Lighter and thinner than traditional modules, these new modules feature a second generation new ergonomic design for “faster and more efficient” installation.

With a reduction of up to 1.5 kg of its total weight, and a thickness of only 20 mm (35 mm against the industry average, a reduction of 15 mm), these panels are available in mono and polycrystalline, and their efficiency can reach a power of 260 Watts (based on 60 cells).

“The introduction of the second generation is the result of an extensive program of research and development dedicated to continuously improving efficiency and quality of our products to meet the growing demands of our customers worldwide. The high performance of our products combined with a total cost containment symbolizes the powerful innovation capacity of JinkoSolar, always at the forefront” said Arturo Herrero, chief marketing officer of Jinko Solar.

A new range with innovative features:

► Lightweight (1.5 kg reduction on the total weight)
► Subtlety (15 mm reduction over the whole thickness)
► Optimization of the frame with rounded corners
► Replacement of the locking mechanism for easier installation
► Reduces the size of the junction box for enhanced functionality

All Jinko Solar modules are equipped with a self-cleaning anti-reflective glass for better energy efficiency. They also recently been certified by TÜV Rheinland for their resistance to ammonia.

“We are delighted to introduce our new line of modules for the first time in Europe during SolarExpo. Italy is a strategic market that we follow closely,” said Arturo Herrero finally, Jinko Solar Chief Marketing Officer.

Under this program, First Solar intends to dramatically reduce manufacturing costs while redeploying its organization on “the most promising markets.”

The company initially decided to close in the fourth quarter of 2012 its manufacturing plant in Frankfurt (Oder) in Germany. Then, it said having to reduce its production capacity in its manufacturing center in Kulim, Malaysia, where four production lines will be adopted from 1 May 2012.

In total, the firm expects strong workforce reductions in Europe and the United States: “2,000 jobs will be affected, about 30% of total group workforce.”

By these measures, First Solar expects to reduce operating expenses by 30 to 60 million in 2012 before reaching the years 100 to 120 million economy. First Solar expects therefore to improve its average cost of production: from $ 0.70 to $ 0.72 per watt this year instead of $ 0.74 per watt previously announced. In 2013, the Company estimates that the average cost of manufacturing solar modules will be established between $ 0.60 and $ 0.64 per watt. The company also said it will incur restructuring costs (provisions and expenses) of approximately 245 to $ 370 million.

“After careful analysis, it is clear that the European market has deteriorated to the extent that our operations there are no longer economically viable, and that their maintenance is not in the long term interest of the shareholders” said Mike Ahearn, CEO of First Solar. “Decisions like this are not easy to make, especially given the importance of European markets” he added.

“The solar market has fundamentally changed, and we must adapt our approach to the market quickly to maintain and build on our competitive advantage,” said Mike Ahearn. “After a period of robust growth, First Solar has been sized to operate at higher volumes at present where the reduction of subsidies in traditional markets to significant downside. Therefore, it is essential that we reduce the production and expenditure in order we adjust to future demands which will probably be lower. These actions will focus our resources on markets that generate growth in the coming years.”

Compared with the silicon wafers used in the manufacture of photovoltaic panels classics, the proportion of incident light reflected from the surface is reduced by a factor of ten on this spectrum, which is the source of about 80% of useful energy which can be recovered from the sunlight.

The color (black) black silicon results from the almost total absence of light reflected off the surface of the wafer (wafer) porous. In the field of solar cells, the “dark” is highly desirable because it indicates that the incident light is absorbed for the conversion of energy rather than being reflected and therefore wasted.

Quantitatively, the reflectance is the proportion of light striking a given surface. And a reflectance of 0.3% means that only 0.3% of the incident light is reflected by the surface of the solar cell, while the remainder (99.7%) becomes available for conversion into electrical energy. A tenfold reduction would mean that the reflectance of light used in most (up to 3%) could “enter” into the cell, increasing of their effectiveness. (Eg A cell efficiency of 18% would increase to 18.5%).

But there are other benefits to be derived from black silicon. A panel composed of black silicon solar cells produce much more energy on a daily basis than will a panel made from cells with an antireflection coating. First, because it reflects less light. Second, because it works better in the morning and afternoon when the sun “hits” at a certain angle. Moreover, this new type of cell also outperforms the conventional panels on cloudy days.

The thought process by Natcore began with an uncoated silicon wafer, whose texture had an average reflectance of approximately 8%, which gave it a mottled gray. Nanoscale pores were etched on the wafer surface by immersing for a few minutes in a liquid solution at room temperature. Then using the process of house liquid phase deposition (LPD), Natcore scientists have completed these pores and are coated with silicon dioxide. This combination, which combines both passive and coating will help to reduce the reflection coefficient. After completion of surface treatment, the slices were taken to the center of photovoltaic research and development at the University of Toledo, where the reflectance was measured.

The last step of Natcore aims to improve the efficiency of solar cells.

The solar cells equipped with antireflection coatings that pass through a process of chemical vapor deposition have a reflectance of approximately 4%. With silicon black, NREL U.S. Department of Energy has lowered the figure below 2%. Natcore technology now allows to reduce this threshold to 0.3%. “The Absolute Black is in the light that absolute zero is heat,” said Dr. Dennis Flood, chief technology officer at Natcore. “And come close to zero with a process of reflection that we can use in a commercial production of solar cells is just incredible.”

Natcore recently obtained an exclusive license from NREL in order to develop and market a range of products based on black silicon.

“We are already working with two manufacturers manufacturers to design a production tool,” said Natcore CEO Chuck Provini. “The tool would be 2,000 wafers per hour black. We will establish other parameters in our laboratory. When the design is complete, we will take control of the tool. We have already started talking with potential customers Italy, China and India.”

The Helios project involves the installation of large tracts of photovoltaic panels – up to 20,000 ha, for a total funding estimated at 20 billion euros.

According to the Commissioner, “Helios is a unique opportunity to demonstrate that renewable technologies such as photovoltaics are becoming competitive with European cooperation.” He added: “The flagship Helios could well lead the way to a European electricity market truly integrated, renewable sources, while helping the Greek economy to recover.”

But as pointed out Mr. Oettinger, “currently, the infrastructure of Greece does not manage the flow of power generated by large renewable energy projects such as Helios.” Therefore, he believes that regional integration of major projects concerning renewable should be “combined with the controlled growth of the electricity system.”

He therefore proposed to develop a European network which would help achieve two key objectives of European energy policy. First, the completion of the internal energy market by 2014 and the end of energy islands by 2015. Because only 3% of EU electricity is traded across borders and several regions are still disconnected from the rest of Europe, including Greece still heavily dependent on coal.

“Because of its location, I believe that Greece has a key role in the integration of regional energy markets of the European Union, both for electricity than for gas” said the European Commissioner for Energy.

Moreover, the German State Secretary for the Environment Jürgen Becker reiterated the desire for his country to “take part” in the Helios project. The Greek government seemed to have already set his sights on Germany, a country highly qualified in the field: “There is great interest in German for this kind of investment”, said in August 2011, the Environment Minister George Papaconstantinou.

Out of 54 Japanese nuclear reactors, it is still currently only two that are still connected to the network. Consequently, electricity from solar is growing rapidly because it must cover the country’s energy needs.

“Since the disaster of Fukushima, renewable energy back to the center of attention. To ensure our future and that of future generations, we must foster this energy revolution,” he assured Shigeru Koyama, CEO of Kyocera Europe.

Until the end of March 2012, more than a million Japanese households will consume electricity generated by their own solar system. In Japan, the trend is towards self supply.

Between April 2011 and January 2012, the number of connection requests for residential photovoltaic systems reached 215,178, an increase of 140% over the previous year. For years, experts also expect an increase in private facilities by 12% per year.

In tariff rates could also act as a catalyst for further development of large projects such as photovoltaic plants. The Japanese government has not yet definitively ruled on this above, but it is already certain that the new rates are effective from 1 July 2012. Meanwhile, the government aims to reduce energy consumption in the country from 10 to 15%.

Until 2020, the ten largest Japanese suppliers of energy planning to build 30 solar power plants. They will allow the network to inject 140 MW from solar energy.

The decision came after complaints by American companies in the sector who accuse China to subsidize solar manufacturers. We know now the two major Chinese companies that will be impacted by this measure. This is Suntech Power, the world leader in solar panels, and Trina Solar Energy, another major manufacturer.

The field investigation conducted by U.S. authorities deal with the crystalline silicon solar cells with a thickness less than 20 microns, using the p-n junction, which has undergone a transformation or not to collect and transmit electricity produced by the cell. Were excluded from the scope of the thin film photovoltaic products made from amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)

The Commerce Department also decided that the solar panels produced in other countries and using solar cells manufactured in China could also be covered by tariffs anti-dumping/anti-subsidised.

In 2011, the amount of solar cells to imports from China to the United States was estimated at 3.1 billion.

A final decision on the practices of Chinese dumping or not be taken in June, the ministry said in its summary U.S. on Tuesday.

CCME (China) expressed its opposition:

In a statement, the Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCME), warned that the measure, which goes against Chinese interests subvert the growth of the global market of solar and it would cause more adverse effects on the U.S. market.

“Government subsidies have never been a major competitive advantage for Chinese solar panels,” said the CCME, indicating that their competitiveness resided primarily in more advanced technologies, a large-scale production, sound management and strategies prospective.

“The solar panel producers in China have received much less government support than their U.S. and European competitors, and it was consistent with WTO rules,” he said. They wish now that the U.S. government review its “unfair and unjust practices” during its investigations.

US import Chinese statistics:

2009 / /
Number: 26876000 solar cells
Value: 639.5 million euros

2010 / /
Number: 46084000 solar cells
Value: € 1.5 billion

2011 / /
Number: 93292000 solar cells
Value: € 3.1 billion

It only took eight months to install this production unit with a capacity of 150 megawatt peak. “This is the unit module manufacturing the largest and most modern France” welcomed Bosch in a statement.

At full capacity – expected by next July – it will produce more than 2,000 modules per day, which corresponds to an annual volume of more than 600,000 modules, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 51,000 French households .

“By its geographic situation, France has plenty of sunshine, particularly in the south. Bosch is a strong brand and presence of a manufacturing photovoltaic modules on French soil is an added advantage to count among the leaders of the national market, “said Guy Maugis, President of Robert Bosch France.

With this new production, Bosch was able to preserve 200 jobs on its site diesel Venissieux who was forced last year, faced with falling demand, stopping the production of a diesel injection pump Common Rail. With this alternative solution, a New Future for the site: “The successful transformation of Venissieux is the result of social dialogue and original copy,” said Guy Maugis.

Bosch states that the site and all jobs have been preserved by the will and the mobilization of all employees, the factory management, management of Bosch France, officials from the Group in Germany and all the staff representatives, working with an economic expert, the Economic Development Agency Lyon Area (Aderly) and local elected officials.

“Thanks to the production site Vénissieux, we are closer to our French customers in southern Europe and northern Africa, which allows taking into account faster and more efficiently to their requirements,” added Jürgen Pressl, Member of the Management of Bosch Solar Energy and Production Manager.

The lines fitted to the new plant are highly flexible. Vénissieux and can produce 5 different types of photovoltaic modules Bosch, mono-crystalline but also polycrystalline. “From the start of production, this website Bosch was able to tap the wealth of experience in the past in the automotive sector. I have no doubt that our customers will be convinced by the quality of our production and our products” said Jürgen Pressl.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the installed capacity of solar panels in 2011 saw an increase of 109% compared to 2010, which corresponds to a peak of 1,855 megawatts. Note that the sector has greatly benefited from falling prices of photovoltaics.

The market for photovoltaic solar energy accounted for more than $8.4 billion in 2011. SEIA explains this enthusiasm by the combination of falling prices of photovoltaic (- 20%) with better funding, a request for larger installations in size, and the expiration of government subsidies to 31 December 2011.

“The United States continue to drive innovation in the global solar energy” said Rhone Resch, president of SEIA. “Even if the solar panels are becoming more goods abroad, the United States are developing advanced solar components and continue to post double-digit annual growth.” It also expects that solar energy, which now accounts for less than 1% of the electricity produced in the United States, increased to 10% by 2020.

“There is no bubble in the clean technology sector, ready to burst” he has said, although he warns, more companies are likely to fail if an industry has matured and government subsidies in constant decline.

The installed capacity of wind power has also increased, from 31% last year, according to the latest figures from AWEA.

Finally, the amount injected into the technology called “clean” from $3.8 billion in 2010 to $4.3 billion last year, according to figures provided by the representative investor (National Venture Capital Association) .

These include the use of renewable energy by photovoltaic systems. Considered a promising technology, power generation through solar energy is not limited only to new construction.

In England, Withington more specifically, the project reference to the sustainable renovation of existing historic house church “St. Michael and All Angels’ dating back almost 900 years which is the first “Zero-Carbon Church” in England. A photovoltaic system composed of Kyocera solar modules installed on the roof of the church, provides renewable electricity and a wood biomass ecological boiler ensures environmental warmth.

The power of this building dating from the twelfth century is handled entirely by renewable energy. The 24 solar panels installed on the roof of the church generate a total return of 3.12 kWp.

In addition, their solid frames must withstand without failure the high stresses associated with extreme weather conditions. Thanks to a special system of scales, solar modules were installed on the historic building while respecting its aesthetic appeal and without damaging the existing architecture. The renovation of the church is part of a sustainable concept, both in terms of ecologically and economically. Apart from installing solar, biomass wood boiler was also installed to provide heating.

For members of the parish, the renovation of the church is doubly paid: in addition to savings in CO2, generating heat and electricity is also reflected in significant financial savings. In England, this pioneering project will serve as a benchmark for sustainable renovation of other churches.

The photovoltaic pavilion is 35 meters long, it adds the finishing touch to the campus of the University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam, and will be dedicated to social events, initiatives and creative presentations. Odersun solar modules, measuring about 4 meters high and 1 meter wide, covering the entire building. Made of shatterproof safety glass 25 mm thick, photovoltaic modules form the elements of the facade and have been specially designed and manufactured for this project.

The idea of ​​integrating the concept of green building for the renovation of the campus as part of the project from the beginning. Architects Ortner + Ortner Berlin have developed this idea in collaboration with students from the University of Applied Sciences and module manufacturer Odersun, specialist in solar architecture. The result is a symbiosis of sustainable architecture, functionality and efficiency – in short, a solar facade, which produces electricity, but also aesthetic.

“In addition to the strict design criteria for solar modules, the project required essentially a huge flexibility in terms of size, design and construction of the photovoltaic solution,” said Manfred Ortner Ortner + Ortner, explaining the complex nature of the project. “Odersun offers a huge assortment of modules, but also demonstrated its ability to adapt during this project, which is characterized by continuously changing requirements,” he has said.

Odersun manufactured the modules specific to the project, but has also provided assistance during the phases of electrical design and construction planning. CiSCuT thin film technology of Odersun offers architects design freedom similar to that of glass, while allowing them to meet the requirements of sustainable construction.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to deploy a project as unique alongside a partner as famous,” said Dr. Hein van der Zeeuw, Chief Executive Officer of Odersun AG. “This allowed us to demonstrate the flexibility of the sector now solar construction, and the unusual sizes of modules that can be manufactured without compromise in terms of design and functionality,” he has said.

The thin-film solar modules are particularly suitable for use in integrated photovoltaic components (BIPV), because they offer good returns, even in the shade and at high temperatures, even though their alignment with the sun is not optimal.

Eneractive Solutions, an engineering company specializing in energy solutions, said this pilot project is the creation and implementation of a solar system floating of 112 kWh over the tank of Canoe Brook, located approximately 25 km off New York.

This solar installation is expected to generate 136,000 kWh of energy annually will allow the water treatment plant to power about 78,000 homes in the counties of Essec, Union, Morris and Somerset in treating about 152 million liters water per day.

Poralu Marine was awarded the engineering of the floating part, the interface supports photovoltaic panels and the anchoring of the Seaflex system. The study and customized solution deployed were asked a very precise specifications including all technical and financial constraints to produce renewable electricity at competitive cost:

Consideration of installing solar panels with high stability of the platform;
Longevity of the entire structure and low maintenance in a restrictive environment (ice formation during winter);
Adaptation of the cost of the floating structure and its anchoring to the part of the budget feasibility predefined;
Minimization of maintenance services for a better return on investment;

The solar platform, consisting of a structure floating on pontoons which are fixed the photovoltaic panels, is installed on the Seaflex anchoring system. This technology allows a Swedish elastic anchor unmatched in its ability to stabilize the floating structures subjected to great variations in water levels. According Poralu Marine, it also offers the advantage of a long life while requiring minimum maintenance and respecting all the standards of environmental protection.

Aluminum structure, supported by floats polyethylene able to float in all circumstances, floating docks are covered decking Ecostyle, a product designed green materials (100% recyclable polypropylene). In addition, the platform is designed to pass much of the sunlight and thus ensure the life of flora and aquatic fauna.

The design of solar panels and their supports was supported by a U.S. supplier.

Installed in an area subject to weather difficult times, the solar platform was quickly put to the test with the passage of Hurricane Irene in August 2011, with no damage noted French company based in Port (Ain).

“We expect to commission the first solar thermal power plants in 2016-2017, the first stage will be operational in El Oued with a capacity of 150 MW,” said Boutarfa.

A transition to renewable energy

By decision dated 28 August 2011, a committee of national integration of renewable energy was created within the Sonelgaz Group companies. The latter task in particular to develop the engineering in the field of renewable energy and stop the manufacturing strategy components associated with the production of photovoltaic plants.

In its program of development of renewable energy, Sonelgaz includes the construction of 67 electric power projects, 27 solar photovoltaic power plants with 27 hybrid plants, 6 solar thermal power plants, and 7 wind farms.

The most powerful type of solar power will be solar thermal, with a maximum capacity of 400 MW for one of them. To a question of optimum efficiency, they will all be located in the southern regions, particularly in the prefectures of El Oued and Bechar.

Algeria has and invest $60 billion in renewable energy to develop an installed capacity of 12,000 MW by 2030, eventually 40% of its needs. The countries of North Africa will spend 15 billion dollars by 2020, with the energy transition, to gradually free themselves from fossil fuels.

Operation of the hybrid plant (solar-gas) from Hassi R’Mel

The hybrid plant in Hassi R’Mel began operations in July 2011 with a production capacity of 150 MW including 120 MW produced from gas and 30 MW based on solar energy. Connected to the national grid, the plant a source of renewable alternative energy.

This hybrid plant was carried out as part of a joint venture between the Algerian society NEAL (New Energy Algeria) and the Spanish firm Abener for an investment of $350 million. The management of this station is currently provided by Algerian and Spanish engineers, before being assigned completely, after a term of five years by Algerian engineers.

Located near Tilghemt, 25 km north of the industrial complex of Hassi R’Mel, the plant covers an area of 152 hectares including 18 hectares forming the basis for the installation of equipment and nearly 3,000 photovoltaic panels. It should be noted that the choice of implantation site of the energy project in the region responds to the combination of several factors, including the nearby gas field of Hassi R’Mel and sunshine in the region, with nearly 3,000 hours per year.

Located about 800 km east of the Philippines, the solar power plant with a capacity of 226.8 kilowatts become the largest of its kind, the island state.

Kyocera and Wakachiku Construction participated in the design and implementation of the proposed solar parking. It was funded through official development assistance (ODA) provided by the Japanese government, which aims to contribute to the growth of the country.

The solar modules are installed on the parking shade structures. This solar integrated building which consists of 1,080 Kyocera solar modules, a power of 210 watts, remains the first country to be connected to the network.

Moreover, because of the high frequency of typhoons on the island, the back of the modules has been strengthened by support bars to improve the resistance to wind pressure.

The system is designed to produce an annual output of 250 MWh, the environmental gain is approximately 80 tonnes of CO2 per year.

A study released by the Energy Platform Studies Center for Labor and Agrarian Development (CEDLA) reveals that 97 percent of Bolivia’s territory is suitable for solar energy use, thanks to high solar radiation levels in large part of Bolivia.

“It can be concluded that the use of solar energy level throughout the country is possible, except for some areas that constitute less than 3 percent of national territory,” says the study “The role and impact energies socioeconomic renewable rural Bolivia. ”

Research carried out by Miguel Fernández Sources identified that the only space “impracticable” for the use of solar energy is the cloud-forming regions located in the eastern belts of the Cordillera de Los Andes, at the low rate of solar radiation.

The high values ​​of solar radiation in Bolivia, according to a study published in 2011, are due to the geographical position that has the land, which is located in the tropical South, between parallels 11 ° and 22 °. Therefore, the radiation rate between winter and summer season does not represent differences that exceed 25 percent.

The document notes that in the country, the average values ​​of solar radiation vary for the highland areas, valleys and plains. The areas of the plateau region showed the highest rate of radiation, which decreases towards the plain areas.

“In Bolivia, the highland regions and the valleys are a high rate of solar radiation between 5 and 6 kWh/m2d (kilowatt-hours per square meter per day), depending on the time of year. In the plains area average radiation rate is between 4.5 and 5 kWh/m2d. This energy is sufficient to provide daily 220 Wh / day of electricity through a 50 Wp PV panel, “the technical explanation.

The plan “Dubai 2030 Integrated Energy” provides cause a 5% share of solar energy in its program and at the same time reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, while importing energy nuclear neighbors. The final allocation would be as follows: 5% solar, 12% nuclear, 12% coal and 71% gas.

According to the emir of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this solar park covering an area of 48 square kilometers is expected to cost around 2.6 billion euros. It will be directed by the Supreme Council of Energy (SCE) and operated by DEWA (Dubai Water and Electricity Authority).

The first solar power plant located in 30 km southeast of the city will have a capacity of 10 MW. The work is not expected before the end of 2013.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a major oil exporters in the world, where production reached about 2.6 million barrels a day (bpd). However, according to figures from the U.S. administration of energy, the bulk of oil production is concentrated in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, while Dubai is content with only about 100,000 bpd, from 4 existing fields.

The Emirate of Dubai has nearly 2 million inhabitants remains as one of the largest consumers of electricity per capita in the world, mainly due to extreme temperatures, leading to extensive use of air conditioning from June to September, and forcing the country to import more gas.

“We recognize the preservation of our energy resources as one of the biggest challenges in our efforts for sustainable development. Dubai and show the great achievements is one of the most competitive countries in the world. This leading position is the culmination of the efforts of our leadership to create a stimulating business environment, characterized by an advanced infrastructure, and efficient and reliable services “said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-President of the Supreme Council of Energy at the launching ceremony.

The facility consists of 7220 mono crystalline solar panels with a total capacity of 1.7 MW peak annual production of 1500 MWh, comparable to the annual electricity consumption of about 450 households. This current is injected directly into the electricity distribution network from the airport, which is about 1% of annual consumption.

The result of the test project, installed in 2010 on the roof of a firefighter building, has proved positive, the decision was made to put solar panels on the roof of a tall logistics building of Brucargo West. The total area of ​​the roof is 30,000 m², the equivalent of about six football fields. The work of adapting to the roof structure and placement of signs was done last fall.

In future the airport will investigate further opportunities to increase the share of solar energy in the electricity supply of the site, without neglecting the possibilities to include other energy sources renewable.

“We had already committed to a policy of sustainable management of energy and significantly reduce our CO2 emissions under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. For technical reasons, the share of renewables in our energy mix remains small at the moment, but each change of one percent is an important step for a daily consumption of 20,000 staff members and 50,000 passengers, “said Arnaud Feist, director of the airport.

In Canada: Its branch – Canadian Solar Solutions (CSSI) – has signed an agreement of nearly 470 million Canadian dollars, with TransCanada to provide a portfolio of 86 MW photovoltaic. Thus, CSSI will service nine solar power plants spread over the territory of Ontario. These plants will begin production in late 2012 and summer 2013. All solar modules are manufactured by the Canadian Solar site in Guelph (Ontario).

Spain: Canadian Solar had previously signed a commercial contract with Siemens for the supply of 2.5 MW of solar modules for two solar projects – a roof and shelter for vehicles (parking) – built by Siemens at the destination University of Murcia in Spain. The company also announced the provision of solar modules for a 9 MW photovoltaic plant located in the city of Ablitas Spain (Navarre). Built by OPDE Group and to be put into service for the last quarter of 2011.

Germany: Canadian Solar has extended its collaboration with the Berlin company Saferay for the photovoltaic solar power plant which will build  36,000 modules in Lindenhof . The 8.5 MW solar power plant based in Lindenhof near Neubrandenburg in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania should be completed in January 2012. Last September, Saferay completed the construction of “Senftenberg II / III”, a complex of 78 MW as part of the largest solar power plant in the world (166 MW) located in Brandenburg.

The study shows that solar energy will be the main source of electricity in 2050. Peru has the advantage of receiving light and solar heat evenly and in high volume and quality throughout the year in almost all its territory and, in particular in the regions of Tacna, Arequipa and Moquegua, which have with the highest average annual solar radiation, reaching 2.300KWh/m2. Solar energy has great potential and in Peru, especially to provide electricity to those who do not possess or that are located in areas far from cities.

It is anticipated that new power plants will be in the energy market by June 2012 and most of them are located in southern Peru. ReparticiónSolar20T and MajesSolar20T plants will be promoted and operated by T-Solar, while TacnaSolar20T and PanamericanaSolar20TS will be for Solarpack in partnership with T-Solar.

In addition, the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru is about to launch a call for the academic community energy projects that contribute to fully exploit information provided by the above study. Pedro Gamio, former deputy energy minister and current head of Community Relations and Social Promotion Atacocha Mining Company, spoke on the matter and suggested that the government should place greater emphasis on developing the National Energy Plan for the projects have one looks in common.

Activ Solar GmbH, headquartered in Vienna, announced on 21/12/2011 the completion and commissioning of the fourth phase of construction of photovoltaic power plant in Perovo. Thus, the total capacity of solar farm, which began construction in July 2011, is 80 megawatts (MW). Phase I, II, III and IV are expected to produce 106 000 megawatt hours of solar electricity annually, enough to cover to meet the electricity needs of 22,000 households. Perovo is the largest PV park built in the CIS countries (former Soviet Union). Activ Solar acted as project developer and EPC contractor.

The recently completed Ohotnikovo solar farm with a total capacity of 80 megawatts (MW) consists of 360 000 PV modules and covers an area of ​​160 hectares. The project comprised four phases of construction, each with 20 MW. Three phases were completed during the year and connected to the national grid. The power plant, according to Activ Solar, is expected to produce 100,000 megawatts hours of solar electricity per year and help us save 80,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The energy needs of 20,000 households can be covered with solar farm in Ohotnikovo.

The additional power of 10 MWp which is divided between the two facilities “Lotti” and “Petiver” is issued more than 40,000 Kyocera modules (model KD240GH-2PB). According to Kyocera, the high efficiency of this module the large predestined to facilities on industrial sites or solar farms. With 60 cells, the module has an output of 240 Wp.

In recent months, these new facilities complement existing solar park of 6 MW, operated by Enermill in the town of Cigliano Italy (Piedmont).

The solar park of Enermill which covers an area of 22 ha has now reached a total capacity of 16 MWp. It is the largest installation in Italy equipped with Kyocera solar modules. With a total of 68,100 ** modules, it is possible to produce annually about 20 GWh of solar electricity. This energy corresponds roughly to the annual energy needs of 4,500 homes will save 18,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Italy has a very good solar radiation and an attractive feed-in tariff, which can only encourage its expansion in the field of solar energy.

In Europe, Italy is one of the largest markets for photovoltaic systems. According to GSE, controlled by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, and whose mission is to promote and support the development of renewable, photovoltaic projects with a total capacity of 6.5 gigawatts have been installed between January and September 2011 .

In addition, the Italian State encourages the production of renewable electricity from the photovoltaic feed-in tariff by a particularly challenging compared to other European countries.

“Google, KKR and (solar infrastructure operator) Recurrent Energy announced an investment in the field of photovoltaic solar energy in the city of Sacramento, California.

“This investment clearly demonstrates the ability of the solar energy sector to attract capital (groups) such as Google and KKR prestigious,” said Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy, who will manage the operation of these infrastructures.

According to Harris, the operation shows that the solar industry “is becoming a viable and essential part of our energy economy.”

Three solar plants will be completed in early 2012 and fourth in the passing of that year. The plants will generate 160,000 kilowatt / hour for the first year of operation, representing the average consumption of 13,000 homes in the United States.

“We had a busy year in Google. Since January, we have invested over $ 880 million in renewable energy projects. We believe that the world needs a wide range of solutions, from wind, transmission, solar energy photovoltaic and solar thermal, and hope that next year, new opportunities arise to further expand our portfolio of renewable energy investments, “said Google, through a communique issued in one of his blogs.

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is the driest and most solar radiation the planet. That’s where Subsole, a major national export fruit table, plans for future growth through the use of solar energy and energy efficiency.

With a loan of U.S. $ 32 million and technical assistance from the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB), Subsole plans to increase fruit production by 60 percent over the next four years, mainly by expanding the cultivation in the valley of Copiapo, 800 miles north of Santiago, surrounded by the Atacama desert.

In order to boost production on a competitive basis Subsole plans to build a solar power plant of 300 kWp (kilowatt peak) in the valley to supply their irrigation systems. The new PV, the first in the history of Chilean fruit production, will allow the company to supply water from underground aquifers at a low cost and sustainable way in a region where there is competition for the limited power available with a booming industry mining.

“The solar plant will allow us to reduce the carbon footprint and at the same time ensuring stable energy costs and greater energy efficiency,” said Miguel Allamand Subsole president, who founded the company 20 years ago. Subsole understand the powerful combination of quality and sustainability. Much of its operating costs are allocated to knowledge and technology transfer to farmers.

Thanks to the technical and financial support from the IDB, the company will energy audits in six areas under irrigation, three packaging plants and cold stores. In addition, conduct a feasibility study to implement solar technology in refrigeration, to improve methods of irrigation and water storage, packaging and building core deposits and efficient energy technology, such as frequency converters for hydraulic pumps and water systems and energy management.

The investment will allow Subsole remain at the forefront of table fruit production in Chile. The Santiago-based company is known for its inclusive business model, where the benefits of development of the company are shared with farmers. It was one of the first to implement a certification program for quality control throughout the value chain also pioneered the implementation of benefit programs for employees include: free meals, transportation and housing, actions have particularly benefited women from low income families.

“The investment of Subsole improve sustainability practices and have a great impact on the entire supply chain, will directly benefit 275 small and medium producers and generate over 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly. In total, some 82,000 people will benefit along the supply chain,”said Paola Bazan, project team leader of the Finance Department of the IDB Structured and Corporate. “The investment will ensure that sustainable and responsible corporate practices continue to support innovation, which is central to the strategy of the IDB’s private sector.”

The company controlled by Buffett acquired last December 7 First Solar company to another construction site in central San Luis Obispo (California), considered the second largest photovoltaic power layout of the world.

Neither company disclosed details of the transaction related to the project in Agua Caliente, 290-megawatt capacity and will cost 1,800 million dollars when completed in 2014, NRG Energy, based in Princeton (New Jersey).

The solar power plant is also being built by First Solar and is expected to generate enough clean electricity to suppress the emission into the atmosphere of 5.5 million tons of CO2 over the next 25 years.

President and CEO of MidAmerican Energy, Greg Abel said they are “aggressively pursuing opportunities” to expand its “presence in the renewable energy sector and the Agua Caliente project is an important step towards that goal.”

Meanwhile, his counterpart from NRG Energy, David Crane, said that the agreement “increases the strength and credibility of which is already one of the largest photovoltaic solar energy paths of the world.” The transaction is subject to the approval of the United States Department of Energy.

“Many analysts emphasize the high cost of photovoltaic solar energy do not always reflect the latest technological advances and cost reductions,” such are the words of Joshua Pearce, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University the Queen. “Older models to determine the cost of solar PV are too conservative.”

Dr. J. Pearce thought that solar photovoltaic systems are close to the “tipping point” where they can produce energy for about the same price as other traditional energy sources.

Analysts watch a lot of variables to determine the cost of photovoltaic solar systems for consumers, as the cost of installation and maintenance, financial expenses, the life of the system, and the amount of electricity they generate.

Dr. J. Pearce says that some studies do not take into account the 70% reduction in the cost of solar panels since 2009. He also said that current research shows an annual productivity of high-efficiency solar panels driving down prices of only 0.1% to 0.2%, well below the 1% in many widely accepted economic analysis.

Equipment costs are determined based on the electricity generated in $ (dollar) per watt. A study published in 2010 estimated the cost at 7.61 dollars, while another from 2003 fixed the threshold at 4.16 dollars. According to Dr. J. Pearce, the actual cost in 2011 is less than $ 1 per watt for solar panels purchased in volume on the world market, while the costs of the systems and the installation remain at very variable.

This “showcase project” is presented at the 17th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP17) to be held from November 28 to December 9, 2011 in Durban.

This is a central cover of 180 parking spaces, conducted in the parking lot of the head office of Eskom, the national power. It will produce 675 MWh per year and will provide 5% of energy needs of Eskom.

The inauguration of this facility on November 25 was the start of the great plan of development of renewable energy which has set South Africa, a country where coal is currently the dominant energy.

The solar complex was developed by the joint venture including Energy Division of Guma Group and the French company Coruscant where two shareholders are committed to develop larger scale other photovoltaic projects in the country.

“We are very proud of this first project is at the forefront of our ambition in the field of renewable energy,” said Robert Matana Gumede, CEO of Guma group. “Photovoltaics is a method of energy production growth. This project will be the flagship of our strategy of producing non-polluting energy.”

The engineering and expertise of photovoltaic shade structures were made by Coruscant, while the construction was awarded to local companies. Equipment, including 2600 m2 of photovoltaic modules (produced by Tenesol, a subsidiary of Total) and support structures were manufactured in South Africa. The inverters are supplied on site by the French company Schneider Electric.

Finally, 80% of the total budget of 1.2 million euros has been spent locally, in accordance with the target set by the South African government to develop on-site activities related to renewable energy.

“We are very pleased that the first project in South Africa is a shade house photovoltaic parking, this validates the relevance of energy production without consumption of land and no impact on the environment,” said Thierry Mueth CEO Coruscant. “The French company Coruscant has extensive experience in the production of solar energy. A pioneer of photovoltaic shade structures in France, their technical input has been invaluable, “concluded the Director of the Division of Energy Guma Group, Deon van der Walt.

While this is laudable initiative aimed at, one can simply regret that South Africa is only beginning to turn to this renewable energy, from which it could benefit on a large scale.