Jul 19
Weekly Intelligence Brief 12 July – 19 July
Weekly Intelligence Brief 12 July – 19 July
Companies and organisations included in this week’s round-up include: United Nations Environment Programme,Renewable Energy Policy Network, Proserv Offshore, Dong Energy, Siemens, Rostechnologii, RusHydro, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) COSCO Qidong, AWEA, FERC and OffShoreWindDC
Jul 19
5 ways to get home solar past your HOA
If want solar, but your home falls under the jurisdiction of a Home Owner’s Association, you’ll probably have to go through an approval process. The majority of HOAs in California approve solar energy systems without a problem (most HOAs are aware of your Solar Rights and support clean, solar energy in their community), but there is a small percentage of Home Owner’s Associations that might put up a fight. HOAs can impact the feasibility, design, and completion speed of proposed home improvements, including a home solar energy system. However, there are strategies out there to move your plans through committee.
Scott Gordon, the Vice President of Residential Sales for HelioPower, recently published a detailed blogpost about HOAs and residential solar systems. He explains the ground rules that form the foundation for solar system approval through an HOA:
Scott then explains some of the Home Owners Association’s most common tactics:
And he also includes your possible next steps, if you are confronted with a stubborn HOA management board:
The most important thing is to know your rights and make sure your Home Owner’s Association knows them, too! Check out the HelioPower blog for more specifics on how to win the fight for a solar energy system in an HOA community.
Jul 19
5 ways to get home solar past your HOA
If want solar, but your home falls under the jurisdiction of a Home Owner’s Association, you’ll probably have to go through an approval process. The majority of HOAs in California approve solar energy systems without a problem (most HOAs are aware of your Solar Rights and support clean, solar energy in their community), but there is a small percentage of Home Owner’s Associations that might put up a fight. HOAs can impact the feasibility, design, and completion speed of proposed home improvements, including a home solar energy system. However, there are strategies out there to move your plans through committee.
Scott Gordon, the Vice President of Residential Sales for HelioPower, recently published a detailed blogpost about HOAs and residential solar systems. He explains the ground rules that form the foundation for solar system approval through an HOA:
Scott then explains some of the Home Owners Association’s most common tactics:
And he also includes your possible next steps, if you are confronted with a stubborn HOA management board:
The most important thing is to know your rights and make sure your Home Owner’s Association knows them, too! Check out the HelioPower blog for more specifics on how to win the fight for a solar energy system in an HOA community.
Jul 19
Etrion Partners with Phoenix Solar to Build 3.5 MW Solar Power Plant in Italy
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND–(Marketwire – July 19, 2010) – Etrion Corporation (“Etrion” or the “Company”) (TSX:ETX), an independent solar power producer, and Phoenix Solar AG (“Phoenix Solar”) (ISIN DE000A0BVU93), a leading photovoltaic system integrator listed on the German TecDAX, today announced an agreement to build a 3.5 megawatt (“MW”) solar power plant in the Lazio region of Italy. Phoenix Solar will design and construct the plant, and provide operations and maintenance services.
Marco Northland, Etrion’s CEO, commented, “We are pleased to partner with Phoenix Solar on this project and look forward to expanding our relationship in the near future. The 3.5 MW solar plant in Borgo Piave, Lazio is part of our internal development portfolio and demonstrates our Italian team’s execution capability converting business development pipeline into installed megawatts.”
Ulrich Reidenbach, Chief Sales Officer for Phoenix Solar, said, “We are delighted that Etrion has chosen Phoenix Solar for our expertise in constructing large scale solar parks. We hope to continue our cooperation in the near future with additional projects.”
The 3.5 MW ground-based solar photovoltaic (“PV”) plant is expected to produce over 5 million kilowatt hours (“kWh”) of electricity and approximately 2 million euros of cash flow (“EBITDA”) per year. The plant is expected to benefit from the 2010 feed-in-tariff of 0.346 euros per kWh plus a market price of approximately 0.08 euros per kWh.
The Italian feed-in-tariff is a premium purchase price for renewable electricity that is guaranteed by the Italian government for 20 years from the start of operations.
The solar plant will use Trina modules with crystalline, fixed-tilt technology and SMA inverters. Construction is targeted to begin by August 2010, and grid connection is expected by the end of 2010.
The Phoenix Solar contract price is approximately 10 million euros. Etrion intends to fund the project through a bridge loan from its major shareholder, Lundin Petroleum. The bridge loan carries interest at LIBOR plus 3%. Etrion expects to re-finance 80-85
Jul 19
Atlantic Wind & Solar Strengthens Leadership Team With the Arrival of Tom Casagrande
TORONTO–(Marketwire – July 19, 2010) – Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc. (PINKSHEETS: AWSL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Tom Casagrande to the role of Director of Business Development.
Mr. Casagrande will manage and support Atlantic’s existing affiliated commercial real estate development sales force for the deployment of wind and solar/photovoltaic (PV) energy parks across Ontario and abroad.
He will also be building upon the Company’s growth strategy by assisting other partnering integrators and developers in their work with Atlantic, helping manage all prospective wind and solar development projects, while ultimately maximizing shareholder value.
Tom has been a sales professional in North America for over 20 years where he has worked in a variety of sectors.
Tom is also an established entrepreneur and leader, having successfully co-founded and operated a leading on-site experiential marketing company where he repeatedly increased the annual revenues by over 300%, every two years, for over 8 years.
There he developed and sold projects to major corporations such as RBC Financial Group, Sony Canada, NFL, Molson Coors, Purolator Courier Ltd., Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd., BMO Financial Group, Tim Horton’s and WestJet.
Mr. Casagrande also has extensive experience as an advisor and consultant to several companies in a wide variety of sectors.
The appointment of Mr. Casagrande demonstrates how Atlantic continues to attract top talent, building what is already being regarded as a best-in-class leadership team.
Mr. Pierre Cousin, CEO of AWSL comments, “The success of a company always starts with hiring the right people for the right place. The first time I met Tom, I was impressed with his charisma as well as his past achievements. Working closely with him over the last few weeks on various transactions has confirmed that Tom will be one of our key leaders.” Mr. Cousin continued “In particular, Tom’s advisory expertise and industry knowledge will prove invaluable in accelerating the growth and expanding the service offerings of Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc.”
Mr. Casagrande added, “I am delighted to join Atlantic Wind and Solar at this exciting time as the Company continues to evolve in one of the fastest growing industries of the 21st. century. The Atlantic brand is becoming highly regarded in Canada for its outstanding renewable energy capabilities and track record. In leveraging this huge advantage, I am confident that as a team, we will continue to build on these recent successes whereby significantly increasing our overall market share.”
AWSL… Poised for Growth
Through focused management, strategic alliances, and advanced technologies Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc. is poised for growth at the forefront of the massive global shift towards environmentally friendly, economical Renewable Energy. The Company is working with parties in the Real Estate sector in Ontario and abroad to secure rooftop leases suitable for AWSL’s photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy systems.
Looking Ahead
As powerful new Renewable Energy incentives, such as friendly tax treatments, grants and generous government feed-in-tariffs, are introduced in the Americas and abroad, AWSL plans on fully leveraging its relationships, business model and advanced technologies to capture a significant share of these dynamic emerging markets.
Sales and Marketing Contacts
Property owners and managers with unobstructed commercial rooftops of 20,000 s/f or bigger in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and for which they are interested in possibly leasing to AWSL, are invited to contact Mr. Charles Mazzacato or Tom Casagrande +1 800 891 1657 ext. 230.
All other Renewable Energy system inquiries are asked to phone +1 416 900-0380 or email info@atlanticwindandsolar.com
For further information and/or to subscribe for regular news updates from Atlantic Wind & Solar, please visit: www.atlanticwindandsolar.com
Jul 19
Atlantic Wind & Solar Strengthens Leadership Team With the Arrival of Tom Casagrande
TORONTO–(Marketwire – July 19, 2010) – Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc. (PINKSHEETS: AWSL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Tom Casagrande to the role of Director of Business Development.
Mr. Casagrande will manage and support Atlantic’s existing affiliated commercial real estate development sales force for the deployment of wind and solar/photovoltaic (PV) energy parks across Ontario and abroad.
He will also be building upon the Company’s growth strategy by assisting other partnering integrators and developers in their work with Atlantic, helping manage all prospective wind and solar development projects, while ultimately maximizing shareholder value.
Tom has been a sales professional in North America for over 20 years where he has worked in a variety of sectors.
Tom is also an established entrepreneur and leader, having successfully co-founded and operated a leading on-site experiential marketing company where he repeatedly increased the annual revenues by over 300%, every two years, for over 8 years.
There he developed and sold projects to major corporations such as RBC Financial Group, Sony Canada, NFL, Molson Coors, Purolator Courier Ltd., Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd., BMO Financial Group, Tim Horton’s and WestJet.
Mr. Casagrande also has extensive experience as an advisor and consultant to several companies in a wide variety of sectors.
The appointment of Mr. Casagrande demonstrates how Atlantic continues to attract top talent, building what is already being regarded as a best-in-class leadership team.
Mr. Pierre Cousin, CEO of AWSL comments, “The success of a company always starts with hiring the right people for the right place. The first time I met Tom, I was impressed with his charisma as well as his past achievements. Working closely with him over the last few weeks on various transactions has confirmed that Tom will be one of our key leaders.” Mr. Cousin continued “In particular, Tom’s advisory expertise and industry knowledge will prove invaluable in accelerating the growth and expanding the service offerings of Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc.”
Mr. Casagrande added, “I am delighted to join Atlantic Wind and Solar at this exciting time as the Company continues to evolve in one of the fastest growing industries of the 21st. century. The Atlantic brand is becoming highly regarded in Canada for its outstanding renewable energy capabilities and track record. In leveraging this huge advantage, I am confident that as a team, we will continue to build on these recent successes whereby significantly increasing our overall market share.”
AWSL… Poised for Growth
Through focused management, strategic alliances, and advanced technologies Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc. is poised for growth at the forefront of the massive global shift towards environmentally friendly, economical Renewable Energy. The Company is working with parties in the Real Estate sector in Ontario and abroad to secure rooftop leases suitable for AWSL’s photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy systems.
Looking Ahead
As powerful new Renewable Energy incentives, such as friendly tax treatments, grants and generous government feed-in-tariffs, are introduced in the Americas and abroad, AWSL plans on fully leveraging its relationships, business model and advanced technologies to capture a significant share of these dynamic emerging markets.
Sales and Marketing Contacts
Property owners and managers with unobstructed commercial rooftops of 20,000 s/f or bigger in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and for which they are interested in possibly leasing to AWSL, are invited to contact Mr. Charles Mazzacato or Tom Casagrande +1 800 891 1657 ext. 230.
All other Renewable Energy system inquiries are asked to phone +1 416 900-0380 or email info@atlanticwindandsolar.com
For further information and/or to subscribe for regular news updates from Atlantic Wind & Solar, please visit: www.atlanticwindandsolar.com
Jul 19
Atlantic Wind & Solar Strengthens Leadership Team With the Arrival of Tom Casagrande
TORONTO–(Marketwire – July 19, 2010) – Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc. (PINKSHEETS: AWSL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Tom Casagrande to the role of Director of Business Development.
Mr. Casagrande will manage and support Atlantic’s existing affiliated commercial real estate development sales force for the deployment of wind and solar/photovoltaic (PV) energy parks across Ontario and abroad.
He will also be building upon the Company’s growth strategy by assisting other partnering integrators and developers in their work with Atlantic, helping manage all prospective wind and solar development projects, while ultimately maximizing shareholder value.
Tom has been a sales professional in North America for over 20 years where he has worked in a variety of sectors.
Tom is also an established entrepreneur and leader, having successfully co-founded and operated a leading on-site experiential marketing company where he repeatedly increased the annual revenues by over 300%, every two years, for over 8 years.
There he developed and sold projects to major corporations such as RBC Financial Group, Sony Canada, NFL, Molson Coors, Purolator Courier Ltd., Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd., BMO Financial Group, Tim Horton’s and WestJet.
Mr. Casagrande also has extensive experience as an advisor and consultant to several companies in a wide variety of sectors.
The appointment of Mr. Casagrande demonstrates how Atlantic continues to attract top talent, building what is already being regarded as a best-in-class leadership team.
Mr. Pierre Cousin, CEO of AWSL comments, “The success of a company always starts with hiring the right people for the right place. The first time I met Tom, I was impressed with his charisma as well as his past achievements. Working closely with him over the last few weeks on various transactions has confirmed that Tom will be one of our key leaders.” Mr. Cousin continued “In particular, Tom’s advisory expertise and industry knowledge will prove invaluable in accelerating the growth and expanding the service offerings of Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc.”
Mr. Casagrande added, “I am delighted to join Atlantic Wind and Solar at this exciting time as the Company continues to evolve in one of the fastest growing industries of the 21st. century. The Atlantic brand is becoming highly regarded in Canada for its outstanding renewable energy capabilities and track record. In leveraging this huge advantage, I am confident that as a team, we will continue to build on these recent successes whereby significantly increasing our overall market share.”
AWSL… Poised for Growth
Through focused management, strategic alliances, and advanced technologies Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc. is poised for growth at the forefront of the massive global shift towards environmentally friendly, economical Renewable Energy. The Company is working with parties in the Real Estate sector in Ontario and abroad to secure rooftop leases suitable for AWSL’s photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy systems.
Looking Ahead
As powerful new Renewable Energy incentives, such as friendly tax treatments, grants and generous government feed-in-tariffs, are introduced in the Americas and abroad, AWSL plans on fully leveraging its relationships, business model and advanced technologies to capture a significant share of these dynamic emerging markets.
Sales and Marketing Contacts
Property owners and managers with unobstructed commercial rooftops of 20,000 s/f or bigger in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and for which they are interested in possibly leasing to AWSL, are invited to contact Mr. Charles Mazzacato or Tom Casagrande +1 800 891 1657 ext. 230.
All other Renewable Energy system inquiries are asked to phone +1 416 900-0380 or email info@atlanticwindandsolar.com
For further information and/or to subscribe for regular news updates from Atlantic Wind & Solar, please visit: www.atlanticwindandsolar.com
Jul 19
One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) Launches Philadelphia’s First Solar Group Purchase Program with Mercury Solar Systems
SAN FRANCISCO, July 19 /PRNewswire/ — One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar group discount company, today announced the launch of Philadelphia’s first solar group purchase program. Designed to reduce the cost and confusion typically associated with buying solar, 1BOG offers free impartial advice and a group discount rate for installation. Mercury Solar Systems was selected as 1BOG’s program partner and will service all member installations for the duration of the three-month program.
After a month-long process of vetting local installers, 1BOG selected Mercury Solar Systems for their excellent group pricing, knowledge and proven success in the local marketplace, extensive product offering, and its long-term warranties. Through the partnership, each Philadelphia-area homeowner can receive a 15 percent discount from standard rates and is eligible for zero down, interest-free financing for 18 months, at no additional cost. (1)
“There’s relief to the pain of higher electric rates for Philly homeowners,” said Dave Llorens, CEO of 1BOG. “The combination of our group discount, the new solar incentive, and sellable SRECs(2) give solar twice the return on investment it used to have.”
“The Philadelphia solar market has experienced tremendous momentum over the past year and we are confident our partnership with 1BOG will help further drive this activity among local residents in the months ahead,” said Andrew Kleeman, PA general manager, Mercury Solar Systems.
The 1BOG Philadelphia solar group purchase program is available now to local homeowners throughout the entire Philadelphia area through October 19, 2010. For more information, details about pricing and products or to sign up, visit the 1BOG Philadelphia homepage at www.SolarPhiladelphia.1BOG.org.
Jul 19
One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) Launches Philadelphia’s First Solar Group Purchase Program with Mercury Solar Systems
SAN FRANCISCO, July 19 /PRNewswire/ — One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar group discount company, today announced the launch of Philadelphia’s first solar group purchase program. Designed to reduce the cost and confusion typically associated with buying solar, 1BOG offers free impartial advice and a group discount rate for installation. Mercury Solar Systems was selected as 1BOG’s program partner and will service all member installations for the duration of the three-month program.
After a month-long process of vetting local installers, 1BOG selected Mercury Solar Systems for their excellent group pricing, knowledge and proven success in the local marketplace, extensive product offering, and its long-term warranties. Through the partnership, each Philadelphia-area homeowner can receive a 15 percent discount from standard rates and is eligible for zero down, interest-free financing for 18 months, at no additional cost. (1)
“There’s relief to the pain of higher electric rates for Philly homeowners,” said Dave Llorens, CEO of 1BOG. “The combination of our group discount, the new solar incentive, and sellable SRECs(2) give solar twice the return on investment it used to have.”
“The Philadelphia solar market has experienced tremendous momentum over the past year and we are confident our partnership with 1BOG will help further drive this activity among local residents in the months ahead,” said Andrew Kleeman, PA general manager, Mercury Solar Systems.
The 1BOG Philadelphia solar group purchase program is available now to local homeowners throughout the entire Philadelphia area through October 19, 2010. For more information, details about pricing and products or to sign up, visit the 1BOG Philadelphia homepage at www.SolarPhiladelphia.1BOG.org.
Jul 19
One Block Off the Grid (1BOG) Launches Philadelphia’s First Solar Group Purchase Program with Mercury Solar Systems
SAN FRANCISCO, July 19 /PRNewswire/ — One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar group discount company, today announced the launch of Philadelphia’s first solar group purchase program. Designed to reduce the cost and confusion typically associated with buying solar, 1BOG offers free impartial advice and a group discount rate for installation. Mercury Solar Systems was selected as 1BOG’s program partner and will service all member installations for the duration of the three-month program.
After a month-long process of vetting local installers, 1BOG selected Mercury Solar Systems for their excellent group pricing, knowledge and proven success in the local marketplace, extensive product offering, and its long-term warranties. Through the partnership, each Philadelphia-area homeowner can receive a 15 percent discount from standard rates and is eligible for zero down, interest-free financing for 18 months, at no additional cost. (1)
“There’s relief to the pain of higher electric rates for Philly homeowners,” said Dave Llorens, CEO of 1BOG. “The combination of our group discount, the new solar incentive, and sellable SRECs(2) give solar twice the return on investment it used to have.”
“The Philadelphia solar market has experienced tremendous momentum over the past year and we are confident our partnership with 1BOG will help further drive this activity among local residents in the months ahead,” said Andrew Kleeman, PA general manager, Mercury Solar Systems.
The 1BOG Philadelphia solar group purchase program is available now to local homeowners throughout the entire Philadelphia area through October 19, 2010. For more information, details about pricing and products or to sign up, visit the 1BOG Philadelphia homepage at www.SolarPhiladelphia.1BOG.org.
Jul 19
Solarfun Announces Plans for Increase in Cell Capacity and Introduction of High-Efficiency Cell Technology
SHANGHAI, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: SOLF), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic (“PV”) cells and modules in China, today announced its plan to increase its cell capacity by 50 MW through the enhancement of its manufacturing processes, and to convert 160 MW of its existing cell lines to high-efficiency selective emitter technology, both to be completed in the early first quarter of 2011.
Dr. Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented, “We experienced robust demand from customers in the first half of 2010, and customer demand in the second half of 2010 turned out to be much stronger than what we had anticipated. We are largely sold out of existing capacity for the remainder of 2010. Our continued ramp-up in capacity is driven by increased visibility of demand from our key customers in the first half of 2011 and we want to be prepared to meet this additional demand.” Dr. Xie also noted, “The introduction of high-efficiency cell technology is a culmination of increased focus and aggressive investment in R&D, leading to a significant gain in cell efficiencies which are critical to reducing our costs and maintaining our competitive position.”
The Company’s cell capacity is expected to reach 550 MW by the early first quarter of 2011. The addition of 50 MW incremental capacity will be achieved through debottlenecking and the enhancement of manufacturing processes without the purchase of any new cell lines.
Also by the early first quarter of 2011, the Company plans to finish converting 160 MW of its existing cell capacity to high efficiency cell capacity through the introduction of selective emitter technology. The Company’s approach is expected to realize efficiency targets exceeding 18.5% and 17.0% for monocrystalline and multicrystalline cells, respectively. According to Dr. Mohan Narayanan, Vice President of Technology, “We believe our selective emitter technology offers several advantages in addition to higher cell efficiencies, including lower capital and physical space requirements, better utilization of existing equipment and employee skills, and reduced costs and higher yields.”
The Company also announced that new manufacturing complexes are currently under construction allowing for major future cell and module capacity additions. These facilities will be completed during the first half of 2011 and are expected to provide the ability to add 500 MW of cell capacity and 1.2 GW of module capacity. Dr. Xie concluded, “The investment in these new manufacturing facilities are reflective of our confidence in the continued growth in renewable energy and solar energy in particular, as well as our abilities to capture an increasingly larger share of that market.”
Jul 19
Solarfun Announces Plans for Increase in Cell Capacity and Introduction of High-Efficiency Cell Technology
SHANGHAI, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: SOLF), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic (“PV”) cells and modules in China, today announced its plan to increase its cell capacity by 50 MW through the enhancement of its manufacturing processes, and to convert 160 MW of its existing cell lines to high-efficiency selective emitter technology, both to be completed in the early first quarter of 2011.
Dr. Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented, “We experienced robust demand from customers in the first half of 2010, and customer demand in the second half of 2010 turned out to be much stronger than what we had anticipated. We are largely sold out of existing capacity for the remainder of 2010. Our continued ramp-up in capacity is driven by increased visibility of demand from our key customers in the first half of 2011 and we want to be prepared to meet this additional demand.” Dr. Xie also noted, “The introduction of high-efficiency cell technology is a culmination of increased focus and aggressive investment in R&D, leading to a significant gain in cell efficiencies which are critical to reducing our costs and maintaining our competitive position.”
The Company’s cell capacity is expected to reach 550 MW by the early first quarter of 2011. The addition of 50 MW incremental capacity will be achieved through debottlenecking and the enhancement of manufacturing processes without the purchase of any new cell lines.
Also by the early first quarter of 2011, the Company plans to finish converting 160 MW of its existing cell capacity to high efficiency cell capacity through the introduction of selective emitter technology. The Company’s approach is expected to realize efficiency targets exceeding 18.5% and 17.0% for monocrystalline and multicrystalline cells, respectively. According to Dr. Mohan Narayanan, Vice President of Technology, “We believe our selective emitter technology offers several advantages in addition to higher cell efficiencies, including lower capital and physical space requirements, better utilization of existing equipment and employee skills, and reduced costs and higher yields.”
The Company also announced that new manufacturing complexes are currently under construction allowing for major future cell and module capacity additions. These facilities will be completed during the first half of 2011 and are expected to provide the ability to add 500 MW of cell capacity and 1.2 GW of module capacity. Dr. Xie concluded, “The investment in these new manufacturing facilities are reflective of our confidence in the continued growth in renewable energy and solar energy in particular, as well as our abilities to capture an increasingly larger share of that market.”
Jul 19
Solarfun Announces Plans for Increase in Cell Capacity and Introduction of High-Efficiency Cell Technology
SHANGHAI, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: SOLF), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic (“PV”) cells and modules in China, today announced its plan to increase its cell capacity by 50 MW through the enhancement of its manufacturing processes, and to convert 160 MW of its existing cell lines to high-efficiency selective emitter technology, both to be completed in the early first quarter of 2011.
Dr. Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented, “We experienced robust demand from customers in the first half of 2010, and customer demand in the second half of 2010 turned out to be much stronger than what we had anticipated. We are largely sold out of existing capacity for the remainder of 2010. Our continued ramp-up in capacity is driven by increased visibility of demand from our key customers in the first half of 2011 and we want to be prepared to meet this additional demand.” Dr. Xie also noted, “The introduction of high-efficiency cell technology is a culmination of increased focus and aggressive investment in R&D, leading to a significant gain in cell efficiencies which are critical to reducing our costs and maintaining our competitive position.”
The Company’s cell capacity is expected to reach 550 MW by the early first quarter of 2011. The addition of 50 MW incremental capacity will be achieved through debottlenecking and the enhancement of manufacturing processes without the purchase of any new cell lines.
Also by the early first quarter of 2011, the Company plans to finish converting 160 MW of its existing cell capacity to high efficiency cell capacity through the introduction of selective emitter technology. The Company’s approach is expected to realize efficiency targets exceeding 18.5% and 17.0% for monocrystalline and multicrystalline cells, respectively. According to Dr. Mohan Narayanan, Vice President of Technology, “We believe our selective emitter technology offers several advantages in addition to higher cell efficiencies, including lower capital and physical space requirements, better utilization of existing equipment and employee skills, and reduced costs and higher yields.”
The Company also announced that new manufacturing complexes are currently under construction allowing for major future cell and module capacity additions. These facilities will be completed during the first half of 2011 and are expected to provide the ability to add 500 MW of cell capacity and 1.2 GW of module capacity. Dr. Xie concluded, “The investment in these new manufacturing facilities are reflective of our confidence in the continued growth in renewable energy and solar energy in particular, as well as our abilities to capture an increasingly larger share of that market.”
Jul 19
Solarfun Announces Plans for Increase in Cell Capacity and Introduction of High-Efficiency Cell Technology
SHANGHAI, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: SOLF), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic (“PV”) cells and modules in China, today announced its plan to increase its cell capacity by 50 MW through the enhancement of its manufacturing processes, and to convert 160 MW of its existing cell lines to high-efficiency selective emitter technology, both to be completed in the early first quarter of 2011.
Dr. Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented, “We experienced robust demand from customers in the first half of 2010, and customer demand in the second half of 2010 turned out to be much stronger than what we had anticipated. We are largely sold out of existing capacity for the remainder of 2010. Our continued ramp-up in capacity is driven by increased visibility of demand from our key customers in the first half of 2011 and we want to be prepared to meet this additional demand.” Dr. Xie also noted, “The introduction of high-efficiency cell technology is a culmination of increased focus and aggressive investment in R&D, leading to a significant gain in cell efficiencies which are critical to reducing our costs and maintaining our competitive position.”
The Company’s cell capacity is expected to reach 550 MW by the early first quarter of 2011. The addition of 50 MW incremental capacity will be achieved through debottlenecking and the enhancement of manufacturing processes without the purchase of any new cell lines.
Also by the early first quarter of 2011, the Company plans to finish converting 160 MW of its existing cell capacity to high efficiency cell capacity through the introduction of selective emitter technology. The Company’s approach is expected to realize efficiency targets exceeding 18.5% and 17.0% for monocrystalline and multicrystalline cells, respectively. According to Dr. Mohan Narayanan, Vice President of Technology, “We believe our selective emitter technology offers several advantages in addition to higher cell efficiencies, including lower capital and physical space requirements, better utilization of existing equipment and employee skills, and reduced costs and higher yields.”
The Company also announced that new manufacturing complexes are currently under construction allowing for major future cell and module capacity additions. These facilities will be completed during the first half of 2011 and are expected to provide the ability to add 500 MW of cell capacity and 1.2 GW of module capacity. Dr. Xie concluded, “The investment in these new manufacturing facilities are reflective of our confidence in the continued growth in renewable energy and solar energy in particular, as well as our abilities to capture an increasingly larger share of that market.”
