solar News

• Yingli Green Energy Joins WWF’s Climate Savers Program
• Trina Solar to Supply 30MW to Gestamp Solar for Two Projects in South Africa
• Green Power Resource Management to Start Volume Production on Improved Solar Powered Air Conditioner & Virtual Power Plant
• HERO Signs Historic Interconnect Agreement with Progress Energy Florida for 70MW Solar Farm.
• Suniva enhances module line with UL 1000 Volt certifications and adds module capacity
• Upsolar’s Tigo-Integrated Smart Modules Now Available for UK Solar Market
• IDS Solar Announces Inaugural Shipment of Its Advanced Portable Solar Electric Generators
• Trina Solar Supplies 61MW of Solar PV Modules for Green Tower Project In Brandenburg
• Chevron Energy Solutions Solar Installation at Santa Cruz County Office of Education Goes Live
• Envision Solar and Horizon Energy Group Announce the Execution of a Strategic Teaming Agreement

News from Solar Energy

Sunday, November 24, 2013

SunEdison, IFC and OPIC close US$100.4MM Project Financing Arrangement for the Largest Merchant Solar Plant in Latin America

Belmont, CA--(eSolarEnergyNews)-- SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider today announced the closing of a $100.4 million non-recourse debt financing arrangement with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. Government's development finance institution and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. The debt proceeds will be used in Chile for the construction of a 50.7 MWp solar power plant, to inject energy directly into the Central Interconnected System (SIC), selling all its production in the spot market (merchant solar).

OPIC is providing $62.9 million of debt, IFC is providing a parallel loan of U.S. $37.5 million and Rabobank is providing a local Chilean Peso VAT facility for the equivalent of U.S. $25.6 million.

Interconnection of the 50.7 MWp plant is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2014. Once completed, the project, called "San Andres" and located in the Atacama region, is set to become the largest solar photovoltaic merchant plant in Latin America in 2014 and one of the largest in the world.

Pancho Perez, SunEdison President for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, stated, "This plant represents significant growth for SunEdison and Chile's PV industry, and significant value creation for SunEdison, investors and the region. The San Andres merchant PV plant highlights SunEdison's ability to deploy innovative energy solutions that address consumers' electricity needs, contribute to national economic growth by reducing energy cost, and serve as a reference for the industry worldwide. We are very proud to partner once again with OPIC, IFC and Rabobank in Chile to enable this worldwide flagship project."

Perez added, "When completed, San Andres will be the one of the first merchant PV plants and will demonstrate that solar photovoltaic is already a competitive energy source in countries like Chile. This project reinforces SunEdison's leadership in the Latin American renewable energy market and reaffirms our commitment to clean energy industry development in Chile."

"OPIC is excited to support this landmark project which will help Chile take advantage of its solar potential, increase access to energy, and create local jobs," said Elizabeth L. Littlefield, OPIC President and CEO. "This is an important renewable energy project for OPIC in Chile and we look forward to advancing it while continuing our strong partnership with SunEdison."

"This project proves that with the right sponsors, domestic environment and financiers, debt financing has become a viable option for merchant solar plants. IFC's support is a continuation of our strategy to promote commercially competitive renewable solutions in Chile and the wider region," said Jean Philippe Prosper, IFC Vice President for Sub- Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Rabobank is very pleased to extend our relationship with SunEdison with financing for this second Chilean PV solar energy plant," said Thomas Emmons, Head of Project Finance for Rabobank in the Americas.  "Our support of both the San Andres and Amanecer Solar CAP projects signals our belief in the long-term prospects for renewable energy in Chile, where we are also active in agribusiness lending, and our commitment to partnering with leaders in the solar power industry such as SunEdison."

About SunEdison

SunEdison, Inc. (NYSE: SUNE), formerly MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc., is a global leader in semiconductor and solar technology, and a leading solar energy services provider dedicated to transforming lives through innovation. SunEdison provides innovative, advanced technology solutions to corporations, utilities, governments and leading chip manufacturers to transform lives around the world. With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, the company focuses on innovation throughout our business. We carry this commitment throughout our global sales, manufacturing, and support organizations. As of June 30, 2013, SunEdison has interconnected over 700 power plants representing more than 1 Gigawatt of solar energy. For more information about SunEdison, please visit www.sunedison.com

About IFC

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. Working with private enterprises in more than 100 countries, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to help eliminate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. In FY13, our investments climbed to an all-time high of nearly $25 billion, leveraging the power of the private sector to create jobs and tackle the world's most pressing development challenges. For more information, visit www.ifc.org

About OPIC:

OPIC is the U.S. Government's development finance institution. It mobilizes private capital to help solve critical development challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy. Because OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds. Established as an agency of the U.S. Government in 1971, OPIC operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to American taxpayers. OPIC services are available for new and expanding business enterprises in more than 150 countries worldwide. To date, OPIC has supported nearly $200 billion of investment in over 4,000 projects, generated an estimated $75 billion in U.S. exports and supported more than 277,000 American jobs. For more information about OPIC please visit www.opic.gov

About Rabobank:

Rabobank Group is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking, leasing, real estate services, and renewable energy project financing to clients around the world. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank is one of the largest and safest banks in the world, with nearly $1 trillion in assets and operations in more than 40 countries, and ranks among the world's ten safest banks (Global Finance magazine.) Internationally, Rabobank is a premier bank to the food, beverage and agribusiness industry, as well as a leading financial partner in the renewable energy and project finance area. www.rabobank.com

Reduce your energy bills

Reduce your energy bills & start earning energy cash!

Solar House

The Clean Energy Scheme/ Feed in Tariff is a government backed initiative that pays you for producing renewable energy.

Reduce your electricity bills without switching all your lights off!

By installing a Solar PV system you can generate renewable electricity that powers your home.
Contact us today to talk about a free quotation on having a solar system in your  property.

Call  07768667608
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First solar breaks ground in Mexico

First Solar Breaks Ground on Largest Solar Power Plant in Texas

EL PASO, Texas & TEMPE, Ariz. & SANTA FE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--El Paso Electric Power, The New Mexico State Land Office and First Solar, Inc announced today that construction has commenced on what will be the state’s largest solar power plant, located on State Trust Land near Deming in Luna County.

While in the construction phase, the Macho Springs Solar Project will provide approximately 300 jobs. Construction is expected to be completed by May of 2014, and the active power plant will include three operational and maintenance jobs.

“This is a milestone for not only El Paso Electric, but our customers and this region,” said Tom Shockley, El Paso Electric Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to the continued growth of this technology in a cost effective manner.”

“This solar power project will provide clean, efficient solar power for use by New Mexicans,” said New Mexico State Land Commissioner Ray Powell. “Also, it benefits the local and regional economy include millions of dollars in direct and indirect economic benefits, and about 300 temporary construction jobs, while at the same time earning money for our public schools, universities, special schools, and hospitals.”

Under a 20-year power purchase agreement between El Paso Electric and First Solar, the 50MWac project will generate enough clean energy to power more than 18,000 average customer homes in the El Paso Electric service territory. The project will displace more than 40,000 metric tons of CO2, the equivalent of taking 7,500 cars off the road, and will displace more than 340,000 metric tons of water consumption annually.

“First Solar values the support and leadership provided by El Paso Electric and the New Mexico State Land Office for this project,” said Michael Hatfield, First Solar Director of Project Development. “The Macho Springs Solar Plant will be an exciting addition to the region’s renewable energy resources.”

The project represents a system resource for El Paso Electric Company as the Company will purchase the entire output power from the Macho Springs solar power project to serve its New Mexico and Texas service territory. This project was secured by El Paso Electric through an all-source competitive Request for Proposal process conducted in 2011. The project will operate on a commercial lease from the State Land Office on about 500 acres of land at Macho Springs, near Deming. First Solar also has an interconnection agreement with El Paso Electric.

PHASE 1 & 2 FITS ANNOUNCED

Phase 1 and Phase 2 Feed-in Tariff summary announced - February 9, 2012

Renewable Energy News Alert

Phase 1 – Solar PV

Phase 1 (Phase one) proposes that the tariff rate of 21p/kWh for solar PV will take effect from 1^st April 2012 for domestic installations (<4kW), with an eligibility date on or after 3^rd March 2012.

For installations which take place on or after 1^st Aril 2012, properties will be required to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ‘D’ rating to qualify for the full Feed-in Tariff (FITs) rate.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) estimate that half of all UK properties are already eligible for the ‘D’ rating.

From 1^st April 2012, a new ‘multi-installation’ tariff rate will be set. This will be set at 80% of the tariff for solar PV installations where an individual or organisation has more than 25 installations of solar panels (e.g. at various properties).

DECC are also consulting on a proposal that social housing, community projects and distributed energy schemes be exempt from these multi-installation tariff rates and will therefore still be eligible to receive the individual tariff.

Phase 2 A – Solar PV cost control

The consultation for Phase 2 A (Phase two) proposes the implementation of a ‘cost-control’ mechanism, whereby the tariff for solar PV is reduced by 10% every 6 months.

However, this will be dictated by the level of take-up for solar PV – a ‘deployment trigger’ – to ensure that subsidy levels are in line with solar PV costs. This is inspired by the German system, and is designed to remove the need for emergency reviews and create a stable, predictable future for solar PV and the FITs scheme. It is also intended to keep the long-term costs of installing solar panels down in order to increase the number of people able to benefit from the FITs over time.

This consultation will be open for 8 weeks from 9^th February to 3^rd April 2012.

Phase 2 B – Tariffs for non-PV renewable technologies and scheme administration issues

Phase 2 B (Phase two) is reviewing the tariffs for the four non-PV renewable energy products: wind turbines, Hydro, Anaerobic Digestion and micro-CHP.

This will also introduce a digression mechanism dictated by ‘cost evidence’ – past and future trends in the costs of equipment and installation.

It will propose the ‘tariff guarantees’ for wind turbines, anaerobic digestion and hydro projects so that consumers of these technologies can have certainty about the rates of return they will receive.

SOLAR GOLF CART -MAKE SURE YOU DONT BREAK DOWN BEFORE THE 19th HOLE

                         

Imagine..... A Golf Car With A Solar Powered Charging System That Charges Itself During Play

Your electric golf cart can be fitted to use our solar charging system. You'll save on your utility costs +++ you will contribute to reducing your solar footprint in an environmentally friendly way.

Fit this 37W solar kit to your golf cart and you'll extend your battery range (going further on one mains charge). You'll also save money on reduced charging costs and battery replacements (this kit will help to extend your battery life).
How will solar power extend your golf cart battery life?

• Golf cart batteries are typically drained (during use) by about 80% of their charge. This is known as a deep discharge. At this point the battery has to be recharged. A discharge and recharge is known as a charge cycle. After approximately 520 charge cycles the battery will be nearing its end of life and your cart will need a new battery. This could happen within a year and a half.
• With a PowerFilm PowerDrive solar panel charging the battery, maximum drain is down to about 65%. This improves the life of the battery to a minimum of 730 charge cycles. Even better, typical battery drain is between 30% and 50%, which means battery life can be more than doubled. (30% drain means the battery will last for 1,800 charge cycles or 4 and 3/4 years).

What about the panel?

• There are no brackets, this flexible panel has a "Peel and Stick" Butyl Backer
• Peel and stick means no holes to drill in your golf cart roof
• There's no heavy glass or chunky frame - this is a lightweight, low profile, weatherproof and durable panel
• The panel installs in minutes
• The solar cell technology used makes for an efficient operation even in low light levels (perfect for the UK).

Commercial benefits for golfing centres:

• The number 1 complaint is when a cart doesn't last the 18 holes. Solar power will make sure the cart gets around the course and back for the nineteenth hole.
• Less recharging time on mains power means significantly lower electricity bills
• Solar power will need less manpower for cart maintenance. Replacing a discharged cart by shuffling others around can tie up three carts and a couple of staff.
• Solar power will reduce cart downtime. More carts available to your golfing customers.

Specifications:

• Complete with all components & cables needed for a simple self install
• Power: 37W
• Voltage: The panel produces 15.4V and the controller (included in the kit) boosts this to 48V
• Solar Panel Dimensions (Opened Out): 26.25" x 51.3", 0.667m x 1.3m
• Charge Controller Dimensions: Approx 4" x 2" x 2" (101mm x 51mm x 51mm)
• Charge Controller Weight: 1.8lbs (0.82kg)

PRICE  £999.00

Contact Ace Solar Power Today for further information or to place your order 01277 651529

Short Video on Powerfilm Solar Golf Cart. 

Excerts from Solar Energy

RE FITS
. Do these tariffs mean that small-scale schemes such as domestic installations will still be financially viable if they are under 4kW?
A. According to the UK Government:

• The FITs scheme was designed to deliver a rate of return (ROR) of 5-8% for well located installations.
• The new proposed tariff of 21p is intended to deliver a 4% ROR for well located installations.
• A 4% (real, tax free) return for domestic PV is more appropriate bearing in mind how the investment market has changed since the FITs scheme was introduced.

Q. Will the UK Government be increasing the export tariff to make it more worth my while and to compensate for the reduction in the FIT?
A. The UK Government does not plan to change the export tariff from its current level during this review.
However, the FITs scheme will be subject to periodic reviews which will consider all aspects of the FITs scheme, including tariffs levels, degression rates and methods and make changes if necessary. The second stage of the Comprehensive review, which will be published shortly, will provide more detail on these aspects.

Changes to FIT scheme help home owners to earn more

Good news for solar customers

The Government has just updated the Feed in Tariff (FIT) rates to take account of inflation. The good news is that FIT payments have risen slightly meaning even sunnier returns for solar customers.

The Feed in Tariff payment (we really wish they had given it a catchier name) is guaranteed for 25 years and is index linked. This means that your payment will rise with inflation so that it always stays the same in real terms. This makes it an unusually attractive form of investment (as does the fact that the payment is tax free for home-owners).

The new tariffs have just been announced for 2011/12 and come into force on 1 April 2011. The full (and rather complicated table) can be found on-line here.

The headline news is that:

• For installations on existing properties below 4kWp (that’s most people’s homes) the price has risen from 41.3p/kWh to 43.3p kWh.
• For installations on existing properties below 10kWp (that’s most people’s homes) the price has risen from 36.1p/kWh to 37.8p kWh.

These pennies may not sound like much but they make a big difference over 25 years.

Renewable Heat Incentive Premium Payments Launch

New News from British Eco

Government to launch the Premium Payment voucher scheme on Monday 1st August
The Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme has been introduced by the Government, the scheme will offer grants to householders to help them purchase renewable heating technologies.
The vouchers will enable up to 25,000 households in the UK to claim up to £1250 towards an installation of a renewable heating system for their home.
The scheme starts on the 1st August 2011 and has been allocated £15 million worth of funding.
The new Government funded scheme will incentivise householders to install heating technotishlogies including; solar thermal, air source heat pumps, biomass boilers and ground source heat pumps.
You can only claim the RHI and RHPP if you use an MCS accredited installer. BritishEco Ltd are MCS accredited which means all products and installers are micro-generation certified with consistent standards. The primary aim of the MCS is to provide consumers with confidence and protection by guaranteeing that micro-generation products and installers who carry will meet these robust quality standards.