California Utility to Measure Photovoltaics’ Effect on the Power Grid

GridSense, an Acorn Energy Company, Partners with California Utility to Measure Photovoltaics’ Effect on the Power Grid

Sacramento, CA – June 28, 2012 ‐ GridSense, an Acorn Energy (NASDAQ: ACFN) company that develops and markets advanced monitoring solutions for the electric power industry, has announced that a California utility will use its LineIQTM solution to measure the impact of photovoltaic (PV) generated power as it enters the utility grid.

Many states are mandating increases in the percentage of power generated from renewables. California has implemented a law requiring utilities to procure 33% of their electricity from eligible renewable energy sources by 2020, of which solar will comprise a significant part.

As more and more solar comes online, however, utilities are grappling with its disruptive effects on the grid. Non‐renewable power sources are relatively constant. They are very predictable and rarely impacted by time of day, season, or hour‐to‐hour changes in weather conditions. That is not the case with PVs. PV capacity is different in summer than it is in winter. In volatile weather, it can change significantly on an hour‐by‐hour, or even minute‐by‐minute basis.

“Loading is a particular concern as PVs enter the grid,” says Brandy Henson, GridSense Sales Manager. “Grappling with significant power fluctuations challenges traditional utility models. It demands a more fluid and flexible smart grid control mechanism. To accomplish that, you need extensive, reliable monitoring.”

The California utility is using LineIQTM monitoring system on distribution lines surrounding PVs to gauge their impact as they feed the grid. Monitoring will focus on fluctuations at different times of day, and due to sun and weather conditions. For this application, LineIQTM has been programmed to sample every two seconds to ensure a truly high‐resolution view of line conditions over time.

With its ability to monitor lines up to 138kV, self‐powered design, and accommodation of any communications protocol, the unit is uniquely qualified for this type of high‐intensity monitoring. Considering the worldwide emphasis on integrating PV and other renewables into the grid, GridSense anticipates an increase in the demand for renewable energy source monitoring.

“We’re thrilled that utilities are continuing to recognize the value and versatility of the LineIQTM monitoring solution,” says Henson.

“The ability to monitor higher voltage lines, the depth of intelligent data it collects, and its aptitude for extremely high‐intensity sampling make it a perfect tool to help utilities seamlessly integrate more renewables into their network.”

About GridSense Inc.
GridSense is a smart grid technology company dedicated to providing innovative, practical and cost effective monitoring solutions to the electric power industry. Utilizing in‐depth industry knowledge and understanding of utility requirements, we provide technology and services that help the industry address the limitations of old and aging infrastructure. We apply experience and technical know how with new insight and ideas to create intelligent, reliable and leading edge technologies that add value to our customers and
shape the future of the modern electrical power system.

Source Link: http://www.acornenergy.com/rsc/articles/news-366.pdf

Ascent Solar Accepts Order for EnerPlex TM Charger for Apple's iPhone

Product debut in Asia in early August

THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules, announced today that it has received a purchase order for 50,000 units of its EnerPlex solar charger for the Apple ® (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone ® *. The EnerPlex charger was launched in early June, and it was displayed at Ascent's annual shareholder's meeting. It was first publicly displayed to the industry at Intersolar in Europe last week. The product takes advantage of Ascent's ultra-light, thin and flexible solar panels and enables iPhone users to provide supplementary charging of their iPhones with sunlight.

The order is from Ascent's exclusive distributor in Asia, TFG Radiant, which has advance orders from its channel partners for retail distribution throughout the Asia region. Ascent plans to fulfill the channel orders, supporting the early August retail launch of EnerPlex chargers in Asia.
Ascent Solar's President and CEO, Victor Lee, said "Initial response to the EnerPlex solar charger has been excellent. We are very encouraged by the initial orders we have received from our distribution partners in Asia and we are receiving strong interest from potential distributors worldwide. We plan to work closely with our channel partners in Asia to support the retail launch of EnerPlex while continuing to pursue expansion opportunities for this revolutionary line of products around the world."
Lee continued, "Ascent unveiled the EnerPlex charger at Intersolar Europe last week to a tremendous response. The market is clearly excited about our sleek design which provides consumers with a new and fashionable way to power their smartphone. With this launch of our first EnerPlex product, with many more to come, we are taking the first step toward driving a new revenue stream with significant growth opportunity for the company."
This charger is the first product under Ascent's new EnerPlex line of consumer products. Ascent is developing future products for other leading smart phones and consumer devices, such as the Samsung ® Galaxy S ® III *.
Photos, a promotional video, and product information can be found at www.ascentsolar.com/enerplex.

About Ascent Solar Technologies:
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that can transform the way solar power generation integrates into everyday life. Ascent Solar modules can be directly integrated into standard building materials, commercial transportation, automotive solutions, space applications, consumer electronics for portable power and durable off-grid solutions. Additional information can be found at www.ascentsolar.com.

* Apple and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Samsung and Galaxy S are registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Galaxy is a trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC.


Source: Ascent Solar Technologies
News Provided by Acquire Media

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LIC in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation (2011-2021)

Market Reserach from ElectroniCast: Lithium-ion Capacitors (LICs)

            The use of lithium-ion capacitors as independent power supplies in combination with photovoltaic panels is being considered for a wide range of devices such as streetlights, roadside signage/displays, airfield lighting, surveillance cameras, and security sensors.  Lithium-ion capacitors are characterized by an ability to charge with even weak current, and as a result, demand is expected to increase substantially in environmentally friendly fields such as solar power generation.

            Market Forecast Application Categories             This chapter presents the ElectroniCast market forecast for the years 2011-2021 for the worldwide consumption (use) of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) used in solar photovoltaic power generation applications. Regional and sub-regional market forecasts are also presented and segmented by two major End-User categories:

·  Government/Commercial

·  Residential/Non-Specific

Market Forecast Functions               The estimate of 2011 plus the market forecast (2012-2021) is presented for Lithium-Ion capacitors for use with solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation.  The Lithium-Ion capacitor (LIV) market forecast data are segmented by the following functions:

·        Consumption Value (US$, million)

·        Quantity (number/Farad: Million)

·        Average Selling Prices (ASP $, each Farad)

The consumption of lithium-ion capacitors is very much in the development stage (or infancy stage) of its product life cycle (PLC), especially in conjunction with the use solar photovoltaic power (solar panels).

There are many different sources of energy (coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, oil), therefore, the use of solar photovoltaic products, as well as other alternative or renewable energy solutions are constantly striving to serve the needs of consumers.

The Government/Commercial category, with an emphasis on the government sector using solar panel/light emitting diode (LED) streetlights, is forecast to lead the marketplace during the forecast period (2011-2021).

The Residential category also includes “other” applications, which typically fall under the non-specific group based mostly on the web-based sale channels or other distribution channel where it often difficult to ascertain the final user-group of the product.  

Contact:  Stephen Montgomery

stephenmontgomery@electronicastconsultants.com

WEB:  www.electronicast.com

 

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)

OPIC Board Approves $175 Million for Two Renewable Energy Investment Funds

TPG and GEF to help bring latest technologies to reduce environmental impact in Latin America, Southeast Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, approved $175 million in financing for two new investment funds that will bring the latest renewable energy technologies to emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, helping to lay the foundation for the sector’s growth in those regions for years to come.

“The GEF Africa Growth Fund will make investments that accelerate the development of Africa’s energy infrastructure, particularly in industries that can raise agribusiness output to meet consumption needs.”

The Board approved $125 million in financing for TPG Alternative & Renewable Technologies Partners (TPG ART). TPG will invest in companies matching the best renewable technologies from the United States and Europe to markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia. TPG will also support the adoption of renewable technologies that will have a lower environmental impact than the traditional methods of energy generation used today.

“Taking the latest renewable energy technologies and applying them to emerging markets is one of the great development challenges of the coming years. Be it converting local biomass to high-value products, improving energy storage, or making use of state-of-the-art building materials, the technologies invested in by this fund will represent an important step toward meeting that challenge,” said OPIC President and CEO Elizabeth Littlefield.

The Board also approved $50 million for the GEF Africa Growth Fund, which will invest in environment-related energy infrastructure across Sub-Saharan Africa in order to improve the efficiency of energy and agribusiness production in the region. The fund will target investments in clean electricity generation; energy management systems; distribution infrastructure; energy efficiency technologies and services; and companies which promote sustainable management and harvesting of timber and agriculture. The fund has a target capitalization of $150 million.

GEF’s investments in clean and renewable forms of energy will help offset the increased demand for fossil‐fuel power generation in the subcontinent. Rapid economic growth across Africa has resulted in a significant electricity shortage that requires a dependence on costly diesel generators or improvised kerosene lighting. Similarly, the expansion is prompting higher levels of food consumption, which is expected to grow by 2.6 percent annually through 2018.

“Rising energy demand and food consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa makes the connection between renewable energy and agribusiness critical to the subcontinent’s future,” said Ms. Littlefield. “The GEF Africa Growth Fund will make investments that accelerate the development of Africa’s energy infrastructure, particularly in industries that can raise agribusiness output to meet consumption needs.”

TPG ART is managed by TPG , a leading global private investment firm founded in 1992 with $51.5 billion of assets under management and offices in Fort Worth, San Francisco, Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, New York, Paris, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.

GEF Africa Growth Fund is managed by GEF Management Corporation, founded in 1990 with the objective of making investments in growing companies that make positive contributions to the global environment, human health, and the quality of life.
 
OPIC is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution. It mobilizes private capital to help solve critical development challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy. Because OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.
 
Established as an agency of the U.S. Government in 1971, OPIC operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to American taxpayers. OPIC services are available for new and expanding business enterprises in more than 150 countries worldwide. To date, OPIC has supported more than $200 billion of investment in over 4,000 projects, generated an estimated $75 billion in U.S. exports and supported more than 276,000 American jobs.

Twice the energy density of a regular lithium-ion battery

Startup developing new battery technology wins $12,000 in first MIT ACCELERATE contest

MIT Sloan School of Management (Massachusetts Institute of Technology - United States)

Sloan Fellow Vishwas Dindore and his SolidEnergy teammates recently won the $10,000 Daniel M. Lewis Grand Prize along with a $2,000 Audience Choice Award at the MIT ACCELERATE contest held recently at MIT.

SolidEnergy, a start-up that's developing a battery technology to improve the safety and energy density of rechargeable batteries, walked away with the $12,000 after beating out 28 teams of semi-finalists during the inaugural MIT ACCELERATE contest, which was introduced this winter as part of the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition — now in its 22nd year — as another channel to encourage entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.

Participating teams submitted a demonstration, ranging from a hardware prototype to experimental data to a beta web service, to prove the concepts behind their business ideas. Judging was conducted by a panel of industry experts and venture capitalist judges.

"Huge markets, pioneering technology and a dynamic team ... what more do you need?" asked ACCELERATE Judge Chris Gabrieli, a partner at Bessemer Venture Capital, on the judges' selection of SolidEnergy.

SolidEnergy introduced a patented battery technology that has more than twice the energy density of a regular lithium-ion battery, and can safely operate from -40 degrees C to 250 degrees C. It is also the first rechargeable battery with the potential to be used in oil drilling. The battery technology also has potential applications for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, biomedical devices and the military.

Team members included Qichao Hu, a graduating PhD student at Harvard and co-inventor of the battery; Louis Beryl, a graduating student at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School; Mike Hagerty, a graduating master's student in the MIT Technology and Policy Program; and Dindore, an MIT Sloan Fellow with experience in the oil and gas industry. Their adviser is MIT Professor Donald R. Sadoway, who is also co-inventor of the battery technology.

"We were blown away by the level of competition and impressed by the other pitches," said Hagerty, who added that their win came from "combining a potentially groundbreaking technology with a realistic and exciting opportunity to move it to the market."

Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) for Solar PV Systems

United Kingdom (UK): The reduced FIT for solar PV systems came into effect on 3rd March (2012).

The Government has announced that FITs for solar PV will be reduced again from August 1, 2012.


The Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme was introduced on 1 April 2010, under powers in the Energy Act 2008. Through the use of FITs, DECC hopes to encourage deployment of additional small-scale (less than 5MW) low-carbon electricity generation, particularly by organisations, businesses, communities and individuals that have not traditionally engaged in the electricity market.
This will allow many people to invest in small-scale low-carbon electricity, in return for a guaranteed payment from an electricity supplier of their choice for the electricity they generate and use as well as a guaranteed payment for unused surplus electricity they export back to the grid.

Click Link for more detail:   

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/Renewable_ener/feedin_tariff/feedin_tariff.aspx


Source: Department of Energy & Climate Change 2012

Company Profile: TSMC Solar

TSMC Solar’s parent company is TSMC, the world’s first and largest semiconductor foundry.

Through its pioneering business model – ultramodern production of integrated circuits (ICs) as a service for our customers – TSMC has fundamentally changed the chip industry. TSMC, headquartered in Taiwan, produces over 8,000 products for the more than 450 customers it serves per year. This represents almost 8% of the global production volume for IC wafers.

TSMC began expanding in new areas of business in 2009 – with a focus on photovoltaics and LED lighting. In 2010, TSMC Solar founded regional headquarters in North America through TSMC Solar North America in San Jose, CA, USA and in Europe through TSMC Solar Europe GmbH in Hamburg, Germany.

An overview of how TSMC Solar was created:

May 2009 – New Business segment founded, launching our solar business
February 2010 – Acquired a 20% share of the capital of Motech Industries, the largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar cells in Taiwan
June 2010 – Acquired 21% share of Stion Corporation, a manufacturer of CIGS solar modules in the USA, including technology, licensing, supply and development agreements
September 2010 – TSMC Solar breaks ground on Solar Fab and R&D Center in Taichung, Taiwan
December 2010 – TSMC Solar North America and TSMC Solar Europe GmbH are founded as the headquarters to serve the North American and European solar-energy markets
January 2011 – TSMC enters into a manufacturing partnership with Centrosolar Group AG, one of the leading manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules in Germany
April 2011 – Completion of our CIGS thin-film module factory in Taichung, Taiwan
September 2011 – Completion of tool move-in at CIGS thin-film module factory

A brief history of TSMC’s success reinforces its commitment to the solar business:

• 1987 – TSMC is founded by Philips Electronics and the Taiwanese government
• 1994 – TSMC is listed on the stock market (NYSE: TSM, TSE:2330)
• 2010 – $13.9 Billion revenue, market cap value of $56 Billion on the NYSE stock exchange (May 2011)
• 2010 – Solar regional offices founded in San Jose, CA, USA and Hamburg, Germany
• 2011 – $5.6 Billion capital reinvested into manufacturing capacity
• 2011 – 33,000 employees, chip production in Taiwan, USA, Singapore (JV), China

For more detailed information about TSMC, see www.tsmc.com.