shansheng New Energy Company and this project is another milestone for PPP as we will provide them with our most comprehensive package of polysilicon production process technology, equipment and services to date," said Jan Maurits, president of Poly Plant Project. "In addition to the process technology required for this state-of-the-art polysilicon production plant, PPP will also provide the CVD Reactors, power supplies and a large package of key equipment, all of which have been designed and integrated into the complete plant design by our engineering team."
Over the next few years, Shansheng New Energy will be expanding its polysilicon production from its current 3,000MTY to 18,000MTY as well as ramping up their module production from its current 200MW to 1GW.
"Working with Poly Plant Project will enable Shansheng New Energy Company to realize its goal of being a completely integrated and self-sufficient photovoltaic company," said Baoli Tian, vice president and sales director of Baotou City Shansheng New Energy Company.
"We chose PPP because they are providing us with a complete, efficient polysilicon production solution that will enable us to compete with any company in terms of cost per kilogram of polysilicon produced at our plant. PPP's plant design will provide Shansheng New Energy Company with a low cost of operation by reducing electricity consumption and the closed loop design will ensure our plant will conserve the environment."
The BEP provided by PPP will include a cold conversion hydrogeneration process for TCS production, TCS purification, polysilicon deposition and chlorosilanes recovery and neutralization. PPP will also supply Shansheng New Energy with a complete package of key specialty equipment for TCS production, polysilicon deposition and other heat recovery and transfer equipment.
Additionally, PPP’s field services team will offer project management, construction and installation support, commission and startup support, ramp-up to reach nameplate capacity as well as ensuring the plant is in working order and at its prime service level. Finally, PPP will be offering a set of guarantees, which include the plant’s polysilicon output and the purity of the polysilicon material produced by PPP’s process technology and equipment.
Reported by Syanne Olson in PV Tech magazine
LDK to buy 70 pct of US-based Solar Power for $33 mln
Jan 6 (Reuters) - Chinese solar firm LDK Solar Co Ltd (LDK.N) agreed to acquire a 70 percent stake in U.S.-based Solar Power Inc (SOPW.OB) for about $33 million to enhance module supply for its large-scale projects.
LDK, whose photovoltaic products are used in solar power panels, said it will also purchase certain components of Solar Power's manufacturing equipment and assume control of the module-manufacturing plant in Shenzhen, China.
"This transaction also expands our downstream vertical integration opportunities and provides LDK Solar and SPI the opportunity to jointly explore opening manufacturing operations in the U.S.," LDK said in a statement.
Solar Power was the architect of projects like the Staples Center and the Aerojet solar farm, said LDK Solar, the world's largest maker of polysilicon wafers for the solar energy market.
Granite Bay, California-based Solar Power, known for its Yes! branded products, had a market capitalization of $18.30 million. With the LDK deal, Solar Power is valued at about $47 million.
LDK Solar's shares closed at $10.35 Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange. They have risen 3 percent since it said it reached 3 gigawatts in annualized capacity at its wafer plants on Dec. 28. (Reporting by Thyagaraju Adinarayan in Bangalore; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)
LDK, whose photovoltaic products are used in solar power panels, said it will also purchase certain components of Solar Power's manufacturing equipment and assume control of the module-manufacturing plant in Shenzhen, China.
"This transaction also expands our downstream vertical integration opportunities and provides LDK Solar and SPI the opportunity to jointly explore opening manufacturing operations in the U.S.," LDK said in a statement.
Solar Power was the architect of projects like the Staples Center and the Aerojet solar farm, said LDK Solar, the world's largest maker of polysilicon wafers for the solar energy market.
Granite Bay, California-based Solar Power, known for its Yes! branded products, had a market capitalization of $18.30 million. With the LDK deal, Solar Power is valued at about $47 million.
LDK Solar's shares closed at $10.35 Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange. They have risen 3 percent since it said it reached 3 gigawatts in annualized capacity at its wafer plants on Dec. 28. (Reporting by Thyagaraju Adinarayan in Bangalore; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)
Premier Power Renewable Energy Announces 1.3 MW Solar Module Supply Agreement with JinkoSolar
Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. (OTCBB: PPRW), a leading photovoltaic system integrator has signed a supply agreement with JinkoSolar, a fast-growing solar product manufacturer with low-cost operations based in China listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol JKS. Under the terms of the agreement, JinkoSolar will supply Premier Power with 1.3 MW of multi-crystalline solar modules in the first quarter of 2011.
The agreement enables Premier Power to expand its product portfolio to include another high-quality supplier with cost-efficient manufacturing. JinkoSolar's vertically integrated manufacturing platform provides a more efficient production process with shorter product development and production cycles as well as better control over quality and lower costs compared to less vertically integrated solar power companies. JinkoSolar makes significant efforts to continuously improve the quality of its products though proprietary technology, equipment updates and strict quality control procedures in accordance with ISO 9001 quality management standards. JinkoSolar has received CE and TÜV certifications for all solar modules sold in Europe and UL certifications for all solar modules sold in the United States.
"Premier Power has always sought to be an innovative leader in solar energy integration systems. We welcome JinkoSolar to our group of strategic suppliers, with whom we work closely on a continual basis to maximize performance and drive down costs," said Dean Marks, chairman and chief executive officer of Premier Power Renewable Energy.
"We are excited to develop a long-term customer relationship with a leading global solar player like Premier Power," said JinkoSolar's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Xiande Li. "Our products are among the most efficient, affordable and reliable products available today. We're pleased that we were selected by Premier Power for our first major supply agreement to the US market as we look to expand our geographic presence and capitalize on the growth of the U.S. solar market."
The agreement enables Premier Power to expand its product portfolio to include another high-quality supplier with cost-efficient manufacturing. JinkoSolar's vertically integrated manufacturing platform provides a more efficient production process with shorter product development and production cycles as well as better control over quality and lower costs compared to less vertically integrated solar power companies. JinkoSolar makes significant efforts to continuously improve the quality of its products though proprietary technology, equipment updates and strict quality control procedures in accordance with ISO 9001 quality management standards. JinkoSolar has received CE and TÜV certifications for all solar modules sold in Europe and UL certifications for all solar modules sold in the United States.
"Premier Power has always sought to be an innovative leader in solar energy integration systems. We welcome JinkoSolar to our group of strategic suppliers, with whom we work closely on a continual basis to maximize performance and drive down costs," said Dean Marks, chairman and chief executive officer of Premier Power Renewable Energy.
"We are excited to develop a long-term customer relationship with a leading global solar player like Premier Power," said JinkoSolar's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Xiande Li. "Our products are among the most efficient, affordable and reliable products available today. We're pleased that we were selected by Premier Power for our first major supply agreement to the US market as we look to expand our geographic presence and capitalize on the growth of the U.S. solar market."
China Sunergy Signs 7 MW Solar Module Supply Contract for Nanjing South Railway Station's Solar Roof Project
China Sunergy announced 6 Jan 11 that it has entered into an approximately 7 MW solar module supply contract with CEEG (Nanjing) Solar Energy Research Institute, for the Nanjing South Railway Station solar roof project. This is the world's largest stand-alone building integrated photovoltaic ("BIPV") project for one structure. A major stop along the Beijing-Shanghai high speed railway, the Nanjing South Railway Station will be one of the most energy efficient public buildings in China.
"China Sunergy is delighted to be the module supplier for the 'largest stand-alone BIPV project in the world," said Mr. Stephen Zhifang Cai, CEO of China Sunergy. "We are very happy to see our high-quality solar panels being used in this landmark project, which will certainly raise public awareness and appreciation of renewable energy. We look forward to playing an increasingly bigger role in building China's eco-friendly projects."
"China Sunergy is delighted to be the module supplier for the 'largest stand-alone BIPV project in the world," said Mr. Stephen Zhifang Cai, CEO of China Sunergy. "We are very happy to see our high-quality solar panels being used in this landmark project, which will certainly raise public awareness and appreciation of renewable energy. We look forward to playing an increasingly bigger role in building China's eco-friendly projects."
First Solar's Ordos Plant will use Thin Film Panels from Malaysia
Reading about the First Solar, Guangdong Nuclear MOU signed this week. AP has an interesting bit of info that other reports missed. Bruce Sohn, First Solar's president, says that the Ordos plant will probably use thin film panels which will be manufactured at the company's Malaysia factory.
China Everbright open two plants in Jiangsu
The end of 2010 saw the launch of two new China Everbright International PV plants in Jiangsu. The 3.5MW ground-mounted project in Zhenjiang opened on December 24 with the 1.85MW rooftop facility in Suqian being connected to the grid three days later.
The 200-acre Zhenjiang facility cost US$11 million and is the largest thin-film plant in Jiangsu. It utilizes amorphous silicon thin-film technology and has an annual power generation capacity of 4 million kWh. The smaller Suqian complex uses multiple silicon technology and will produce 2.2 million kWh every year; investment in Suqian totalled US$8 million.
“It is expected that rooftop photovoltaic energy projects will become a major energy-saving feature in buildings, presenting favourable development prospects for us,” said Chen Xiaoping, chief executive officer of Everbright International. “The experience gained from Suqian Project enables us to effectively expand into related markets in other regions.
“Everbright International is well positioned to undertake more energy generation projects which also reduce emissions and to construct and operate each green project with leading-edge technology while adhering to the highest standards.”
The 200-acre Zhenjiang facility cost US$11 million and is the largest thin-film plant in Jiangsu. It utilizes amorphous silicon thin-film technology and has an annual power generation capacity of 4 million kWh. The smaller Suqian complex uses multiple silicon technology and will produce 2.2 million kWh every year; investment in Suqian totalled US$8 million.
“It is expected that rooftop photovoltaic energy projects will become a major energy-saving feature in buildings, presenting favourable development prospects for us,” said Chen Xiaoping, chief executive officer of Everbright International. “The experience gained from Suqian Project enables us to effectively expand into related markets in other regions.
“Everbright International is well positioned to undertake more energy generation projects which also reduce emissions and to construct and operate each green project with leading-edge technology while adhering to the highest standards.”
LDK Solar Agrees to Acquire 70% of Solar Power, Inc. for $33 Million
PR Newswire is reporting LDK Solar and Solar Power Inc. ("SPI") announced on 6 Jan 11 that LDK Solar agreed to acquire a 70% interest in SPI for approximately $33 million. LDK Solar's investment provides strategic benefits to both parties. The transaction significantly strengthens SPI's balance sheet, which will enable the acceleration of the development of its project pipeline, which primarily consists of utility-scale power plants and commercial/industrial distributed generation systems. SPI's growing development portfolio and pipeline, in turn, should provide LDK Solar with enhanced downstream benefit to its vertical integration model through module supply for large scale projects.
In addition, LDK Solar will purchase certain components of SPI's manufacturing equipment and assume total manufacturing control of SPI's former module manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China. SPI will maintain a separate logistical team in Shenzhen to enhance project development, design and related project management functions at a new location in Shenzhen. The transition in manufacturing is strategic; allowing SPI to focus on development and construction of large scale and utility scale U.S. solar projects, while maintaining product quality and enhancing its competitive position. As a vertically integrated manufacturer and supplier of PV products, LDK Solar has more than 20,000 employees worldwide.
"We are very pleased with this new strategic relationship," said Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. "We have known the SPI team for several years and have been very impressed with the quality of their work and the caliber of the customers they serve. We look forward to working closely with the team that is responsible for outstanding solar projects such as the Staples Center and the Aerojet solar farm," Chairman Peng stated. "This transaction also expands our downstream vertical integration opportunities and provides LDK Solar and SPI the opportunity to jointly explore opening manufacturing operations in the U.S. to further enhance SPI's competitive advantage in North America."
"This investment in SPI clearly places our company among the most elite photovoltaic solar developers today," said Steve Kircher Chairman and CEO of Solar Power, Inc. "We are honored that LDK Solar has placed value in our legacy projects and in our pipeline. Projects such as the Aerojet solar farm, a 6MW ground mount, single-axis tracking solar system, and the Staples Center, our first installation of Skymount, SPI's proprietary rooftop system, reflect the quality of our team," Mr. Kircher added. "LDK Solar's commitment to project development through capital from their direct stock purchase clearly enhances our position in the market. The strength of our newly combined vertical platform should provide us significant competitive advantages going forward," Mr. Kircher concluded.
In addition, LDK Solar will purchase certain components of SPI's manufacturing equipment and assume total manufacturing control of SPI's former module manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China. SPI will maintain a separate logistical team in Shenzhen to enhance project development, design and related project management functions at a new location in Shenzhen. The transition in manufacturing is strategic; allowing SPI to focus on development and construction of large scale and utility scale U.S. solar projects, while maintaining product quality and enhancing its competitive position. As a vertically integrated manufacturer and supplier of PV products, LDK Solar has more than 20,000 employees worldwide.
"We are very pleased with this new strategic relationship," said Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. "We have known the SPI team for several years and have been very impressed with the quality of their work and the caliber of the customers they serve. We look forward to working closely with the team that is responsible for outstanding solar projects such as the Staples Center and the Aerojet solar farm," Chairman Peng stated. "This transaction also expands our downstream vertical integration opportunities and provides LDK Solar and SPI the opportunity to jointly explore opening manufacturing operations in the U.S. to further enhance SPI's competitive advantage in North America."
"This investment in SPI clearly places our company among the most elite photovoltaic solar developers today," said Steve Kircher Chairman and CEO of Solar Power, Inc. "We are honored that LDK Solar has placed value in our legacy projects and in our pipeline. Projects such as the Aerojet solar farm, a 6MW ground mount, single-axis tracking solar system, and the Staples Center, our first installation of Skymount, SPI's proprietary rooftop system, reflect the quality of our team," Mr. Kircher added. "LDK Solar's commitment to project development through capital from their direct stock purchase clearly enhances our position in the market. The strength of our newly combined vertical platform should provide us significant competitive advantages going forward," Mr. Kircher concluded.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
First Solar Project Update
Ucilia Wang is reporting that First Solar’s big plan to eventually build 2 GW of solar power plants in Ordos, Inner Mongolia has moved ahead. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with China Guangdong Nuclear Solar Energy Development Co. on Wednesday, 5 Jan 11 to develop the first phase, 30-MW project.
First Solar will supply its cadmium-telluride solar panels (and advise) to China Guangdong for the engineering and construction – as well as the operation and maintenance – of the power plant, First Solar said.
The company is working on finalizing details of the project and hoping to get approval to start construction in 2011, said First Solar spokesman, Alan Bernheimer, via an email. Completion will then be set for 2012.
Previously, First Solar had hoped to start construction by June 2010 on the project. The company signed an MOU for the 2-GW master plan in September 2009, as well as frame work agreement with Ordos officials in November of that year to further outline the scope of the overall project.
But June 2010 came and went and the construction work had not started on the 30-MW project. Government approval of key steps of the project was to blame. The Chinese government was supposed to approve solar electricity pricing for the project by the end of 2009 but didn’t. Without guaranteed solar electric rates, or feed-in tariffs, First Solar didn’t want to move ahead as quickly.
The Chinese government approved a pre-feasibility study for the 30-MW project last September, First Solar said. But it still doesn’t appear that the pricing issue has been resolved. A First Solar executive told the AP in Beijing on Wednesday that First Solar and China Guangdong will submit a business plan to the government in order to ask for feed-in tariffs.
Bernheimer confirmed that the project has yet to receive feed-in tariffs.
“An appropriately set national feed-in-tariff structure would allow market participants to secure a reasonable rate of return to make further investment in technology and cost reductions. In our view this is critical to the development of a sustainable and long-term solar market in China, just as it is in other countries. First Solar’s mission, however, is to help drive the transition towards sustainable energy markets free of subsidies,” Bernheimer wrote.
Initially, First Solar had hoped to complete phase 2 and 3 of the project, totaling 970 MW, by 2014. It wanted to finish the last phase of 1 GW by 2019. First Solar describes its agreement with Ordos as “the first large-scale solar collaboration between China and the United States and an example of China-U.S. bilateral cooperation on renewable energy.”
China is a potentially large solar market, but many non-Chinese companies believe they are at a disadvantage if they want to sell their equipment to, or develop projects in, China because the Chinese government is more likely to support goods and services from domestic companies, such as Suntech Power, Trina Solar and Yingli Green Energy. That sentiment has made First Solar’s 2-gigawatt plan all the more remarkable. But getting it done, of course, hasn’t happened as speedy as expected.
First Solar is eager to diversify its markets beyond Europe. Germany has been its largest market, but the country’s solar incentives are declining. First Solar CEO Rob Gillette has talked about exploring markets in India, Africa and the Middle East. Last December, the company said it had signed a deal to sell 15 megawatts of solar panels to ACME Tele Power in India.
First Solar will supply its cadmium-telluride solar panels (and advise) to China Guangdong for the engineering and construction – as well as the operation and maintenance – of the power plant, First Solar said.
The company is working on finalizing details of the project and hoping to get approval to start construction in 2011, said First Solar spokesman, Alan Bernheimer, via an email. Completion will then be set for 2012.
Previously, First Solar had hoped to start construction by June 2010 on the project. The company signed an MOU for the 2-GW master plan in September 2009, as well as frame work agreement with Ordos officials in November of that year to further outline the scope of the overall project.
But June 2010 came and went and the construction work had not started on the 30-MW project. Government approval of key steps of the project was to blame. The Chinese government was supposed to approve solar electricity pricing for the project by the end of 2009 but didn’t. Without guaranteed solar electric rates, or feed-in tariffs, First Solar didn’t want to move ahead as quickly.
The Chinese government approved a pre-feasibility study for the 30-MW project last September, First Solar said. But it still doesn’t appear that the pricing issue has been resolved. A First Solar executive told the AP in Beijing on Wednesday that First Solar and China Guangdong will submit a business plan to the government in order to ask for feed-in tariffs.
Bernheimer confirmed that the project has yet to receive feed-in tariffs.
“An appropriately set national feed-in-tariff structure would allow market participants to secure a reasonable rate of return to make further investment in technology and cost reductions. In our view this is critical to the development of a sustainable and long-term solar market in China, just as it is in other countries. First Solar’s mission, however, is to help drive the transition towards sustainable energy markets free of subsidies,” Bernheimer wrote.
Initially, First Solar had hoped to complete phase 2 and 3 of the project, totaling 970 MW, by 2014. It wanted to finish the last phase of 1 GW by 2019. First Solar describes its agreement with Ordos as “the first large-scale solar collaboration between China and the United States and an example of China-U.S. bilateral cooperation on renewable energy.”
China is a potentially large solar market, but many non-Chinese companies believe they are at a disadvantage if they want to sell their equipment to, or develop projects in, China because the Chinese government is more likely to support goods and services from domestic companies, such as Suntech Power, Trina Solar and Yingli Green Energy. That sentiment has made First Solar’s 2-gigawatt plan all the more remarkable. But getting it done, of course, hasn’t happened as speedy as expected.
First Solar is eager to diversify its markets beyond Europe. Germany has been its largest market, but the country’s solar incentives are declining. First Solar CEO Rob Gillette has talked about exploring markets in India, Africa and the Middle East. Last December, the company said it had signed a deal to sell 15 megawatts of solar panels to ACME Tele Power in India.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Trina Solar completes 5MW power project in India
Trina Solar, through its subsidiary Changzhou Trina Solar Energy, has completed a 5MW solar power plant in the Indian state of Gujarat.
The company was the exclusive supplier of PV modules for the power plant developed by Indian business conglomerate Lanco Infratech.
Trina Solar director of sales and marketing (Asia Pacific) Ku Jun Heong said that India is one of the most promising solar growth markets, announcing its goal to achieve 22GW of solar energy by end of 2022.
"We believe our partnership with Lanco will play a significant role in fulfilling India's solar potential under the National Solar Mission," Heong said.
Trina Solar is a manufacturer of solar PV products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules.
The company was the exclusive supplier of PV modules for the power plant developed by Indian business conglomerate Lanco Infratech.
Trina Solar director of sales and marketing (Asia Pacific) Ku Jun Heong said that India is one of the most promising solar growth markets, announcing its goal to achieve 22GW of solar energy by end of 2022.
"We believe our partnership with Lanco will play a significant role in fulfilling India's solar potential under the National Solar Mission," Heong said.
Trina Solar is a manufacturer of solar PV products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules.
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