A photovoltaic cell is made up of a nonconductor, with one side coated with metal atoms that produce electrons when they are exposed to the sun. The other side of the PV cell is coated with negative electron atoms. If you connect a wires, from each side of the cell, to a device, current will flow when the positive side is exposed to sunlight.
The downside of using a photovoltaic cell is that it can be less efficient than other types of power. A small solar panel can can only power equipment which doesn't require a lot of power. What's more, when you?re outdoors, you can't always expect the weather to cooperate with you.
Chances are, you?ll experience bad days when the sun barely peeks out of the clouds. At times like these you?re solar-powered gadgets will not work. This is the reason why majority of these solar-powered camping gear feature additional energy sources, such as batteries, hand crank dynamos, or the option to charge them from a wall socket when available. There are even solar chargers that can recharge your AA batteries, so that you can later use them to run your small electronics.
Some people enjoy camping in RVs. Solar power can be used to charge the RV?s batteries. Photovoltaic cells can be discreetly placed on the dashboard.
Some people like to take hot baths, even in the wild. A solar shower can be utilized for this task.
Or, by using a solar cooker, you can have hot meals without risking a forest fire.
As you can see, solar camping gear can make your outdoor life a easier, as well as safer. And it can help you to enjoy nature even more ? without doing additional damage to the environment you are camping in.
Anna is provides information on the uses of solar power, solar equipment, and solar technology. To find out more about solar-powered equipment, please visit Solar Power Equipment & Information.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Solar Air Heater for Commercial or Home Heating
Solar air heater systems use the solar radiations to heat a particular room using solar panels. There are many ways of using solar air heating, and we can even build one at home using help from online sources. It is a type of solar thermal system, where air is heated in a collector by the sun's radiation and either transferred directly to the interior space or to a storage medium such as a rock bin.
Solar panels are used to operate such systems. The solar panels heat the air which is then conveyed into a room. The basic component of this system includes solar collector panels, a duct system and diffusers. The heated air can operate with or without a fan. Without the fan the air is distributed by the action of a natural ventilation system.
In agriculture, the food produced sometimes needs to be kept in warm places especially during the monsoons. The solar air heater works here. It can raise the temperature of the room so that it is appropriately heated. In this way the products can stay safe and will not get spoiled because of the humidity.
The solar air heater works in much the same way as a solar water heater works. The heater is place outside the room in the open so that it can catch the sunlight. It is generally made up of solar panels but people use a variety of things. Some use aluminum drink cans and paint them black. Then they are arranged on a board and fit to a frame. The panels or the cans should have holes in them connecting each other so that the air travels through them. Hence the cold air from the room moves through the cans and the warm air enters into the room causing raise in temperature. In this way a solar air heater is a very economical way to heat a room. Rather than using expensive heating devices that require a lot of electricity it is definitely a cost-effective solution.
Solar panels are used to operate such systems. The solar panels heat the air which is then conveyed into a room. The basic component of this system includes solar collector panels, a duct system and diffusers. The heated air can operate with or without a fan. Without the fan the air is distributed by the action of a natural ventilation system.
In agriculture, the food produced sometimes needs to be kept in warm places especially during the monsoons. The solar air heater works here. It can raise the temperature of the room so that it is appropriately heated. In this way the products can stay safe and will not get spoiled because of the humidity.
The solar air heater works in much the same way as a solar water heater works. The heater is place outside the room in the open so that it can catch the sunlight. It is generally made up of solar panels but people use a variety of things. Some use aluminum drink cans and paint them black. Then they are arranged on a board and fit to a frame. The panels or the cans should have holes in them connecting each other so that the air travels through them. Hence the cold air from the room moves through the cans and the warm air enters into the room causing raise in temperature. In this way a solar air heater is a very economical way to heat a room. Rather than using expensive heating devices that require a lot of electricity it is definitely a cost-effective solution.
Sanyo Delays Increase in Solar Cell Production
Sanyo Electric has delayed a planned increase in production of solar cells, citing poor market conditions.
In February this year Sanyo began construction of a third factory at its site in Nishikiminami in western Japan, with plans to begin solar cell production around now. The factory has been completed but the start of high-volume production has been pushed back to December next year.
When it begins production the factory will have an annual production capacity of 135 megawatts, which is in line with Sanyo's original plans. That will take total production at the plant, which includes two other factories, to 345 megawatts.
Sanyo is also planning to increase production at its other Japanese solar cell plant in Shimane, also in western Japan, from 130 megawatts to 220 megawatts around April 2010.
The revised plans will mean that Sanyo will end its current financial year in March 2010 with total production unchanged on that of the previous year at 340 megawatts. In the coming financial year, from April 2010, it will first raise production in Shimane and then in the second half of the financial year start up the new factory in Nishikiminami.
If all goes according to the revised schedule Sanyo will finish its next fiscal year with solar cell production of 565 megawatts.
Sanyo is in the process of being acquired by Panasonic in a deal that is expected to close before the end of the current financial year.
In February this year Sanyo began construction of a third factory at its site in Nishikiminami in western Japan, with plans to begin solar cell production around now. The factory has been completed but the start of high-volume production has been pushed back to December next year.
When it begins production the factory will have an annual production capacity of 135 megawatts, which is in line with Sanyo's original plans. That will take total production at the plant, which includes two other factories, to 345 megawatts.
Sanyo is also planning to increase production at its other Japanese solar cell plant in Shimane, also in western Japan, from 130 megawatts to 220 megawatts around April 2010.
The revised plans will mean that Sanyo will end its current financial year in March 2010 with total production unchanged on that of the previous year at 340 megawatts. In the coming financial year, from April 2010, it will first raise production in Shimane and then in the second half of the financial year start up the new factory in Nishikiminami.
If all goes according to the revised schedule Sanyo will finish its next fiscal year with solar cell production of 565 megawatts.
Sanyo is in the process of being acquired by Panasonic in a deal that is expected to close before the end of the current financial year.
ENERGY-DENMARK: Samso Island, Beyond Fantasy
On the Danish island of Samsø, a model of energy self-sufficiency, even cow’s milk helps reduce emissions of climate changing gases.
Samsø has an area of 114 square kilometres with just over 4,000 people, located in the Bay of Kattegat, in the North Sea, some 120 km west of Copenhagen.
ts reputation as a model of sustainability is due to the fact that it uses wind turbines and solar panels to generate all of the electricity consumed by local residents.
Since 1997, when Samsø won a national competition to become a prototype community in the use of renewable energy sources, the Samsingers, as locals are known, revolutionised all aspects of their daily lives in order to contribute to greater efficiency.
The effort has such a broad scope that even milk production is part of the energy system.
At the time of milking, cow’s milk has a temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius and has to be cooled immediately to three degrees. Some dairy farmers in Samsø connected a heat transfer mechanism to the collection tank to prevent the warmth from the milk from dissipating into the air, and harnessing it instead to help heat their homes.
So far, despite their inventiveness, the farmers have not resolved the problem of methane and other greenhouse gases generated by the bovine digestive system. But they are studying the system used on a model farm on the Jutland Peninsula, which recycles gases and waste from raising pigs and uses them as energy sources and fertiliser to grow tomatoes.
Although the transfer of heat from the milk to household heating is just a small component in the Samsø community’s energy system, it illustrates how hard the Samsingers are willing to work towards living in harmony with nature.
The centrepiece of the system are 11 wind turbines, which generate an average of 28,000 megawatts annually. That’s enough to meet the community’s electricity demands, supply the island’s entire public transportation system, and have a surplus of 10 percent to sell to other regions of Denmark.
The income from those sales is reinvested in the local renewable energy system.
It’s not that the Samsingers have given up their cars and other usual modes of transport. For example, the three ferries that connect the island with the mainland consume 9,000 litres of petroleum per day. Even so, Samsø sells more clean energy to the continent than it purchases in fossil fuels.
The community is interested in experimenting with electric cars. ”The distances here are very short, less than 50 kilometres,” said Søren Hermansen, director of the island’s Energy Academy and a pioneer in the local environmental revolution.
”If the battery of an electric car can store up energy for, say, 120 kilometres, then that would mean we wouldn’t have to sell our clean energy and we would use it here,” Hermansen told Tierramérica.
Farmers have adapted their tractors and other vehicles to consume ethanol or other fuels distilled from locally grown plants, like canola.
Samsø also has four generators that run on the combustion of hay, which is abundant on the island. The generators are especially efficient because they produce both heat and electricity. Many homes have installed solar panels, geothermal heating, and solar boilers.
Samsø has an area of 114 square kilometres with just over 4,000 people, located in the Bay of Kattegat, in the North Sea, some 120 km west of Copenhagen.
ts reputation as a model of sustainability is due to the fact that it uses wind turbines and solar panels to generate all of the electricity consumed by local residents.
Since 1997, when Samsø won a national competition to become a prototype community in the use of renewable energy sources, the Samsingers, as locals are known, revolutionised all aspects of their daily lives in order to contribute to greater efficiency.
The effort has such a broad scope that even milk production is part of the energy system.
At the time of milking, cow’s milk has a temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius and has to be cooled immediately to three degrees. Some dairy farmers in Samsø connected a heat transfer mechanism to the collection tank to prevent the warmth from the milk from dissipating into the air, and harnessing it instead to help heat their homes.
So far, despite their inventiveness, the farmers have not resolved the problem of methane and other greenhouse gases generated by the bovine digestive system. But they are studying the system used on a model farm on the Jutland Peninsula, which recycles gases and waste from raising pigs and uses them as energy sources and fertiliser to grow tomatoes.
Although the transfer of heat from the milk to household heating is just a small component in the Samsø community’s energy system, it illustrates how hard the Samsingers are willing to work towards living in harmony with nature.
The centrepiece of the system are 11 wind turbines, which generate an average of 28,000 megawatts annually. That’s enough to meet the community’s electricity demands, supply the island’s entire public transportation system, and have a surplus of 10 percent to sell to other regions of Denmark.
The income from those sales is reinvested in the local renewable energy system.
It’s not that the Samsingers have given up their cars and other usual modes of transport. For example, the three ferries that connect the island with the mainland consume 9,000 litres of petroleum per day. Even so, Samsø sells more clean energy to the continent than it purchases in fossil fuels.
The community is interested in experimenting with electric cars. ”The distances here are very short, less than 50 kilometres,” said Søren Hermansen, director of the island’s Energy Academy and a pioneer in the local environmental revolution.
”If the battery of an electric car can store up energy for, say, 120 kilometres, then that would mean we wouldn’t have to sell our clean energy and we would use it here,” Hermansen told Tierramérica.
Farmers have adapted their tractors and other vehicles to consume ethanol or other fuels distilled from locally grown plants, like canola.
Samsø also has four generators that run on the combustion of hay, which is abundant on the island. The generators are especially efficient because they produce both heat and electricity. Many homes have installed solar panels, geothermal heating, and solar boilers.
Solar Energy Initiatives secures land to build a 100 MW solar park in California
Solar Energy Initiatives-owned Solar Park initiatives announced that as a part of their campaign "RENEW THE NATION," it has signed a contract to secure land for designing, constructing and operating a solar park in California. This is all part of the initiative to make solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies more available. The financial aspect of the park and engineering, permitting construction, operations and maintenance will be the responsibility of Solar Park Initiatives. The solar panels and balance of system for the project will be obtained by Solar Energy Initiatives.
Zoning, permitting, EPA approvals and other such preliminary activities are soon to begin, with estimates point to the end of 2010. The 100 MW project is to be constructed over a span of three years, with the contract covering 25 years with an option for renewal.
Solar Energy Initiatives' CEO, David Fann, stated, "This endeavor represents strong validation that Solar Energy Initiatives and Solar Park Initiatives’ synergistic relationship is extremely capable of securing large scale contracts and expanding market presence. We believe that as Solar Energy Initiatives and Solar Park Initiatives continue to grow as market leaders and establish credibility with municipalities and landowners that both companies will secure additional contracts, increase our earnings and achieve our primary goal of improved shareholder value. Combined with our previously announced solar park in Western Texas we now have a combined 400 megawatts worth of projects that will begin in the next eighteen months."
Zoning, permitting, EPA approvals and other such preliminary activities are soon to begin, with estimates point to the end of 2010. The 100 MW project is to be constructed over a span of three years, with the contract covering 25 years with an option for renewal.
Solar Energy Initiatives' CEO, David Fann, stated, "This endeavor represents strong validation that Solar Energy Initiatives and Solar Park Initiatives’ synergistic relationship is extremely capable of securing large scale contracts and expanding market presence. We believe that as Solar Energy Initiatives and Solar Park Initiatives continue to grow as market leaders and establish credibility with municipalities and landowners that both companies will secure additional contracts, increase our earnings and achieve our primary goal of improved shareholder value. Combined with our previously announced solar park in Western Texas we now have a combined 400 megawatts worth of projects that will begin in the next eighteen months."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Optical Photovoltaic Cell Testing System from CRAIC Technologies
CRAIC Technologies, the leading manufacturer of UV-visible-NIR microscopes and microspectrometers, is pleased to announce the QDI 2010 PV™ microspectrophotometer. The QDI 2010 PV™ instrument is designed to measure the transmission and reflectance of photovoltaic cells whether they be the traditional crystalline silicon, one of the thin film variety or such components as super- and substrates. Even protective glass and concentrator modules can be analyzed.
The QDI 2010 PV™ also enables the user to determine thin film thickness of microscopic sampling areas on both transparent and opaque substrates. This powerful tool also has a host of other functions. It can be combined with CRAIC Technologies proprietary contamination imaging capabilities to locate and identify process contaminants. As such, the QDI 2010 PV™ represents a major step forward in metrology instrumentation available to the photovoltaic industry.
"Many of our customers want to test the quality of photovoltaic devices for rapid quality control of their products. The QDI 2010 PV™ microspectrophotometer was built in response to customer requests for a powerful, flexible metrology tool that can test a number of different aspects of many different photovoltaic devices" says Dr. Paul Martin, President.
The complete QDI 2010 PV™ solution combines advanced microspectroscopy with sophisticated software to enable the user to measure transmissivity, reflectivity, and luminescence. It will also be able to determine the thin film thickness by either transmission or reflectance of many types of materials and substrates. It can also be used to measure the transmissivity and reflectivity from many of the components used to manufacture PV cells such as concentrators. Due to the flexibility of the CRAIC Technologies design, sampling areas can range from over 100 microns across to less than a micron. Designed for the production environment, it incorporates a number of easily modified metrology recipes, the ability to measure new films and materials as well as sophisticated tools for analyzing data. Other features such as contamination analysis are easily added to this instrument.
The QDI 2010 PV™ also enables the user to determine thin film thickness of microscopic sampling areas on both transparent and opaque substrates. This powerful tool also has a host of other functions. It can be combined with CRAIC Technologies proprietary contamination imaging capabilities to locate and identify process contaminants. As such, the QDI 2010 PV™ represents a major step forward in metrology instrumentation available to the photovoltaic industry.
"Many of our customers want to test the quality of photovoltaic devices for rapid quality control of their products. The QDI 2010 PV™ microspectrophotometer was built in response to customer requests for a powerful, flexible metrology tool that can test a number of different aspects of many different photovoltaic devices" says Dr. Paul Martin, President.
The complete QDI 2010 PV™ solution combines advanced microspectroscopy with sophisticated software to enable the user to measure transmissivity, reflectivity, and luminescence. It will also be able to determine the thin film thickness by either transmission or reflectance of many types of materials and substrates. It can also be used to measure the transmissivity and reflectivity from many of the components used to manufacture PV cells such as concentrators. Due to the flexibility of the CRAIC Technologies design, sampling areas can range from over 100 microns across to less than a micron. Designed for the production environment, it incorporates a number of easily modified metrology recipes, the ability to measure new films and materials as well as sophisticated tools for analyzing data. Other features such as contamination analysis are easily added to this instrument.
Solar air heater
Just as is the case in solar water heating systems, solar air heater systems can be passive, active, or a combination of these two methods. The simpler the system, the easier and cheaper the system will be. However, in colder temperatures or when retrofitting a building, you may be forced into using more active systems. Passive systems either directly absorb the sun’s heat, or uses materials that store the heat then release it into the home. Active system use collectors, then circulators to get the heat throughout the desired space. Your geographical location, budget and uses of your heater will influence what kind of system you will purchase.
Solar power has grown in popularity as energy process continues to rise and the Earth’s natural resources continue to dwindle. In addition to purchasing the solar heating systems mentioned above, purchasing solar panels and hooking them either into an on- or off-grid electrical system with your utility provider is another options.
Money saved in the long run over these devices can be a huge draw to purchasing these devices; so don’t be dissuaded about the upfront price. Once the initial purchase is made, little maintenance is required, and the savings you will experience will pay off the device in the long run and could even make you money. In addition, there are many local, regional and government incentives out there that reward people who use solar power technologies.
Solar power has grown in popularity as energy process continues to rise and the Earth’s natural resources continue to dwindle. In addition to purchasing the solar heating systems mentioned above, purchasing solar panels and hooking them either into an on- or off-grid electrical system with your utility provider is another options.
Money saved in the long run over these devices can be a huge draw to purchasing these devices; so don’t be dissuaded about the upfront price. Once the initial purchase is made, little maintenance is required, and the savings you will experience will pay off the device in the long run and could even make you money. In addition, there are many local, regional and government incentives out there that reward people who use solar power technologies.
Happy solar-cell scientists
A series of joint sub-projects and work-packages has enabled the scientists to develop a new, less expensive grade of raw material for solar cells. And the best news is that the new modules are just as efficient as current solar cells.
The EU’s three-year FoXy programme has come to an end. The research group is very satisfied, and the EU Commission is handing out praise.
SINTEF has coordinated this major programme that rejoices in the long name: “Development of solar-grade silicon feedstock for crystalline wafers and cells by purification and crystallisation”, which has been simplified to “FoXy”. Together with ten other participants from various European nations, the scientists have been developing a “good enough” grade of silicon for solar cell production.
And there has been no lack of results: a series of joint sub-projects and work-packages has enabled the scientists to develop a new, less expensive grade of raw material for solar cells. And the best news is that the new modules are just as efficient as current solar cells.
Less pollution
“We are very proud of what we have done,” says Marisa Di Sabatino of SINTEF Materials and Chemistry. “Many people before us have been working on solar energy, but our results are actually quite important.”
The ambition of the programme has always been to develop a new material that would make future solar cells both at least as efficient as those of today and cheaper than them.
“We started out from metallic silicon that contains around 1% impurities – which is not good enough for use in solar cells. We attempted both to reduce the impurities in the metallic silicon and to cut down the amount of impurities that are already in the raw material by means of heat treatment, for example,” explains Di Sabatino.
Direct route
The research group managed to shorten the long production process currently employed by most solar cell manufacturers by adopting a simpler, more direct route. They managed this by using a special smelter and a kiln that removes trace of carbon.
The scientists used pure carbon that contaminates the silicon far less than coke or coal, as well as ultrapure quartz from the Norwegian County of Nordland.
This process is much less costly and energy-intensive than the conventional chemical process.
“With today’s solar cells, the energy used to produce them is paid off in the course of two years:. With the new materials, the payback time could be as little as six months,” says Di Sabatino.
Understanding the relationships
Impurities in silicon cause problems. For example, silicon recycled from industry contains boron and/or phosphorus that can alter the electrical characteristics of the material. Other contaminants can, for example, lead to the formation of poor-quality particles that in turn mean less efficient solar panels installed on our roofs.
However, the project group concluded that even if contaminants are present, we can still produce good-quality material with the aid of special procedures that reduce or eliminate them. It is just a matter of understanding how things fit together, so that things can be done in a better way; and the results of FoXy have helped the researchers towards a better understanding of what takes place in the process.
For example, the FoXy scientists have patented a new, more stable, passivation process – a high-temperature treatment process that protects the surface of the solar cells, making them more efficient and resistant to temperature changes.
The EU’s three-year FoXy programme has come to an end. The research group is very satisfied, and the EU Commission is handing out praise.
SINTEF has coordinated this major programme that rejoices in the long name: “Development of solar-grade silicon feedstock for crystalline wafers and cells by purification and crystallisation”, which has been simplified to “FoXy”. Together with ten other participants from various European nations, the scientists have been developing a “good enough” grade of silicon for solar cell production.
And there has been no lack of results: a series of joint sub-projects and work-packages has enabled the scientists to develop a new, less expensive grade of raw material for solar cells. And the best news is that the new modules are just as efficient as current solar cells.
Less pollution
“We are very proud of what we have done,” says Marisa Di Sabatino of SINTEF Materials and Chemistry. “Many people before us have been working on solar energy, but our results are actually quite important.”
The ambition of the programme has always been to develop a new material that would make future solar cells both at least as efficient as those of today and cheaper than them.
“We started out from metallic silicon that contains around 1% impurities – which is not good enough for use in solar cells. We attempted both to reduce the impurities in the metallic silicon and to cut down the amount of impurities that are already in the raw material by means of heat treatment, for example,” explains Di Sabatino.
Direct route
The research group managed to shorten the long production process currently employed by most solar cell manufacturers by adopting a simpler, more direct route. They managed this by using a special smelter and a kiln that removes trace of carbon.
The scientists used pure carbon that contaminates the silicon far less than coke or coal, as well as ultrapure quartz from the Norwegian County of Nordland.
This process is much less costly and energy-intensive than the conventional chemical process.
“With today’s solar cells, the energy used to produce them is paid off in the course of two years:. With the new materials, the payback time could be as little as six months,” says Di Sabatino.
Understanding the relationships
Impurities in silicon cause problems. For example, silicon recycled from industry contains boron and/or phosphorus that can alter the electrical characteristics of the material. Other contaminants can, for example, lead to the formation of poor-quality particles that in turn mean less efficient solar panels installed on our roofs.
However, the project group concluded that even if contaminants are present, we can still produce good-quality material with the aid of special procedures that reduce or eliminate them. It is just a matter of understanding how things fit together, so that things can be done in a better way; and the results of FoXy have helped the researchers towards a better understanding of what takes place in the process.
For example, the FoXy scientists have patented a new, more stable, passivation process – a high-temperature treatment process that protects the surface of the solar cells, making them more efficient and resistant to temperature changes.
Solar Energy comes to Crete
Solar energy in Crete still remains unused, excluding the numerous solar boiler on the tops of the houses. This fact is about to change soon though, with the creation of the largest thermosolar plant in Europe, at the southeastern corner of Crete, at the Municipality of Lefki.
Municipality of Lefki is one of the smallest municipalities in Crete, with limited income, as the tourism is low and the landscape doesn’t allow much of agricultural exploitation. It is located at the most remote area of the southeastern Crete, south of Zakros, and east from Makry Gialos. The municipality consists of areas such as Xerokambos, Ziros, Goudouras and other small villages.
This remote area in Crete was chosen for the largest investment on solar energy so far, with the creation of a thermosolar plant that will be established in Agia Triada, covering a total area of 100 hectares, generating energy of 20MW.
The international company NUR-MOH won the contest held by the Municipality of Lefki. The company will provide the Cretan network with the produced electricity and will be paying 796,000 Euros on an annual basis to the Municipality.
Except for the rent, the Municipality will be receiving the 3% of the gross income, as the law suggests. A great number of new working positions will be open, while several landscape projects are to be launched. The thermosolar plant will also operate as a park open to the public. The Mayor of Lefki suggests that this is an investment of significant importance for the Municipality that will boost the development and utilization of natural resources. It is an investment that will enhance and make the area known, encouraging the use of eco-friendly technological solutions.
According to the signed agreement, the contractor will build and administrate the thermosolar station that will provide the area with at least 20 to 25MW. The plant will be able to concentrate the solar energy with the help of mirrors, will heat the water and will produce steam that will set in an electric generator/ tourbine in motion. The electricity will be sent to the existing network of DEI (public power corporation of Greece), who will be buying the generated energy.
Municipality of Lefki is one of the smallest municipalities in Crete, with limited income, as the tourism is low and the landscape doesn’t allow much of agricultural exploitation. It is located at the most remote area of the southeastern Crete, south of Zakros, and east from Makry Gialos. The municipality consists of areas such as Xerokambos, Ziros, Goudouras and other small villages.
This remote area in Crete was chosen for the largest investment on solar energy so far, with the creation of a thermosolar plant that will be established in Agia Triada, covering a total area of 100 hectares, generating energy of 20MW.
The international company NUR-MOH won the contest held by the Municipality of Lefki. The company will provide the Cretan network with the produced electricity and will be paying 796,000 Euros on an annual basis to the Municipality.
Except for the rent, the Municipality will be receiving the 3% of the gross income, as the law suggests. A great number of new working positions will be open, while several landscape projects are to be launched. The thermosolar plant will also operate as a park open to the public. The Mayor of Lefki suggests that this is an investment of significant importance for the Municipality that will boost the development and utilization of natural resources. It is an investment that will enhance and make the area known, encouraging the use of eco-friendly technological solutions.
According to the signed agreement, the contractor will build and administrate the thermosolar station that will provide the area with at least 20 to 25MW. The plant will be able to concentrate the solar energy with the help of mirrors, will heat the water and will produce steam that will set in an electric generator/ tourbine in motion. The electricity will be sent to the existing network of DEI (public power corporation of Greece), who will be buying the generated energy.
Solar power execs bullish on 2010 despite earnings
Executives from solar power companies see clearer skies in 2010 for the beleaguered industry, even as quarterly reports from heavyweights like First Solar and SunPower have disappointed investors and dragged down shares.
The industry has struggled to emerge this year from tight credit markets, a global glut of panels, and falling prices.
"I think we're already in the middle of a turnaround. We've kind of gone through the low point of the recent past," said Steven Chan, Suntech Power Holdings' chief strategy officer, in an interview with Reuters.
Executives from Sharp, BP's solar unit, and other solar power players shared similar optimism about the sector's outlook in 2010 at the Solar Power International conference being held here this week.
The industry, which grew at a clip of more than 40 percent for several years, has suffered in the recession, but solar companies kept a bullish attitude on growth next year.
Executives cited various forces that could drive growth in 2010, including U.S. stimulus funds for green projects, extended tax incentives and new financing.
"I call it a warming up," said Ron Kenedi, vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group, in an interview at the conference.
Kenedi said work on government projects has been a "bright spot," while BP Solar Chief Executive Reyad Fezzani said new subsidies in markets like India will spur industry growth and that Italy has built up a lot of momentum.
Fezzani predicted the sector could grow globally 50 percent next year and warned that pent-up demand could even spark fresh supply issues.
"It may be that the supply chain may get tight again...Quite frankly the way this market can shift from long to short and back remains the biggest challenge," Fezzani said during a panel discussion at the conference.
He cited reports that companies that make inverters are running short on inventory, and Suntech's Chan said his company was juggling how to allocate panels among its customers amid good signs for sales for the first quarter of 2010.
Inverters convert the direct current produced by solar cells into alternating current compatible with the U.S. electrical grid.
While panel prices have tumbled about 50 percent over the last year, companies said that the decline is slowing or has even stalled.
Chan said panel prices have been stable in the fourth quarter and they will decline about 8 percent to 10 percent in 2010.
The industry has struggled to emerge this year from tight credit markets, a global glut of panels, and falling prices.
"I think we're already in the middle of a turnaround. We've kind of gone through the low point of the recent past," said Steven Chan, Suntech Power Holdings' chief strategy officer, in an interview with Reuters.
Executives from Sharp, BP's solar unit, and other solar power players shared similar optimism about the sector's outlook in 2010 at the Solar Power International conference being held here this week.
The industry, which grew at a clip of more than 40 percent for several years, has suffered in the recession, but solar companies kept a bullish attitude on growth next year.
Executives cited various forces that could drive growth in 2010, including U.S. stimulus funds for green projects, extended tax incentives and new financing.
"I call it a warming up," said Ron Kenedi, vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group, in an interview at the conference.
Kenedi said work on government projects has been a "bright spot," while BP Solar Chief Executive Reyad Fezzani said new subsidies in markets like India will spur industry growth and that Italy has built up a lot of momentum.
Fezzani predicted the sector could grow globally 50 percent next year and warned that pent-up demand could even spark fresh supply issues.
"It may be that the supply chain may get tight again...Quite frankly the way this market can shift from long to short and back remains the biggest challenge," Fezzani said during a panel discussion at the conference.
He cited reports that companies that make inverters are running short on inventory, and Suntech's Chan said his company was juggling how to allocate panels among its customers amid good signs for sales for the first quarter of 2010.
Inverters convert the direct current produced by solar cells into alternating current compatible with the U.S. electrical grid.
While panel prices have tumbled about 50 percent over the last year, companies said that the decline is slowing or has even stalled.
Chan said panel prices have been stable in the fourth quarter and they will decline about 8 percent to 10 percent in 2010.
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