“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.

The Environment Minister Juergen Reinholz inaugurated on November 21 the official launch of the solar power plant built on the roof of an agricultural cooperative to Grossenlupnitz.

The installation, created by Maxx-solar & energy, 3000 includes 42 modules and inverters provided by IBC SOLAR and follows a shipyard asbestos removal and renovation of the roof.

This solar plant is implementing 7,000 m² roof to produce 600,000 kilowatt hours of photovoltaic electricity per year, equivalent to 370 tonnes of CO2 emissions if the same amount of energy had to be produced from hydrocarbon resources .

“The Free State of Thuringia is involved in renewable energy and the number of installed PV systems continues to grow,” said Dieter Ortmann, Director General of Maxx solar, who added: “The potential of this region remains however, still to be exploited. This project clearly demonstrates the benefits of solar power plants are of this size in our state. ”

The energy produced by the PV system will be paid up to 25.86 cents per kilowatt hour.

“The energy investment in agricultural cooperatives is an example for Thuringia and shows that the transition to renewable energy is not only a political duty, but also a mission for businesses and citizens. I am particularly proud to see local partners work together for the success of projects as emblematic for the region, “Juergen Reinholz summarized, Environment Minister of Thuringia.

The scheme developed by scientists around the world staged power plants in orbit that capture the sun’s rays before them passing to the ground. This process is technically feasible within a decade or two, nothing that based on existing technologies in laboratories.

Specifically, the project would be to launch satellites into geostationary orbit in charge of capturing the sun’s energy and provided with adjustable articulated arm. The major advantage of the proposed system lies in the positioning of the various satellites in orbit over the equator that receive maximum sunshine and permanent (24/7).

Each satellite would transmit then the collected energy to a master device, which in turn convert the concentrated energy to electricity after transmitting to the Earth via laser or a microwave antenna. Finally, ground equipment would look to recover these flows and inject them into power systems.

“A pilot project to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology is quite possible thanks to low-cost launch vehicle currently under development,” said John Mankins, – former manager at NASA Concept – who led the study.

However, there are obstacles before reaching such an embodiment, the report quoted jumble: the problem of space debris, the lack of targeted studies and the final cost of development. The report therefore recommends that the actors both public and private sectors jointly funding feasibility studies.

Specializing in the design, operation, and development of photovoltaic industry and the roof to the ground, Ciel et Terre will connect the 20th solar power since the moratorium. Or a total capacity of 8 MWp on industrial roofs with an area between 1000 and 22 000 m2. In addition, the company is now present on the tender “great power on the ground” with four projects in Provence, Languedoc and Aquitaine.

However, despite the new regulations of the French photovoltaic, Ciel et Terre plans to continue! Indeed, by recently creating innovative solar power plants in a lake. These photovoltaic great powers are both floating, recyclable, French-made and constructed in accordance with the biodiversity of water bodies (industrial basins, ancient lakes career…).

This new method of designing electricity in a technically efficient and economically viable, attractive sunny today in many countries where electricity is very expensive for the time and space scarce.

Therefore, Heaven and Earth has strengthened its position by participating in development of international solar projects under “Sky & Earth” brand. According to the company, many partnerships have been forged in order to export the concept of solar lake in India, Israel, Thailand and the United States and Ecuador.

The ceremony took place at the University “El-Hassan Science City” in the presence of Princess Sumaya of Jordan, who is closely following the technological advances of his country in the field of alternative energies.

The project was developed with several partners whose primary NetEnergy, a Jordanian company specialized in solar charging, but also Nissan, Matra, AllCell Technologies and the Jordanian Ministry of the Environment.

This station, open to all, can be used “for free” by the users of electric vehicles.

The station is equipped with a terminal DBT model SXB 7kW (220-32A) that can recharge a Nissan Leaf in less than 4 hours. Equipped with two catches, this station can be used simultaneously by two electric vehicles of all types (car, scooter, bicycle…). DBT believes that the solar station will produce up to 25,000 kilowatts per year, the panels are also able to supply other facilities on the campus of the University, all without carbon.

The project, which required several years of research, allows LVD to confirm his involvement in technology initiatives “sustainable” and its ability to partner with key partners to create tomorrow’s mobility. The solar charging solution “turnkey” and just add the provision of infrastructure for DBT electric vehicles.

The solar park is part of an original project of diversification of forestry that has been hit hard by the storms of 1999 and 2009. Hence a smooth transition from monoculture pine, plantations towards more diverse, acacia, eucalyptus, etc … Resilience and biodiversity of this forest pilot of more than 2,000 hectares will be increased.

With a capacity of 8.5 MWp, this park produces the equivalent of the electricity consumption of 4,350 inhabitants is that of two-thirds of the people of Mio, an area occupied for less than 0.2% of the territory of the municipality, plots most affected. The construction of a second tranche, which is planned, allow Mios to become “a common renewable energy positive.”

Located on the edge of track on 18 acres, the park has produced its first kWh after 5 months of work. The project mobilized up to 50 people and uses many local businesses. Overall, 36,960 polycrystalline solar modules have been implemented on piles, with no concrete foundation. They produce electricity for over 20 years.

In January 2011, the group Iliad has entrusted the construction juwi EnR “Juwi has emerged after a close competition and was able to do even better than its promise,” said Yves Jacquin Depeyre, president of the Family Iliad , also manager of two forest communities affected by storms. “The site was particularly smoothly, in harmony with the neighborhood and even faster than expected.”

Over 1,000 hectares have been destroyed on the site in 2009 after several hundred hectares of damage in 1999. As one of the few forest to have a full-time employee, he considers essential to diversify the resources to diversify forest communities. Maritime pine monoculture is too exposed to the risk of storm. “Planting” of solar panels is for him to diversify as natural and conducive to biodiversity that its attempts to introduce new varieties of trees such as acacias, he experiences a large scale.

The solar farm creates a permanent open space and not plowed conducive to birds and small plants can not thrive under the forest canopy.

As a forester, he has carefully chosen the plot area dedicated to the sun. It did no more tree and it had no interest in hunting. The photovoltaic effect has been implemented on a plot “stuck” between the tracks, a road and two power lines.

The Okhotnykovo solar plant is the fourth of photovoltaic park in the world in terms of power, after Sarnia, Canada, Montalto di Castro, Italy, and Finsterwalde, Germany .

Located in the Crimea in southern Ukraine, the new power plant is capable of producing enough energy to meet the needs of 20,000 homes. Production of Okhotnykovo  park  will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide in the country of about 80 000 tonnes per year.

Ohotnikovo project consists of 347,800  PV modules spread over an area of ​​160 hectares.

This solar power plant is part of the national project “Natural Energy” launched by the National Agency of Ukraine for energy efficiency and energy conversion in 2010. Its aim was to produce electrical energy from renewable “clean”, such as solar and wind power, up to 2000 MW. This initiative will enable the Crimea to produce electricity with low transport costs, while preserving the environment of this region. According to the National Agency, the share of renewable energy production should reach 30% market Ukrainian energy by 2015.

The Austrian company Activ Solar, the project manager, recently opened an office in Odesa (megalopolis of Southern Ukraine), and stated its intention to continue its activities in the region. “A project of this magnitude stands for radical change in the development of solar energy in Europe, while strengthening the position of Ukraine as a supplier of renewable energy,” declared then Ertefai Kaveh, CEO of Solar Activ .

Ukraine presents a growing potential market for solar energy projects. Indeed, the solar radiation is between 800 and 1450 W / m² per year. The southern regions of the country have the greatest potential for solar energy production.

Finally, the solar PV market growth is mainly driven by the Ukrainian system of green tariff, which was approved by the State in September 2008. This system introduces fixed feed-in tariffs for electricity from renewable sources for a period of 20 years.

The TÜV Rheinland confirmed that all PV modules manufactured by Kyocera on the European site production Kadan (Czech Republic) have the right to be marked “Made in Europe”. This certification of the production site is particularly interesting for Italian investors: through directives applicable to the promotion of solar energy, the new Italian tariff regulation “Conto Energia IV”, which came into force on 1 June, is to installers an additional attraction encouraging them to buy solar systems manufactured in Europe.

Be aware that the use of modules marked with “Made in Europe” provides a supply price amounting to 10% more. Kyocera solar modules meet the guidelines and requirements for traceability and identification of plants, as the basis for the bonus.

In addition, since early October, Kyocera announced that the product warranty is now extended to 10 years, double the previous period. This guarantee has been certified by the Japanese Institute JET accordance with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Indeed, Kyocera makes every stage of manufacture on its own production. This vertical integration ensures a particularly high standard of quality. With effect from 1 October 2011, the product warranty Kyocera modules, distributed in Europe and intended to be connected to the electricity grid, has been doubled from five to ten years. Kyocera also offers a 20 year warranty on the power rating of the modules.

Testing corrosion resistance in salt spray, passed

Finally, as the continued growth and development of photovoltaic technology is becoming more extensive, internationally recognized standards become a guarantee for manufacturers, but also for customers and investors. Kyocera solar modules have now been successfully tested by the “Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories,” JET. JET certification – the Japanese equivalent of the German TÜV – confirmed the corrosion resistance of photovoltaic modules in salt spray in accordance with IEC 61701. Kyocera solar modules have passed this test successfully.

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, have developed a tool that uses the actual conditions of construction to determine the potential magnitude of the solar incidence – of an entire city, neighborhood, or a roof located. Scientists have taken the city of Gothenburg as a pilot project.

“The structures of the roof of a city can be more or less suitable for the installation of solar panels, depending on such factors as the amount of surface of a roof shaded by surrounding buildings (or vegetation), but also by the slope of the roof and the angle of incidence of sunlight. It is now possible for the first time to determine how many solar roofs in particular will receive during the year, “said Fredrik Lindberg, Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Gothenburg.

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have been working with consultants WSP to develop a GIS system to calculate the real potential of solar energy roof. The system was named “SEES” – Solar Energy from Existing Structures [solar energy from the existing structures] – and will be distributed free of charge for companies and municipalities that request it.

The new tool is based on geographic information systems (GIS) that collect, store, analyze and display geographic data. This means that the tool models the roofs as they are in a trusted environment. The sun illuminates the model in the built environment in 3D and simulates the projection of the shadows of buildings, land and vegetation.

The effect of shadows can be calculated for each month or a full year, which means that parts of a roof may be unsuitable for collecting solar energy, although the roof appears to be both optimal in the direction and inclination. In this sense, it is possible to calculate the total solar radiation on each part of a roof structure in a given area calculated in kilowatt hours per square meter.

Thus, “SEES”, is able to provide a map of the most relevant, depending on the user’s needs for good, less good and bad implications solar year. Climate data (measured or calculated values) have a temporal resolution to the nearest hour.

“We used Göteborg as a city driver in the project, but the method can be implemented in all municipalities where data are available. Users can determine the relevance of a roof to install solar panels or heat through a wide range, “said Fredrik Lindberg.

The solar project was supported by the University of Gothenburg, in collaboration with the WSP Analys & Strategi. It was funded by the Solel, Research Foundation in Göteborg Energi, the administration of the planning of the city of Göteborg and the Västra Götaland Regional Council.

With a capacity of 30.9 MWp Les Mees Solar Farm in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, was designed and developed by Eco Delta, developer and operator of independent power production facilities with a basis of wind and solar energy, with the support of its partner, the Japanese giant Sumitomo Corporation.

“The formal commissioning of the Les Mees Solar Farm, the largest photovoltaic power plant in France today is a major event for the future of the French photovoltaic sector. It confirms the need to let their chance to SMEs independent as ours, because they are the source of wealth and dynamism of the sector, in accordance with the principles of environmental, social and societal sustainable development. We thank the town of Les Mees, Sumitomo Corporation and all our partners have made ​​this great achievement, “said Ron Knoche, CEO of Eco Delta.

“First of all we express our deep gratitude to everyone who supported us in this project to the Les Mees Solar monumental. We are extremely pleased with the opening of the farm in Les Mees. Not only because c is the largest photovoltaic project in which we have never participated, but also because the facility is expected to contribute significantly to the preservation of the environment in the region, and the use of renewable energy in France . Sumitomo Corporation’s priority is to develop relationships based on trust, and as such, meet the expectations of everyone involved in this project, through a strong managerial and operational management that we are committed to for over 20 years, with our partner Eco Delta, “said Hiroaki Mizobuchi, executive director of Sumitomo Corporation.

One of the highest possible yields in France

Les Mees Solar farm consists of six parks, five of which are already in service and all of which will be a few days. It is deployed on 70 acres of the plateau of  Les Mees, characterized by an exceptional site:

- The combination of sunshine all year record (1550 kWh of solar horizontal per year) and relatively low temperatures,
- As well as clean air thanks to its high altitude (800 meters) and the absence of heavy industry in the region.

With more than 1455 kWh / kWp per year, the facility offers one of the highest possible yields in France. It produces 50 GW / year and provides electricity to 83,000 people in the region.

Created and environmentally sustainable agriculture

At the base of corporate ethics Eco Delta, environmental sustainability and agricultural oversaw the design and implementation of the Les Mees Solar Farm, like all of its projects. The 70 hectares of former wasteland farm occupied by the facility have been prepared by the method of mulching (crushing plant cover) and turn them into farmland. Similarly, to preserve the land, Eco Delta has decided to limit the use of concrete by choosing to implement the supporting structures of photovoltaic panels with screws. The land will be seeded plants honey to produce honey and essential oils, while promoting the conservation of bees. Finally, the conversion of the solar farm on agricultural land in Les Mees, lifespan and the recycling of photovoltaic panels have been set at conception.

Launched in January this year, construction was provided by the turnkey Energy Sector of Siemens France. 112,780 provided by Suntech polycrystalline panels have been installed including.

The investment made ​​by Lavansol 1, the operator of the farm Les Mees Solar Eco jointly owned by Delta and Sumitomo Corporation, amounted to 110 million euros financed by equity and bank loans. Full year, a Lavansol should realize a turnover of 14.5 million euros.

To complete this achievement very ambitious, which contributes significantly to energy diversification of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, both partners were supported by local authorities.

“It’s a real satisfaction to see achieving such an important project (…) The municipality has invested heavily in the success of this project because the renewable energy it seems essential in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions and to preserve the planet. In addition, the site is particularly suitable for the installation of photovoltaic parks. The discomfort is minimal for agriculture and for the general population. Finally, despite the removal of business tax The municipality hopes the tax benefits that will enable it to better meet the needs of residents. I wish every success to the largest solar farm in France, “concluded Philippe Raymond, Mayor of Les Mees.

Saint-Charles International, the first European platform to distribute fruit and vegetables, is now a major producer of green energy.

In two years, asbestos cement sheets that covered the 11 buildings on the site were replaced by 68 000 m 2 of photovoltaic tiles. The plant develops a total power of 8.8 MWp. Its annual production is expected to reach 9.7 MWh or 10% of the needs of the city of Perpignan.

55 million euros – The operation, costing 55 million euros was made ​​by Saint-Charles Solar, a company that combines the operator Akuo Energy, the Deposit and Consignment Office, Solaire France and several owners of warehouses in Saint-Charles International.

“This facility anticipates the buildings of tomorrow, who will present an energy balance, says André Joffre, president of consulting firm Tecsol, architect of the operation. It turns out that the installed PV capacity is the capacity of refrigeration units that equip the warehouses. ”

French technology – components used to cover the buildings are slates of glass, waterproof, manufactured by Saint-Gobain, based on a patent held by Solaire France.

“I came to inaugurate the facility because it implements a French technology,” said Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, Minister of Ecology, who has warranted on this occasion the new photovoltaic device support introduced by the government.

The Minister also highlighted the potential of job creation, “If we just make a race for power, we open the door to imports of Chinese signs. If instead, we make a selection on the technology, then we can add value to our patents, our engineers and production sites. I am aware that the transition will be very hard, but it is our responsibility vis-à-vis the French, who pay these expenses through their electricity bills. ”

Local stakeholders are concerned that the system of tendering set up by the government would jeopardize a second phase of the project equipment market Saint-Charles.

The operation, blocked since the moratorium on solar power in December 2010, is to lay 85,000 m 2 of additional panels on buildings in neighboring St. Charles International.

“I’m afraid the price criterion is decisive in the selection of projects, which will penalize local businesses and make an operation like this very difficult to achieve,” said Jean-Paul Alduy, president of the community of agglomeration Perpignan Méditerranée.

The authorities of the Autonomous Region of Ningxia, in northwest China, started on October 12 the construction of a large hybrid solar power plant as part of the country’s efforts to accelerate development of renewable energy.

The Hanas New Energy Group, based in the regional capital of Yinchuan, plans to invest 2,250 million yuan (354 million dollars) in the hybrid solar thermal Yanchi district, which is expected to have a capacity of 92,5 megawatts.

The CSP will be operational in October 2013 and will be the first integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) in Asia, although there are several plants in other countries. “The solar thermal in Yanchi be the benchmark for commercial operation ISCC plant in China,” said company president, Ma Fuqiang.

In early March, China announced it had set a goal to build 235 GW of renewable energy generation over the next five years, in an attempt to reduce the country’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels and CO2 emissions. According to plan, for 2015 will create 5,000 megawatts of solar photovoltaic and solar thermal between, thanks to several projects to build in remote regions such as Ningxia and also the autonomous regions of Xinjiang (northwest), Inner Mongolia (northern) and Tibet (southwest).

Most solar energy projects on a large scale are focused exclusively on solar thermal technology, which involves using mirrors to heat a liquid, which in turn produces steam that makes work a turbine to generate electricity.

A solar power plant equipped with the ISCC system combines solar fields with gas turbines, with the aim of increasing efficiency by 25 percent compared with conventional thermal one, which depends heavily on weather conditions.

ISSC solar thermal power plants operating successfully in several countries, including Egypt and the United States, while others are under construction in Algeria and Morocco. Moreover, Mexico, India and Iran are developing plans.

Ningxia has abundant coal resources as well as solar and wind energy company Hanas, as the largest natural gas producer and supplier of urban use of thermal energy services centralized in the region, has developed plans to install wind farms and power plants solar from 2000 to make it your main business.