Sun & Wind Energy December 2010

ISSN 1861-2741 74714

www.sunwindenergy.com

9,50 € • International issue

12/2010

The Magazine for Renewable Energies

4th Solar Thermal world map

Disparity

in the world market

Photovoltaics

Solar Energy

Wind Energy

Module production: frames & adhesives

Solar glass: coatings gaining in importance

A trend towards flow line production

Visit us in Montpellier Energaïa December 8-11, 2010 Hall 12, Booth D600

Yields as secure as the gold in Fort Knox. Since 1936, the United States government has safely stored its gold at Fort Knox. Gold has been a dependable investment for centuries. Wise investors today put their money in PV. So it’s only natural that Fort Knox is equipped with a PV plant. No wonder the security experts have chosen inverters by KACO new energy. But watch out: Some would even steal for maximum PV yields. We say why bother when you can simply buy a KACO inverter. They are the safest investment around. Ask a dealer today! KACO new energy. We turn passion into power.

www.kaco-newenergy.de

Editorial

Fencing or the splits?

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f you put one foot out in front of you and the other one out behind you, then at best you are ready to fight in the sport of fenc­ ing. At worst you are about to painfully do the splits. If you look at the development of renew­able energies at the year’s close, then it is hard to tell whether the companies compe­ ting to supply energy from this sector will ­easily and elegantly grab the next points, or will hit the ground painfully. Take solar thermal: in our annual world map of the solar thermal industry we once again look closely at the sector. The survey of 248 collector manufacturers worldwide shows a clear disparity – the European manufactur­ ers are fighting against decreasing demand in their main markets, overcapacities and price pressures. Outside Europe things are moving forward at a pace, however. Especially the Chinese manufacturers are profiting from the strong growth in South Africa and Mexico, for example; their tubes are being used in collec­ tors all around the world. As our author Bärbel Epp has discovered, the top five Chinese vacu­ um tube manufacturers alone produced more square metres of collector area in 2009 than the 167 manufacturers of flat plate collectors which have disclosed their figures to us. China is also putting a constant price pres­ sure on European manufacturers in the field of photovoltaics. Although these keep trying to console themselves that their claimed higher quality can get modules made in Europe a price premium of around 10 %, it is uncertain whether this will be enough in the long term. The downward spiral of systems prices will continue, and the module manufacturers will have to bear a large portion of this load. The German sector association BSW-Solar has al­ ready announced there will be a step back next year – and this in the world’s most im­ portant PV market in 2010. Approx. 8 GW of newly installed capacity, that’s 54 % of new global installations, is the amount expected

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

by analysts for Germany this year – followed by Italy with approx. 1.8 GW. All other mar­ kets continue to be well below the 1 GW mark. The forecast for newly installed capaci­ ty in Germany in 2011 is still 6 GW, but from 2012 it is just 3 to 5 GW, with some analysts talking of an annual growth of merely 2 GW. In order to compensate for this, all the other countries would have to achieve annual growth rates of 100 % from 2010 to 2012, say analysts from the international market re­ search agency EuPD Research. The signals currently coming from the Czech Republic and Great Britain indicate that painfully doing the splits is the more likely outcome, however. And what about the largest bearer of hope: wind power? Here we have declining installa­ tion figures in Europe and a market collapse to almost half the 2009 figures in the USA. Unlike photovoltaics, though, China also plays an important role as an export market here. In the record year of 2009 the Middle Kingdom alone got 13 GW of new wind power capacity onto the grid, and up to mid-2010 they achieved a further 7.8 GW. Apart from this, only the USA and India are currently in the gigawatt league, at 1.2 GW apiece. Due to priority being given to the home market, ­China’s industry still doesn’t play an impor­ tant role in the international wind turbine business, but it does as a supplier of large components such as gearboxes. Perhaps it is this different structure which is enabling com­ panies to stay relaxed in 2010 despite declin­ ing installation figures. The wind power sec­ tor aims to be growing again in 2011 – and not only with one leg leading. With such differing perspectives for the ­future there is only really one thing which is true for everyone: our business will remain nail-biting.

Dr. Volker Buddensiek Editor-in-chief [email protected]

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Table of contentS Cranes: at the limits Cranes whose lifting power was celebrated as sensational 20 years ago are now rather more like toothpicks. There are obviously a lot fewer boundaries on the way up than previously thought.

Page 156

Photo: juwi



Off-grid: an alternative to gridbased supply Growing markets in the developing and emerging countries, and no less the development of new fields of application, have given a noticeable boost to the demand for autonomous PV electrification solutions. The manufacturers of off-grid inverters and charge controllers, however, in future will need to offer not merely individual devices, but rather complete systems for an off-grid power supply.



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ISSN 1861-274

gy.com www.sunwindener

l issue

9,50 € • Internationa

12/2010

12/2010

Photo: Terex Demag

Energies for Renewable THE MAGAZINE

Solar thermal world map: the disparity is growing

Disthpeawroriltdymarket

un Photo: Chromas

MAL WORLD MAP 4TH SOLAR THER

in

PHOTOVOLTAICS

tion: Module produc sives he ad & s me fra

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SOLAR ENERGY

atings Solar glass: co rtance gaining in impo

This year the world map of the solar thermal industry appears for the fourth time. Since the start in 2007 with 177 companies, participation has grown strongly to 248 flat plate, air and vacuum tube (collector) manufacturers this time. The disparity between the industry in and outside China has continued to grow.



Page 42

WIND ENERGY

s A trend toward tion flow line produc

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

­

Heating networks in Europe: potential for more Throughout the EU, only 40 megawatt-class ­collector arrays are in operation. However, ­examples in use show that very low solar thermal energy costs can be reached. Especially in Denmark the construction of solar thermal district heating systems is booming.



Pages 74, 79

Photo: Marstal Fjernvarme

Country Special Russia: second attempt at a green law Russia’s lobby for regenerative energies is small. Its first attempt to introduce a green energy law had failed perhaps for that reason. Now, the lobbyists have made another effort. What the outcome will be is still uncertain.

 

Page 38

Photo: RMCIP

Review

Solar Energy



88 Anti-reflective glass makes clear gains 94 Solar Power International in Los Angeles

Country Special 38 Russia: second attempt at a green law

Solar Thermal 42 62 66 72 74 79 83

World map of flat plate collectors and ­ vacuum tube technology World map of air collectors Solar heat for luxury hotels Spain: solar contracting for 23 hospitals Heating networks: potential for more? Solar thermal district heating in Denmark Solar thermal products

CSp 84 Cost reduction: beating fossil prices

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

= manufacturing technology feature

Photovoltaics

98 Components: frames, laminating, bonding 106 Market overview of off-grid production 118 Dye cells: targeting the 12 % threshold 122 Japan wants to get back to the top 128 USA: “solarization” of the south-west 132 Greek market: Energy Photovoltaic, Athens 136 PV policies and products in Greece 140 Powerful prospects in Bulgaria



146 Automation: smooth transition 156 Cranes: at the limits 160 Gamesa’s global ambitions 162 Poland: plenty of catching up to do

Wind energy

BioENERGY 164 Cooking with wood on a closed fire 167 Biofuels in China: climate-friendly cars

Department 170 Directory 178 Preview and imprint

Photo: GTZ

6 International news 16 Taiwan pushes environmental technology 20 Ecodesign Directive for water heating 24 Optimism at RenewableUK in Glasgow 27 European Future Energy Forum in London 30 CSP Today Summit in Seville 32 A solar roof for Prague Zoo 34 High altitude wind power 36 Incentive schemes worldwide 169 International fairs

Cooking with wood on a closed fire In rural areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America, wood is the most widespread raw material used to generate heat for cooking and heating. However, this use of biomass in such regions is generally viewed as being harmful to the climate, the environment and human health. Now the situation should be improved by the introduction of more efficient stoves to replace open fires. 

Page 164

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Review

International NEWS

International

NEWS

200 kW: largest private solar power plant in the UK According to the company, Solarsense UK Ltd. started operating Britain’s largest private solar power plant. The 200 kW plant is situated on the cowhouse of the Worthy Farm in the town of Glastonbury in southern England. The grounds are used as a venue for Europe’s largest open-air music festival, attended by roughly 200,000 guests from all over the world. In Glastonbury two SolarMax TS series central inverters from Sputnik Engineering convert the direct current from more than 1,100 Romag solar modules into grid-compliant alternating current. Solarsense has purchased the inverters from Sundog Energy Ltd., one of the leading British companies for renewable energy systems. The Glastonbury yield is sufficient to supply 40 households with energy. In addition, the solar plant eliminates 100 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

“The solar plant is our figurehead,“ says Michael Eavis, the owner of the Worthy Farm and initiator of the Glastonbury Festival.  Photo: Solarsense

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Retroactive solar tax shocks Czech PV industry

UK plans to amend FIT for ground-mounted PV systems

The political battle over consequences of the solar boom in the Czech Republic has ­resulted in a new legislation which will harm the ­local photovoltaics industry significantly. At the end of October the Czech parliament took the first set of ­restrictive measures for local photovoltaics. It stopped the tax holidays for all operators of PV plants and changed the write-off scheme to be applied retroactively to all PV plants. After strong protests from local investors, the deputies decided to limit an additional solar tax to a duration of 3 years (2011-2013). The tax will vary from 26 % (FIT for sold power to grid operators) to 28 % (so-called Green Bonus payments for electricity produced and consumed in the consumption place). Under the amendment, new photovoltaic power plants built on agricultural or forest land will no longer be entitled to the support. However, the existing power plants which will supply power to the distribution network will not lose the support. The new solar legislation will limit state support to solar power generation only to small rooftop power plants with solar panels attached to buildings. Moreover, there will also be no subsidies for offgrid systems from 2011. Under the amended law, operators of off-grid solar power plants which will start to operate by end-2010 will have 12 months to connect the facilities to the grid. Their entitlement to the support will be maintained if they connect them to the distribution network. If this is not technically or financially feasible, they will receive no more FIT payments from 2012.

Britain’s Energy Minister Greg Barker indicated plans to change the feed-in tariff (FIT) for ground-mounted PV systems in the UK. During parliamentary questions on November 11 he said that ground-mounted photovoltaic systems should “not be ­allowed to distort the market” for roof-mounted PV or other renewables. According to reports by the internet platform greenwisebusiness, the Minister said the government had inherited a FIT system that had failed to anticipate PV field systems which in his opinion threatened to distort the solar market. Alluding to the situation in Spain, he also said that the government would not act retrospectively. The Renewable Energy Association (REA) responded to the Minster’s statement by issuing a warning: “This statement is likely to worry potential investors in ground-mounted schemes,” said Gaynor Hartnell, Chief Executive of the REA. “Those that have acted in good faith, and already made substantial investments on legal works and preparation of planning applications, will be feeling very uncomfortable indeed.”

EU funds silicon thin-film research The European Commission is supporting the silicon thinfilm research project PEPPER with € 9.4 million. The project aims at reducing the production costs of silicon-based thin-film modules and raising their efficiency. PEPPER is coordinated by Oerlikon Solar, the manufacturer of production facilities. The project started on 1st September and is scheduled to last three years. The aim is to develop a production line capable of producing 157 W modules with a stable efficiency of 11 %. To this end, the project will study in detail the following points: thinner glass substrates, improved TCO properties (material growth and light trapping), faster silicon deposition and higher silicon quality.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Shine baby shine!

» Forget about oil. Solar electricity is the energy of the 21st century.*«

Larry Hagman, also known as the oil tycoon from the TV series “Dallas”, always had an intuition for profitable businesses. Now he focuses on clean energy made from the sun and sand, and on solar electricity systems from SolarWorld – winner of the Photon performance test in 2008 and 2009. High performance, German technology. Find out more about our smart solar solutions at www.solarworld.com * On his farm in Ojai, California, Larry Hagman established the largest residential solar power system of the Unites States.

Review

International NEWS

Groundbreaking of Ivanpah power tower plant On 27th October BrightSource Energy broke ground on the construction of the 392 MW power tower CSP plant Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. The plant is expected to be fully operational by mid 2013. California Governor Schwarzenegger and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined with members of the BrightSource Energy team, project partners, and local, state and federal officials to commemorate the event. The US Department of Energy supports the project with a US$ 1,375 million loan guarantee. The produced energy will be sold to various energy suppliers under power purchase agreements (PPA). Each PPA has a duration of 20 to 25 years.

US Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and NRG CEO David Crane at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System on October 27th. 

In addition to the event BrightSource announced that power generation company NRG Energy will invest up to US$ 300 million for a partnership with BrightSource to construct, finance, own and operate the power plant. The Ivanpah power plant is the first commercial large-scale CSP plant in the

Groundbreaking of the 5 MW micro CSP plant Kalaeloa Solar One in Hawaii.  Photo: Sopogy

Groundbreaking of 5 MW micro CSP plant in Hawaii At the end of October the Kalaeloa Solar One CSP project broke ground. The 5 MW plant will be equipped with SopoNova parabolic trough collectors from the Hawaiian company Sopogy. The system uses a high temperature energy cycle and works at temperatures of about 200 °C. The collectors are much smaller than collectors used in the commercial plants in Spain and the southwest US. Sopogy expects that they can produce energy at grid parity. In Hawaii this would be around 26 US-Ct/kWh. The Kalaeloa Solar One project is a partnership between the State of Hawaii, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Keahole Solar Power (KSL). Sopogy plans to complete the plant before November 2011 to present it at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to leaders from 21 countries. The state of Hawaii also recently announced a feed-in tariff for renewable energy projects. Hawaii plans to generate 70 % of its energy from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Photo: BrightSource Energy

United States that will use power tower technology. The plant will use three receivers, each located on a high tower. Thousands of mirrors will track the sun on two axes and focus the light to the receivers. There water is heated to 550 °C creating superheated steam with a pressure of 160 bar, that is piped to a steam turbine.

Final building permission for 1,000 MW plant Blythe In October, US Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar ­authorized the land use rights for the Blythe solar power plant site in California. A total of four solar thermal power plants are to be built there with an overall capacity of almost 1,000 MW. With the approval of the land use rights, the entire approval process has now been concluded. Initially, Solar Millennium will build two power stations with a capacity of 242 MW each. The construction work is scheduled to begin already this year. It is planned that the first power generation unit will be connected to the grid in 2013, followed by the second one in 2014. At the Blythe site, the global irradiance is 2,700 kWh/m2 and thus about 30 % higher than in Spain, the second large CSP market apart from the USA.

CSP plant Hualapai Valley receives environmental certification The Arizona Corporate Commission (ACC) approved the 340 MW Hualapai Valley Solar CSP project’s Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC). The CEC was the last approval for the project developer Mohave Sun to begin construction of the power plant. Beside the plant itself, the CEC approves interconnection and transmission plans. The Hualapai Valley plant got the approval to

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use wastewater for an evaporative cooling system. The ACC expressed that Hualapai is likely to be the last project that gets approval to use water cooling. Due to the limited water resources in the area, further power plants will have to use dry cooling, which is more expensive. Hualapai Valley Solar and the nearby city of Kingman are evaluating possible sources for wastewater. Since a binding Memoran-

dum of Understanding in December 2009, both sides are working on a water purchase agreement that would supply more than half of the water needed for the power plant. The source would be the city’s Hilltop Wastewater Treatment Plant that treats about 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day. The agreement for the output of the Hilltop facility is expected to go before the City Council within this year.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Review

International NEWS

Fresnel collectors in front of the model stadium in Qatar. Photo: Mirroxx

Qatar applies for FIFA World Cup with a solar stadium The Emirate of Qatar hopes to organize the FIFA World Cup in 2022. In order to help get a decision in their favour, in September the application committee presented the FIFA inspectors a model stadium that had been erected especially for this purpose. It offers space for only 500 people but shows what the World Cup stadiums might look like. The stadium is equipped with an air-conditioning system powered by the sun. Fresnel collectors with a total surface area of 1,400 m2 provide the heat to drive the absorption cooling system (T = 200 °C). The collector array was made by the German company Mirroxx GmbH and is its largest project to date. The air that has been cooled by solar energy flows underneath the grandstand. The

stadium roof can be opened and closed as needed. This provides shade in the middle of the day, without which it would not be possible to cool the stadium. In the evening the spectators can admire the starry sky. A photovoltaic system installed on the site makes sure that the stadium has a positive ecological balance in terms of its power supply. The electricity generated is fed into the national grid. The connection to the grid and a generator running on biofuel ensure the stadium’s electricity supply. Apart from Qatar, Australia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Great Britain and the USA have also applied for the FIFA World Cup. Additionally, there are joint applications from Belgium and the Netherlands as well as from Spain and Portugal.

Solimpeks receives British MCS approval Solimpeks’ photovoltaic/solar heat hybrid collector, which generates hot water and electricity simultaneously, received the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approval in the United Kingdom. Thanks to this certificate, the electricity which is produced by the PVT collectors can be sold under the feed-in tariff in the UK. Also the Turkish manufacturer entered into a distribution agreement with the British company Newform Energy. Pilot projects with the PVT collectors are installed in Great Britain and Turkey. “This year, we are going to sell around 1,000 PVT collectors. In 2011, we are already aiming at 10,000 units,” said Kemal Ibis, Communication Director at Solimpeks. The collectors are available in two designs: the Volther PowerTherm for maximum thermal output and the Volther PowerVolt for a maximum electrical output. The classic PowerTherm collectors, which generate only solar heated water also got the MCS approval and can benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive, as soon as the latter is launched.

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Pilot project: 24 PowerTherm and ­ 24 PowerVolt collectors are mounted on the roof of the Chedwode children’s home in Surrey County, Great Britain. The financial payback time is 12 years. 

Solar prize for candle manufacturer The Solar Agency Switzerland has recently presented the candle manufacturer Fischer Kerzen with one of the Swiss Solar Prizes 2010 in the category energy installations. The medium-sized company Fischer Kerzen AG from Root in Switzerland uses 600 tons of paraffin annually to manufacture candles. Until the beginning of 2010, the two storage tanks for 40 and 27 tons of paraffin were heated exclusively electrically. In order to save electricity, the company then decided to use solar energy. “We quickly realized that the temperature range of 65 to 110 °C that is continuously ­required here can only be covered appropriately by vacuum tube collectors”, says Business Manager Peter Schlaufer of the Swiss solar planning and installation company BE Netz AG from Ebikon, which designed the system. Vacuum tube collectors from the Swiss company B.energie AG from Rottwiel were chosen, a distributor of collectors from Augusta Solar GmbH in Augsburg, Germany. The heat from the 128 m2 of vacuum tube collectors is fed into the thermal oil circuit that maintains the paraffin’s temperature via a new plate heat exchanger. The use of a second heat ­exchanger allows hot water generation and the heating system to be additionally supplied with solar energy. The solar installation will provide 40 % of the heating energy needed for candle production in future. “The fact that we are active in a seasonal market, and thus our main production period lasts from May until November, favours the utilization of solar energy”, says Martin Kretz, member of the management board of Fischer. Nonetheless, technological and financial challenges had to be met.

Photo: Solimpeks

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Review

International NEWS

WWEA half-year figures: USA and Spain weak that are currently under construcIn the first half of 2010, a tion are finished by the end of the capacity of about 16 GW year. was installed worldwide, with In Europe, the wind industry ­China accounting for almost half of , , , cannot complain. In Germany, this figure. The World Wind Energy , , , , 660 MW were installed and ­­ , Association (WWEA) speaks of “ro, , 500 MW each in France and Great bust growth”. By the end of the , , , ­Britain, which are satisfying interyear, 40 GW might be reached. , , im results. The 450 MW in Italy But the wind energy market is , , , , and 230 MW in Portugal mean developing very differently in the , , that in these two southern Euroindividual regions. In Asia, the in, , pean countries the development dustry can be satisfied with the is also proceeding according to figures because development is , , , plan. Only Spain stepped out of proceeding at a fast pace not only , , , line. This country, which was the in China but also in India. There, The top 10 countries with the greatest newly installed wind power market leader in Europe just a 1,200 MW were newly installed in capacity in the first half of 2010  Source: WWEA few years ago, is falling further the first six months of this year – and further behind. Since only this is already almost as much as 400 MW were installed there in the first half of comparison with the market’s potential. In the capacity added in the entire twelve 2010, the target of at least getting close to the 2009, almost 10,000 MW were added in the months of 2009. previous year’s figure (2,500 MW) is now far USA. This year, half of that will be achievable A total of 1,200 MW were also achieved in out of reach. at best – but only if the numerous wind farms the USA, but this is a disappointing result in

South Korea announces 2.5 GW offshore farm According to yonhapnews.co.kr., South Korea is going to build a US$ 7.8 billion offshore wind farm in the Yellow Sea. “The plan is to make South Korea the world’s third-largest country in terms of offshore wind power generation,” Kang NamHoon, Head of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy’s energy and climate change policy division, was reported. The three-phase plan announced by the ministry calls for the construction of a “proving area” by 2013 to test 20 turbines (5 MW) from South Korean manufacturers near Buan, North Jeolla Province, and Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province. Further 180 turbines of the same size will be installed by 2016 as “experimental complex”, followed by 300 turbines by 2019, to generate a total capacity of 2,500 MW. The electricity will be supplied nationwide through substations in Gochang and Saemangeum in North Jeolla Province.

UDE opens wind farm in France The German group UDE (Unternehmensgruppe Dezentrale Energie) and its French subsidiary éolec S.a.r.l. have put the wind farm Vent d’Orvilliers-Saint-Julien into operation. The 12 MW farm Orvilliers-Saint-Julien, the construction of which began in October 2009, is located in northeastern France, in the southern part of the region Champagne-Ardenne. The farm comprises six Enercon turbines of the type E 82 and has meanwhile been sold to the wind energy company NGE Energie SAS. According to UDE, the completion of the wind farm was preceded by a long development phase because the basic conditions for wind energy in France had kept changing over and over again. “Plans for an extension of the wind farm have already reached an advanced stage, though”, said the General Manager of UDE, Alexander Jäger-Bloh.

Scotland: £ 70 million for offshore wind energy The Scottish government has established a fund with a volume of £ 70 million (about € 82.4 million) to support renewable energies (see article on page 24). This was announced by the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond at the annual conference of the wind and ocean energy industry “RenewableUK 2010” in Glasgow. The aim of the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund is primarily to finance the expansion of port and production facilities in order to strengthen the entire supply chain from the development to the production of offshore wind turbines in Scotland. The money provided by the fund will be distributed by the economic development agencies Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise by 2015. The Scottish government says it has plans for the installation of more than 7,000 wind turbines on the British coast over the next ten years.

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Many of the guests took the opportunity to get a view of the new wind farm from a hot air balloon. Photo: UDE

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

World leader in Solar Water Heaters 30 years before the others discover the power of the sun Thirty years of manufacturing Solar Water Heaters, means thirty years of innovating in the field, and introducing new technologies. Three decades of continuous development, combined with vast experience and extensive research, have established MEGASUN products as leaders in most world markets. Thousands of MEGASUN Solar Water Heaters are successfully in use in most countries of the world –from Athens to America and from Africa to Australia, to all Asia and Europe – providing continuous and abundant hot water. Today HELIOAKMI not only represent highly specialized technology and the experience of thirty years, but high quality systems which meet the highest demands. The solar water heaters are offered in both closed and open circuit, in a range varying from 120 to 300 liters. The forced circulation systems are offered from 150 liters up to 1000 liters, and they are offered as complete units or separately. Each systems consists of: • a storage tank with 1 or 2 heat exchangers (coils) • Collector(s) of 2,10m or 2,60m • Support base of the collector for flat roof or tiled roof • A carton box which includes all the connection accessories, the differential thermostat, the pump, the expansion pot, the antifreeze liquid, valves… etc. Instantaneous efficiency curve of collector

1. Solar collectors 2. Storage tank (boiler) 3. Hydraulic kit 4. Expansion pot 5. Differential Thermostat

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Review

International NEWS

Schmack investigates biogas microbes The German company Schmack ­Biogas AG is attempting the commercially viable breeding of microbes that are able to increase the yield attained in ­biogas plants by 20 % and the turnover by up to 100 %. The German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection is supporting the project. Laboratory experiments using two bacterial species discovered by Schmack have

already resulted in a doubling of the volumetric loading of a biogas fermenter without any acidification of the process. Yield increased by almost 20 % on a laboratory scale when various feedstock materials such as cereals, maize and slurry were used. Now, Schmack wants to develop a method to make the sensitive bacteria suitable for storage, transport and commercial marketing.

With the current status of the technology, the targeted addition of microorganisms to biogas plants is not feasible. So far, it has not been possible either to specify the bacterial cultures that become established in the fermenters precisely, or to influence them systematically. Schmack also wants to study the way in which the two isolated bacteria affect the species composition of the microbes involved in the fermentation process.

New Bulgarian renewable energy law The Bulgarian Ministry of Economy and Energy presented the new Law for Renewable Energy. One of the most important changes is that the tenders for grid connection will be replaced by a selection procedure. The procedure will be regulated by the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC). Investors in green energy will have to apply to the SEWRC. Together with participation from transmission and distribution companies the commission will decide whether the application should be satisfied. Until 28th February every year the operators of electricity distribution grids will have to inform their possibilities of grid connection to the transmission grid operator. The

transmission operator will present the capacities to the SEWRC and to the Ministry of Economy and Energy until the end of April of every year. Until 30th June the SEWRC will present the number of capacities that could be connected. Then investors will have the opportunity to apply to the SEWRC. If there are more applications than free capacities, it will decide which projects are accepted. For each MW of installed capacity the investors will have to pay a connection fee of € 25,000. The money will be distributed to the distribution and the transmission grid to cover all related expenses. If the grid connectors do not connect the power plant within the provided deadline, they will have to pay back an amount which is double the

Aquamarine Power USA receives grant Aquamarine Power USA LLC, subsidiary of wave energy company Aquamarine Power UK, has been awarded US$ 50,000 by the Oregon Wave Energy Trust. The grant will pay for a feasibility study into the potential for deployment of Aquamarine Power’s Oyster wave energy technology off the coastline of the US state of Oregon. The grant is intended to help deploy Acoustic Doppler Current Profile devices that measure and record the frequency, intensity and height of waves as they approach the Oregon shoreline. Aquamarine Power will be searching for local vessels to deploy the devices.

Each passing wave activates a pump, which delivers high pressure water via a closed-loop sub-sea pipeline to the shore. Onshore, the water is converted to electrical power.  Photo: Aquamarine Power

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fee paid by the investor. Renewable energy projects will receive a feed-in tariff which will not be diminished during a long-term contract with the public supplier. For geothermal and solar power this will be a time period of 25 years. For all other renewable energies it will be 15 years. The new law proposes that all new capacities over 1 MW have to be licensed. In the old law this was not necessary until the projects had a capacity of 5 MW. The law also sets ground for a new ­Agency for Sustainable Energy Development (ASED) which will take functions from the Agency for Energy Efficiency and regulatory procedures for the certification of ­renewable energy.

South Africa considers a CO2 tax The government of South Africa is discussing the introduction of a CO2 tax. The first proposal for such a tax is currently being examined by the Ministry of Finance. Should the government actually ­introduce the tax, this is unlikely to happen before 2012 or 2013, says the German ­Energy Agency (dena). The tax would be ­intended to help develop the renewable ­energy sector in South Africa. The country wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 42 % by 2025. At present, South Africa produces 90 % of its electricity in coal-fired power stations, which places the country among the 20 largest carbon dioxide emitters in the world. A CO2 tax on cars has already been in force since September of this year.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

312 billion for fossil fuels The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published its annual World Energy Outlook. The report reveals that in 2009 the consumption of fossil energy sources was subsidized worldwide with ­ US$ 312 billion. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and India are the countries where the highest subsidies were paid. About half of the total amount is attributed to oil products. The IEA proposes abolishing the subsidies for fossil fuels in order to increase the competitiveness of renewable energies. This could lead to a significant reduction of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energies are currently supported with about US$ 57 billion annually. If all the political announcements of support for renewable energies were put into practice, these subsidies would rise to ­­ US$ 205 billion by 2035. This would not raise the support to the level of subsidies for fossil fuels, but the IEA report says that the competitiveness of regenerative energy sources will also improve due to rising prices for fossil fuels. Therefore, the average subsidies per MWh of electricity produced from regenerative sources will drop from 55 US$/MWh in 2009 to 23 US$/MWh in 2035. According to the IEA, the climate protection measures that have been announced so far are not sufficient to limit the extent of global warming to a maximum of 2 °C. The so-called 450 Scenario shows what would be necessary to achieve this target. In order to limit the atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration to 450 ppm CO2 equivalent, increased efforts in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energies are necessary. Because this would limit the demand for fossil fuels, the energy prices in the 450 Scenario rise even more slowly than in the other scenarios. The failed climate summit has thus imposed on humanity additional costs in the amount of at least US$ 1 trillion. The failures in our climate protection efforts before 2020 will cause high follow-up costs because after 2020 even greater efforts will then become necessary in order to limit global warming.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Substituting coal through biomass A power plant, owned and oper-­ ated by DTE Energy Services in Michigan, is now delivering power from ­biomass. The 40 MW plant located in Cassville, Wisconsin, was converted to wood waste as fuel instead of coal. So, renewable energy at the plant is produced through the burning of green wood residue from forestry and tree trimming operations, railroad ties, demolition waste and sawdust. A second project by Boldt Construction in Wis-

consin and the British engineering firm AMEC is on its way. The Heating Plant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be converted from coal to biomass. The ­ US$ 251 million project will include the replacement of coal-burning boilers, initially with natural gas furnaces, but by 2013, the plant will be burning about 250,000 tons annually of wood chips, corn stalks and switchgrass pellets from around the state, according to the university.

Review

Tigis Taiwan

Taiwan pushes environmental technology At the end of October, three trade fairs all opened their doors at once in Taipei, the Taiwanese capital. In addition to the established “PV-Taiwan” and the “Electric Power”, the “Taiwan International Green Industry Show” (TIGIS) completed the trio.

T

Organic food, bicycles, wind power – everything under a single roof. The TIGIS is still struggling to establish a ­distinctive profile. Photos: Jörn Iken

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he “Green Industry Show” is the youngest child among the aforementioned trade fairs, which serve the purpose of demonstrating Taiwan’s export prowess. This year, TIGIS took place for only the second time. The exhibition is still struggling to find a distinctive profile. So far, it has been dominated by a mixed programme ranging from brushes via organic food up to professional wind turbines. ­Considering its wide spectrum of exhibits, it currently resembles a consumer fair that demonstrates all the areas of life for which products under the premise of sustainable production have become available. But the child is growing. Therefore, it would be a ­mistake to underestimate the TIGIS as a showcase of an export industry specialized in sustainable products and eco-friendly systems engineering. Taiwan is the second-largest exporter of solar cells and ­together with the People’s Republic of China controls the global PV market. With regard to the environmental technologies, the relatively small country ranks sixth in the world and second in Asia. Just how seriously the Taiwanese economy is ­already taking the TIGIS is shown by the fact that more than 180 exhibitors were present at the first repetition of the fair, including such heavyweights as Formosa Heavy Industries and the Taiwanese utility, Taiwan Power. Their participation also indicates that the wind in Taiwan is starting to turn towards a sustainable energy supply system. Neither company – and this became immediately evident in discussions – is a forward-charging pioneer in the field of renewable energies. Formosa Heavy Industries is wellknown worldwide as a supplier of turnkey coal-fired power stations and together with Taiwan Power dominates the Taiwanese energy market. So far, they have both tended to favour conventional methods of ­power generation. Nevertheless, Formosa Heavy Industries

presented a wind turbine gearbox of its own with a rated capacity of two megawatts, the TFC 2000. This is already the second large component that Taiwan has contributed to the global wind industry supply chain; the other one is rotor blades. At four ­locations in the People’s Republic of China, the ­Taiwanese company Red Blades, founded in 2008, produces rotor blades with a length of up to 50 ­metres – corresponding to a 3 MW turbine. “Red Blades ­produces chiefly for the Chinese market, and we are better than the Chinese manufacturers”, said Vice Chairman James Lee, laying claim to a position among the premium manufacturers. “Among the companies that are active in China, we were the first to have ­ourselves certified by Germanischer Lloyd, in 2008”, he emphasized. According to Lee, Red Blades delivered 200 rotor sets in 2009; the target for 2010 is 300 sets. Lee commented: “We supply quality and do not have to hurry up with capacity expansion.” The latter phrase may be considered an understatement: a capacity of 1,200 sets will be achieved by the end of 2010.

Door opener for the Asian market Although the island of Taiwan is currently being held in an economic “brotherly embrace” by the People’s Republic of China – despite far-reaching political ­differences – Lee complains about the limited access to orders in the People’s Republic. “Only 60 % of the market on the mainland (meaning the PR China: ed) is really free.” But Lee admits that for his Taiwanese company things are nowhere near as difficult as for European companies that want to gain a foothold in the PRC. Lee sees good chances for the Europeans in the emerging offshore industry. “For Europeans, it is important to be present in Taiwan. In Asia, it is not

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Review

Tigis Taiwan a­ lways the price that decides, but the connections you have.” Forty locations for offshore wind farms have been identified by the Taiwanese government. It is planned to erect two 5 MW turbines in the sea within the next two years. The French energy group Areva is being discussed in relation to this project. They were present at the TIGIS with a large stand. Lee ­himself sees further export opportunities for his ­company in the USA. “We have a Korean partner who delivers to the USA.” The example of Red Blades highlights the function of Taiwan and its companies as a link to China. The country is considered a “renegade province” by the PR China and even militarily threatened, but in terms of economic issues it has enjoyed great and ­benevolent attention from the Chinese mainland for years. For example, there is a free trade agreement between the two countries. This, and the cultural and ethnic similarity with the mainland Chinese – which still exists despite Taiwan’s western orientation – makes Taiwan a door opener for western companies. The same applies the other way round.

Small wind turbines dominate

Small wind turbines with a three-figure wattage – here a model from Boltun – dominated the scene. They were a clear focus at this year’s TIGIS.

Inevitably, photovoltaics hardly played a role at the TIGIS – solar energy was covered by the neighbouring PV-Taiwan. In terms of power generation, this cleared the way for wind power at the TIGIS – but rather in the form of “small wind power”, which is rather ­neglected in Europe. Here, a disambiguation is necessary: in ­Europe and the USA, “small wind power” means the capacity classes from about 20 kW upwards, whereas in Taiwan it is really small. The company “iWind Cell Power”, for example, offers vertical axle turbines with capacities ranging from 300 W to 12.5 kW. ­Senior Officer Henry Shan points to several awards that have

been presented to iWind, especially for the hybrid systems. “We entered into wind power via the ­controller of a wind turbine”, says Shan. “Now, we ­focus on stand-alone systems consisting of a solar panel, a wind turbine and a battery, but we also sell grid-coupled systems.” The small wind turbines start operating at a wind speed of 1 – 1.5 m/s, stop at 16 m/s and can survive typhoons with 60 m/s. This ­capacity range and the vertical position of the axle predestine the turbines for urban utilization, for ­example for street lighting. iWind installs the larger units in the kW class, which feed electricity into the grid, on top of high buildings. The company Digisine Energytech has designed its wind turbine as a take-away package, which will be available via the internet in future. At the fair, the wind turbine with its classical horizontal axle could be purchased for just US$ 899 – plug-and-play, of course. The 600 W turbine can also be combined with a 100 W PV panel. If this is coupled with a battery, a street lamp that is equipped with such a system can work for three days without electricity generation. What is still a niche solution in Europe seems to be developing into a mass market in the USA, Malaysia and especially on the islands of Micronesia. According to Digisine President David Wu, the company ­currently sells 1,500 units per month on average and wants to double its capacity in the short term. Also Jacken Chen, the President of Hi-VAWT ­Technology Corporation, confirms that business with the small wind turbines is booming. “I firmly believe that the volume of the US market will triple within the next three years.” From his point of view, Taiwan’s ­industry with its small wind turbines is not only ­competitive, but also ahead of its international ­competitors. The turbines are technically mature, says Chen. “Above all, the problem of noise has been solved”, he continues. “Our turbines work at a noise level of 40 to 50 decibels – this is sleeping room noise level. If you want to sell small turbines, you have to comply with this.” The competitor Boltun was somewhat more ­sceptical at the TIGIS. “The market potential is one thing, actually selling is another”, said Executive ­Assistant Alex Chen. So far, the share of small wind turbines in overall turnover has been rather small, but: “It keeps growing constantly.” He sees the ­potential for his company’s small wind turbines in ­off-grid applications. Boltun has customers in the ­rural communities of China and Vietnam, in highway lighting in the USA and in the leisure industry. In order to really get going, the market for small wind turbines needs to reach a “critical mass” – this was the unanimous opinion at a wind energy ­conference that took place parallel to the TIGIS. The Taiwanese felt encouraged by the statement of the Vice Governor of the US state of Idaho – thinly populated and with its untouched landscapes just made for off-grid applications. “We want big projects with small turbines. This field is wide open for Taiwan.” Jörn Iken Further information: www.greentaiwan.tw

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Review

Ecodesign Directive

“Above ‘A’ only with renewables” At present, the Ecodesign Directive for water heating systems is in the final review phase. SUN & WIND ENERGY talked to Xavier Noyon, the Secretary General of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF), about the effects Ecodesign will have on the solar industry. S&WE: Mr. Noyon, when is the Ecodesign Directive for water heating equipment expected to come into force? Xavier Noyon: If the schedule announced in June 2010 is met, it will be adopted by mid 2011 and ­enter into force by mid 2012 – if every thing goes according to plan. S&WE: There was a lot of criticism of the first drafts of the directive from the solar industry. Only systems combining a solar installation with a boiler were to obtain a label. This would have pushed the providers of purely solar installations out of the game. ESTIF has stood up for changes in this respect. Does the regulation now do justice to the ­solar industry? Noyon: Yes, we are proud to say that we have changed the content of the text and come up with a solution that broadens its scope and opens interesting perspectives for our industry: the installer label. The energy labelling of a space or water heating system will either be done by the company placing a complete system on the market under its own brand name or by the installer proposing two components, i.e. solar thermal plus another heat generator, from different brands.

“All methods are based on exiting standards or pre-standards” S&WE: In order to be able to classify systems, they have to be measured. What are the measurement methods that will be used? Noyon: There are three options for the determination of the solar output. All methods are based on exiting standards or pre-standards, adapted for the Ecodesign and energy labelling legislation. Firstly, the EN 13202-3 method for complete systems consisting of solar thermal collectors and conventional heater. Each combination of components is tested separately. Secondly, the EN 15316-4-3, B method for solar systems, used when the collector can be tested sep-

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As in the case of domestic appliances, energy labels will probably also divide heating systems into classes from G to A+++. Photo: BMU/Brigitte Hiss arately from the system. The collector (EN 12975), the heat store (EN 12977-3) and pump are tested separately. Thirdly, the ISO 9459-5 method can be used for all solar systems and, in particular, for systems with an integrated auxiliary heater or with an integrated collector and heat store. The system, consisting of collector, heat store and pump, is tested as a whole. Existing collector, heat store and system test results can be used, although it may be necessary to complement them with additional calculations. Third party testing is not necessary, the norm will be self-certification. S&WE: So there is no institution that certifies the products according to Ecodesign and that assigns the labels? Noyon: The companies placing products on the market and the installers will perform the labelling. As is usual for CE marking and other EU requirements,

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Review

Ecodesign Directive checking by the public authorities will take place through the usual market surveillance procedures. The approach chosen by the European Commission is the one of so-called self-certification. S&WE: For the consumer, the energy label will be decisive. It will presumably divide the products into classes from G to A+++. Where will the systems with a solar component be positioned? Noyon: In the current proposal from the EU, the best fossil fuel condensing boilers can reach A or A+. The combination with solar thermal or heat pumps brings the system to A+, A++ or A+++. With regard to the rating of the solar thermal systems, the discriminating factor will be the surface area of solar collectors rather than their performance. ESTIF has proposed a rating which would make A+ impossible to reach for systems with only fossil fuels and which would reserve A+++ for very high performance collectors.

“The role of public authorities and the industry will be crucial for the success of the energy label.“

Xavier Noyon 

Photo: ESTIF

S&WE: Do you expect that Ecodesign will bring forward the renewable energies in the heating sector? Noyon: First of all, and as explained above, the rating must be very clear: above “A” only with renew­ ables. Then, the role of public authorities and the industry will be crucial for the success of the energy label. The market transformation can only take place if public authorities promote the label and, more importantly, make use of it in the implementation of their own energy efficiency measures, and if the industry incorporates the label in its marketing and supports the installers. The commitment of both public authorities and the industry is crucial because the energy label for space heating and dedicated water heaters is very different from the previous label in two ­respects: heating systems are not purchased by the end consumers in the same way as tele­ visions or fridges, and the

“­ installer” dealer is vested with a role that does not have an equivalent for other product labels.

“We consider that the consultation process has been long enough” S&WE: At the moment, the EU is concerned with water heaters. How far has the Ecodesign process for space heating systems proceeded? Noyon: The discussion on the dedicated water heaters has nourished the debate on the more complicated methodology for space heating. It seems that ­after years of consultation processes, the European classical heating industry wants to drastically change the methodology and labelling for space heating. They wish to over-simplify the labelling and change the installer label approach. The solar thermal ­industry together with the heat pump industry wish to go forward now, we consider that the consultation pro­cess has been long enough and we want to take advantage of the impetus on the market provided by the National Renewable Energy Action Plans and the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings ­Directive. This very late attempt to delay the process is a real concern for us since the classical heating industry is also a major player in the solar thermal and heat pump industry. They primarily raise two points: the labelling is too complex and includes too many parameters like load profiles and climate zones, and the installer label is too difficult to implement for installers and would, in some cases, give different results than those from the system label, thereby discriminating in favour of solar thermal systems. We think that the current parameters are a must if one wants real information to reach the consumers about the performance of the system and thus cause a real market change. We are aware that the installer label requires some improvements, but we consider that installers of ST systems have the necessary skills to perform what is expected of them. We would not take the risk of compromising our relationship with our main distribution channel: the installers. In general we are concerned that re-opening the debate on space heating might delay the whole pro­ cess of adoption, including the directive for dedicated water heaters. That is why we have written to Commissioner Oettinger to show our support for the current version of the texts. The interview was conducted by Jens-Peter Meyer.

Ecodesign Directive The aim of the Ecodesign Directive is to formulate minimum requirements on the efficiency of water heaters (see S&WE 1/2010, page 62). It is planned to ban inefficient units from the market, similar to the situation with light bulbs. The energy efficiency label is closely associated with the Ecodesign Directive. The label, which is familiar to consumers from fridges and washing machines, shows the level of ­energy efficiency of the respective product.

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

July 12–14, 2011 North America’s Premier Exhibition and Conference for the Solar Industry Moscone Center, San Francisco

800 Exhibitors 1,600 Conference Attendees 22,000 Visitors Co-located with

www.intersolar.us

Review

RenewableUK 2010

Optimism

was the order of the day The 32nd annual RenewableUK conference and exhibition on 2nd November at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow welcomed almost 6,000 delegates and 318 exhibitors, well up on previous years.

I

The three day conference of­ fered a wide range of sessions and workshops.  Photos (3): RenewableUK

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f you are in the solar sector, you might think that the name “RenewableUK” covers all renewable technologies. In fact, you would have looked in vain for any solar, biomass or geothermal companies at ­RenewableUK 2010, the three-day conference and exhibition put on by the trade association formerly called the British Wind Energy Association. The name was recently changed to “RenewableUK” in deference to the many wave and tidal energy companies which have ­joined. So the event dealt exclusively with wind and marine. The “core sponsor” was ScottishPower Renew­ ables, a division of part of Iberdrola Renovables. While rejoicing over the UK’s having recently hit the milestone of 5 GW of installed wind, Maria ­McCaffrey, CEO of RenwableUK, in her opening speech focused on the key challenges: the struggle of UK onshore wind to progress, mainly due to local opposition to wind farms and related delays in planning applications, the need for better infrastructure and the need for more government support. Aviation is another challenge for developers.

Despite the problems, recent good news from government created a highly positive atmosphere overall. For several months, in advance of the coalition government’s Comprehensive Spending Review on 20th October, the UK’s renewables community was in a state of deep apprehension. As large spending cuts were threatened, many feared that the feed-in-tariff (FIT), introduced by the previous government in April 2010, could be drastically cut or even eliminated. In fact, the Spending Review maintained the UK’s existing renewable energy support regime, consisting of FITs, and Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). So as delegates converged on Glasgow, renewed optimism was the order of the day. In addition, due in part to heavy lobbying by RenewableUK, the government retained a commitment to upgrade UK ports, essential for the offshore sector, and certain other long promised “green” measures, such as a Green Investment Bank and a Renewable Heat Incentive, are to be introduced in the near term. FITs are due to be reviewed in 2012, with any changes to be implemented in 2013, though the government has reserved the right to review the situation at any time. The timing is less clear on ROCs, but, despite deep spending cuts in other areas of the British economy, the Spending Review recognised the cleantech sector’s need for a measure of certainty on existing schemes.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond addressing the delegates at RenewableUK Apart from the support regime, other problems came up at the conference sessions, such as possible competition between the oil and gas sector and the renewable sector in the UK’s offshore waters. Another problem: the lack of recognition given to British manufacturing success along the supply chain. Because Britain still does not have any domestic turbine maker, all wind turbines are imported, mainly from Vestas and Siemens. However, a vast range of components, such as Natural Power’s new lidar technology, called ZephIR 300, for assessing wind speed, is produced in the UK.

Scotland’s claim to leadership in renewables Scotland not only hosted the event but its big push on offshore wind and marine dominated the proceedings. On the opening day, for example, Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, gave a rousing speech. He restated Scotland’s commitment to 80 % renewable energy by 2020, well ahead of the national government’s target of 15 %, and took the opportunity to announce a new National Renewable Energy Infrastructure Fund for Scotland, which will have £ 70 million (€ 82.4 million) in funding over the next four years. “This is our declaration of faith,” he said. Reviewing progress to date, Salmond claimed that his administration had enabled 35 major renewable energy projects, generating more than 50 MW. In regard to Scotland’s potential in wind, wave and tidal, he estimated 206 GW, “enough to power all of Germany”. “We aim to transform the way we use energy,” he added. He also discussed various Scottish initiatives, including the National Renewable Energy Infrastructure Plan, the Offshore Wind Industry Group and Scotland’s Offshore Route Map.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Review

RenewableUK 2010 By now, UK government ministers are well accustomed to appearing at renewable energy events where, despite what many in their audience see as failure of real leadership on climate change, they do their best to reassure the sector. With the Coalition government claiming to be “the greenest government ever”, Charles Hendry, Energy Minister, addressed a gala dinner and said: “Some 20 GW of generating capacity will shut down by 2020 and we need to invest £ 200 billion in our energy infrastructure, first to replace it, and then to build the extra electricity capacity that decarbonising our economy will require. And a large part of winning over this challenge is being a world leader in renewables.” He also promised a new “Delivery Plan for Renewables” in the spring. “This will give industry a clear direction and priorities and accurately and realistically reflect market and investor views.” An electricity market reform package was also promised, and the industry was invited to take “vigorous” part in the consultation. Most important, Hendry said there would be no retrospective changes. “If you decide to invest in the UK, you should be able to feel certain that the terms of that investment will not subsequently be altered.” Hendry also promised to “sort out” the planning regime, a major barrier to investment, and to address grid constraints. He also discussed the supply chain and exports: “We are already exporting key components to other offshore wind markets – for example, Burntisland Fabrications has supplied foundations components to the Greater Gabbard project, but has also supplied the German Alpha Ventus offshore wind project.” He concluded by expressing “massive optimism”.  “We have in this country the skills, the intellectual genius; the invention; the business leaders; the shared commitment to make this transformation happen.” Delegates listened politely, not necessarily sharing his “massive optimism”. No one knows how much real support will be delivered.

Parallel sessions Besides wind energy novelties the exhibition gave insights into marine energy develop­ ments.

Throughout the three days, delegates could choose from a wide range of meetings, workshops and side events at any given time, including a technical track. For example, a session called “New Offshore Wind Technology” started the technical track. Søren Houmøller, Di-

rector of Technology, Vestas Offshore, predicted that the design costs of turbines were set to fall and he called for industrialising of the installation process. “Foundations now account for 25 percent of overall costs, of which one third goes for installation,” he said. Norbert Giese, Senior Vice President, Business Unit Offshore at REpower Systems AG, spoke of jobs. “We have 90 people in Edinburgh and we are recruiting 24 for our Ormonde project,” he said. However, at this point the new recruits will be sent to Germany for training, in order to work on larger turbines. Referring to the UK’s perceived lack of manufacturing, Giese reported that the jacket foundations for Alpha Ventus were built in the UK in 2009 – and then shipped to Germany. He also said that Ormonde would have a relatively high “local content” of 50 %. Deeper water requires new boats and Giese reported that a new jackup vessel has been ordered which can service and maintain up to 240 turbines. A platform supply vessel and a workboat have been ordered. “Future projects will be larger”, he added, comparing his company’s 10 MW Beatrice project, opened in 2006-07, with ­Ormonde, set to generate 150 MW by 2011. The technical session continued with Jonathan Wheals, an innovation engineer at Ricardo UK Ltd, addressing the problem of bearing failure. He claimed that Ricardo’s MultiLife bearing would increase the life of bearings by 500 % when the inner race of a gearbox or direct drive is fixed. A test rig for indexing the inner race is being built, due to start in February 2011. And Makhlouf Benatmane, Director of Business Development at Converteam Ltd., discussed the fusion of a wind power generator and power electronics. His Direct Drive Active Stator is a permanent magnet generator that facilitates the use of DC tower ­cabling – and will help enable HVDA transmission on the planned supergrid. Amman Lafayette, Marine Energy Manager, E.ON Climate and Renewables, said that his company will have invested € 8 billion in 2007-12 and hopes to be able to cut costs sharply. The company’s first marine project is the Vagr Atferth P2 demonstration project at EMEC – the European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland – uses a Pelamis P2 device that aims to enable quicker progress towards a large scale. E.ON is also working with ScottishPower Renewables on the ­Orcadian P2 demo project at EMEC. Other sessions addressed grid connections, ­medium wind, planning, aviation, electricity market reform and other issues. On the last day McCaffrey evaluated the event: “We have gone from strength to strength. This event is bigger than ever.” She also mentioned the role of technology: “Scotland was not expected to be strong in offshore wind as we were limited to 40 to 50 meters of depth by monopiles. However, with developments in jacket technology from the oil and gas sector, and developments in foundations, including floating technology, we’re on our way.” Elizabeth Block Further information: www.renewable-uk.com

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

European Future Energy Forum

Review

Cause for hope A

t the opening of the EFEF, sponsored by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and UK Trade & Investment, the Prime Minister, David Cameron, appeared on video. Prince Charles, as Patron of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, inscribed a message in the conference programme. And Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne appeared to speak of his commitment to “future energy”, the term in use at the forum. Along with the rest of the first day audience, estimated at more than 800 delegates, the minister knew that the timing of this particular speech was doubly ironic: the forum opened one day before the results of the new Coalition government’s comprehensive spending review were to be announced. And everyone knew that, whatever Huhne said about the urgency of promoting renewables and cutting CO2 emissions by 2050, the spending review would produce severe cuts in government spending, due to the UK’s large deficit. As the minister spoke, however, no one listening knew what tomorrow would bring. So rumours flew around the conference, especially in regard to the UK’s new feed-in tariff, introduced by the previous government in April 2010. Rumours were also rampant about the government’s investment in ports, needed for offshore wind, and the establishment of a Green Investment Bank. In the event, feedin tariffs were retained, the government promised to invest in ports and £ 1 billion was committed to a Green Investment Bank, much less than many had predicted.

If one were to judge the UK’s commitment to new energy by the attention that its most highly placed politicians give to renewable energy conferences, it would appear to be a very strong commitment. The European Future Energy Forum (EFEF) attracted more than 800 delegates to London.

A truly European conference As this was a European conference, several continental ministers spoke on the first day, and tribute was paid to the late Hermann Scheer, the great German advocate of renewable energy who sadly died the week before the conference. Christine Lins, Secretary-General of EREC, said: “We must take Hermann Scheer’s vision forward. We will do our best to pay tribute to his legacy.” Ministers included Lykke Friis, Minister for Climate and Energy in Denmark, Pedro Marin, Secretary of State for Energy in Spain and Carlos Zorrinho, Vice Minister for Energy and Innovation, Portugal. These three ministers participated in a large and very lively panel, entitled “Future Energy Movers and Shakers”, that also included representatives from industry, such as E.ON and Siemens, and “influencers” such as Greenpeace International and WWF-UK. The session was moderated by broadcaster Steve Sedgwick, the anchor at CNBC. In the session, Lykke Friis amused the audience by referring to Larry Hagman, the actor who played

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar (middle), agreed about the need for a “new industrial revolution” in regard to renewable energy with Tony Douglas, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (left) and Dominic Jermey OBE, UK Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.  Photos (2): Masdar

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Review

European Future Energy Forum

Participants of the Zayed Future Energy Prize Workshop (from left to right): Satoshi Ogiso, Toyota Motor Corpora­ tion; Dipal Barua, Bright Green Energy Foundation; Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Masdar; Amitabha Sadangi, IDE India; Jerry Stokes, Suntech Europe; Jean-Philippe Denruyter, WWF International; Steve Sedgwick, CNBC anchor 

the oil magnate in “Dallas”, the famous American soap opera. “Larry Hagman now has a big solar array, his reaction to the Gulf oil spill,” she said, adding that Denmark will not rest on its “green laurels”. “The bill for clean energy is a kind of insurance. We aim to be independent of fossil fuels by 2050.” Pedro Marin called for strong government commitment to R&D and stressed the need for new financial mechanisms to fund renewables. He also mentioned the need for more “inter-complementary” use of renewables and said: “A new energy revolution has started and we must keep up the momentum.” Many other speakers, including Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, talked of the need for a “new industrial revolution” in regard to renewable energy. This be-

came one of the themes of the conference, along with the usual appeal for more stable government policy in all countries. Portuguese minister Carlos Zorrinho called for a “real European energy market”. “Portugal has no fossil fuel reserves so we are investing in new energy and energy efficiency.” He claimed the second highest installation of wind energy after Denmark, up sevenfold in five years. Portugal’s lack of fossil fuels contrasts, of course, with the oil-rich situation of Abu Dhabi. Sultan Al Jaber emphasised: “We want to become the global platform in the future energy challenge.” He spoke of growing energy consumption worldwide, along with increased population, and said: “Oil-producing nations like the UAE can be leaders and we are diversifying into renew­

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ENVIRONMENT EXHIBITION

ables. This is our responsibility and we can provide a major push.” At the solar PV session, Adel El Gammal, Secretary-General of EPIA, talked about uncertainty. “The only market we see as stable for the next two years is Italy. We must fine-tune the system and provide a transparent framework,” he said. Eicke R. Weber, Director of the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, talked about the success of the sector. He said: “Even the most optimistic projections of PV back in 2003 have been wildly overtaken. We will reach grid parity in residential and industrial with all other fuels by 2030.”

Competing sessions The EFEF differed from other renewable energy conferences in that it not only had a large exhibition area but the exhibitors presented regular talks, in competition with the sessions in the main halls. This added to the overall “buzz” but made it difficult for delegates to decide on the best use of their time. To make attendance even more challenging, after the first day, the sessions were divided into “streams” such as the infrastructure stream, the renewables stream and the finance stream. The events held by exhibitors included UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), which had its own white plastic “igloo”, Masdar, with its “Future Urban Zone”, ­Siemens, with its “Green Technology Theatre”, ­Schneider Electric, with its “Electric Energy Efficiency The­atre”, and other installations. Fortunately, the events in these zones tended to repeat, making it easier for delegates to absorb as much information as possible.

Zayed Future Energy Prize As Masdar is the instigator of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, the most valuable environmental prize in the world at US$ 1.5 million, there were two sessions on this prize. At the first one, 2009 winner Dipal Barua, Founder and Chairman of the Bright Green Energy Foundation, spoke movingly about the large majority of rural people in Bangladesh who have no access to “modern energy”. He explained how he had started back in 1996, using a combination of micro-finance and solar lighting to replace kerosene in 600,000 homes in Bangladesh to date. Many local women have been trained to be solar technicians. The prize conditions require that the prize money be re-invested in the winning scheme. The jury is headed by Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This year’s winners will be announced at the World Future Energy Forum in January 2011 in Abu Dhabi. In conclusion, the EFEF, like many conferences on new energy, raised hopes with strong speeches, but it remains to be seen whether the many ideas and appeals for consistent policy will be heeded. Elizabeth Block

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

VISIONS WITH ENERGY

Energy for the future

We offer our European partners sophisticated system solutions for grid-connected and off-grid solar power plants, solar heating plants, solar cooling plants, alternative heating technology and small wind power plants. You receive a comprehensive service and product offer including consulting and support for the development and planning as well as the delivery of components and complete plants of renowned manufacturers – and such from a one-stop shop.

Review

Belén Gallego, organizer of the CSP Today conference, and Michael Geyer from Abengoa Solar at the awards ceremony.  Photo: Eva Augsten

cSp today summit

From Spain to the rest of the world At the CSP Today Summit in the Spanish city of Seville, new and emerging markets were a big topic for the 650 attendees.

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hile it is usually great to meet close friends, there are a few situations when people are happy to see lots of unfamiliar faces. “In pre­ vious years I knew almost everybody here. This year I see many people I do not know and I am very glad about this, because it means that this conference is getting bigger”, said Valeriano Ruiz, head of the technology platform CTAER, at the opening of the CSP Summit in Seville. Solar thermal power plants are experiencing good times in southern Spain. The CSP industry is grow­ ing and so is the CSP summit. This year 650 people ­attended, so it was a fitting event for the country that currently has the biggest CSP market in the world. According to the industry association Pro-­ termosolar, Spain has 14 operational CSP plants. Twelve more are under construction and more than 30 are pre-approved to ensure that they will receive the feed-in tariff in accordance with Royal Decree 661/2007. The follow-up decree is still in the works, and nobody knows what level of feed-in tariffs to ex­ pect for future CSP plants in Spain. But surprisingly, the future feed-in tariff was not a topic of discussion at the conference – neither in the official proceed­ ings, nor in the coffee breaks. The CSP industry seems to be busy and satisfied with the plants still to be built under the old feed-in tariff. Indeed, there is still quite a bit of work to do to finish those plants.

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Work – or more precisely, employment – is what makes the CSP industry so popular with regional and local governments. Three government entities pre­ sented a new project at the CSP summit in Seville. The Ministry for Economy, Innovation and Science of the Regional Government of Andalusia, with the help of the Innovation and Development Agency of Anda­ lusia (IDEA), and the Council of Sanlúcar la Mayor have joined forces to attract enterprises to a new technology park called “Soland” at Sanlúcar la ­Mayor, next to the Abengoa solar plants. The new technolo­ gy park offers space for about 100 companies. Due to the pending new legislation on feed-in ­tariffs, how the CSP market in Spain will develop on the medium term is far from certain. At least, the cur­ rent draft for the new legislation says that once a ­tariff has been granted for a particular plant, it cannot be retroactively reduced.

Solar power from the desert Other CSP markets around the world were an important issue at the conference. Charles Ricker of BrightSource Energy shared his impressions of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ivanpah power plant that took place just a few days before the conference. The Ivanpah power plant will be the first large-scale solar plant in

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

the US based on tower technology. Besides the US, where construction of CSP plants is resuming, the ­Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is consid­ ered a very promising market for CSP technology. Of course, the Desertec project that envisages power generation for Europe in the MENA region was a topic at the session dedicated to the region. CSP is commonly expected to play a major role in the ­Desertec project, due to its dispatchability and be­ cause it is easily scaled up. Rainer Aringhoff, COO of the Desertec Industrial Initiative, presented a very down-to-earth impression of the opportunities and challenges of Desertec. He pointed out very clearly that, in future, the MENA region will be one of the big­ gest markets. “You all go where the feed-in tariffs are. But that does not make sense on the long run. You have to go where the resources are,” he said, ad­ dressing his audience. On the other hand, Aringhoff did not neglect to mention that the CSP industry will have to discuss its costs and prices. He pointed out the drastic price decrease that photovoltaic plants have experienced within the past few years. “We will have to ask how much price difference one kilowatthour of dispatchable power is worth,” he said. Unlike others, Aringhoff does not seem fully convinced that CSP will provide power from the desert to Europe. “If CSP does not get moving within the next three to four years, it has lost the race against photovoltaics,” he said. To drive down costs, innovations will be neces­ sary. Unfortunately, banks tend to see innovations as a risk rather than an opportunity. How to make inno­ vations bankable was therefore the topic of another session.  Eva Augsten

CSP Today Awards

At the conference dinner six companies were ­honoured with the CSP Today Awards. A jury of ­renowned industry experts selected 21 finalists across seven individual categories prior to the event, and the winners were then selected by a popular vote during the course of the summit.

The winners were: CSP commercialized technology innovation: > SkyFuel (SkyTrough collector) Increased dispatchability solution: > ACS Cobra (salt storage at Andasol 1) Emerging markets achievement: > Abengoa Solar (CSP plant Shams 1 in Abu Dhabi) Newcomer of the year: > Cargo Power & Infrastructure from India CSP technology supplier of the year: > Schubert & Salzer (market leading valve manufacturer) EPC contractor of the year: > Abener and Teyma (EPC for CSP plant in Shams) CSP engineering firm of the year: > Foster Wheeler

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Review

PRAgue ZOO

Climate and species protection under one roof The zoo in the Czech capital has a new attraction. A total of 68 silicon solar panels will produce 15,000 kWh of ecofriendly solar power annually.

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s Director Miroslav Bobek emphasises, Prague Zoo itself consumes the solar power it has produced. “We strongly support the environ­ ment. A priority of mine is to reduce the zoo’s energy consumption and to switch to renewable energy. The photovoltaic system on the African House’s stables allows energy and cost savings. It’s also an interest­ ing source of information for our visitors”. Prague Zoo was established in the north of the Vltava metropolis in 1931 and today extends over an area of 60 hectares. Some 4,600 animals are kept there and include 660 species from around the world. Prague Zoo’s main responsibility is to breed the ani­ mals in as natural a habitat as possible, provide infor­ mation to and raise awareness in visitors. The zoo is involved in different projects to preserve the diver­sity of species – at both national and international ­level. For instance, Prague Zoo has significantly contribut­ ed in preserving Przewalski’s horse (an Asian wild horse). In 2008, Forbes Traveller Magazine declared it one of the best zoos worldwide. Every year, the zoo attracts about 1.2 million visitors.

An IBC Solar and dena project The PV system on the African House has a capacity of nearly 17 kW.  Photo: IBC Solar

“Prague Zoo’s solar roof is an efficient and eco-friendly power source with no CO2 emissions”, said Udo Möhrstedt, founder and CEO of IBC Solar AG, when com­ missioning the solar system which has a total capacity of just under 17 kW. The company has installed the system

in cooperation with the German energy agency dena as part of its Solar Roofs Programme. In the future the solar roof will provide the zoo with eco-friendly power which will largely be used by the zoo itself and compensated with about € 0.43 via the “green bonus” law. Conditions for producing solar power in the Czech Republic are good. The solar radiation values are com­ parable to those of southern Germany. The legal condi­ tions for photovoltaic systems in the Czech Republic have also been attractive until recently. Every kilowatthour of solar power from roof systems of up to 30 kW fed into the grid was compensated with almost € 0.47. However, on November 9, the Czech government has decided to cut back feed-in tariffs for 2011 and to intro­ duce a tax on income from PV systems. To actively promote photovoltaics in the Czech mar­ ket, IBC Solar offers free training courses for installers, ranging from dimensioning and safe mounting of sys­ tems, to lightning protection, to financing and statuto­ ry conditions. “In the long term, IBC aims to expand its trade partner network in the Czech Republic”, explains Gerhard Travnicek, head of the company’s Prague of­ fice. “To achieve this goal, we will share our years of ex­ pertise and showcase the wide range of photovoltaic applications. Working closely together benefits all part­ ners. We can gain from the experience and relation­ ships of our local installion partners. And our Czech partners can capitalize on our technical expertise and global supplier network”.

Boosting export The PV system for Prague Zoo was part-financed by the “dena Solar Roofs Programme for Foreign Market De­ velopment”. This initiative was launched to enhance the share of renewable energy in local energy supply abroad, while at the same time supporting German companies’ entry into new markets. It is part of the ­Renewable Energy Export Initiative and co-financed by the German Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi). “The solar system on Prague Zoo is a flagship project in several ways”, confirms Travnicek. “In this way, we can convince visitors of the benefits of solar energy generation every day. It is emission-free, noise­ less and adversely affects neither visitors nor animals. This project will allow us and dena to promote German solar technology in the Czech Republic.” Anke Müller Further information: www.ibc-solar.com www.ibc-solar.cz www.dena.de dena Solar Roofs Programme: www.exportinitiative.de/solardachprogramm

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Bayer MaterialScience AG, 51368 Leverkusen, Germany,

MS00044801

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Review

High altitude Wind power

Makani Power is among the innovative companies in the area of high altitude wind power. This is an i­ nitial prototype from 2009. Photo: Makani

Wind currents at billowing heights Engineers are increasingly focusing on the troposphere to tap into greater wind energy potential.

I

n 2008 Time Magazine included an unusual flying, energy-generating thing – a cross between a helicopter and a kite – in its list of the top 50 inventions. Californian start-up Sky WindPower had introduced the flying windmill – more precisely a flying electric generator, or FEG. What’s pushing the engineers to new heights? Currently, it is mainly young American companies, names like Makani Power, Sky WindPower and Windlift, that are dividing up this market and the ­research amongst themselves. They presented together at the Airborne Wind Energy Conference at Stanford University in late September; it was the second such conference, following a 2009 event in the small town of Chico. Researchers base their development of high altitude wind turbines on certain fundamental atmospheric factors which are developed into projects that are all currently being tested. The starting point is the fact that wind energy is highly prevalent in the upper layers of the troposphere, the first “story” of the atmosphere. The layer is 8 km from the surface of the earth at the poles and 18 km distant at the equator.

34

At approximately 10 km of altitude, the average wind speed can exceed 45 m/s and the speed drops off as the altitude decreases.

On the way to new dimensions Australian engineer Bryan Roberts began testing gyro windmills some ten years ago. His device was equipped with a power cable which would first be used to transfer electricity upwards, enabling the power generating airship to reach altitude, at which time energy would be generated and begin flowing back to earth. Whole clusters of these flying objects would be installed in an area with a radius of 20 km at an altitude of 4 km and identified as no-fly zones. Len Shepard, CEO of Sky WindPower in the U.S. state of California, refers explicitly to Roberts’ pioneering efforts. His company has calculated that 600 FEGs, each with a capacity of 20 MW could be installed in a 10 x 20 mile area. The total anticipated output of 12,000 MW, according to Shepard’s calculations, would be three times the output of the nuclear power plant in Palo Verde, Arizona. A cost calculation based on a FEG prototype with 2.81 MW of nameplate capacity yields a price of 1.4 US-ct/kWh at 80 % wind capacity. Activists support these innovations. Among them is Cristina Archer who teaches energy meteorology and environmental science at California’s Chico State

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

University. Together with Ken Caldeira of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., she authored the first atlas of high-altitude winds. Fundamental knowledge about the jet streams is the basis for the flying wind machines. In Butte County, to the north of Sacramento, Archer organized the first Conference for High Altitude Wind Power in the small town of Orville in November of 2009. The next conference took place in September at Stanford University. Along with the pioneering US companies like Makani Power, Sky Windpower and Windlift, Europeans also took part. Among them, Lorenzo Fagiano of Polytecnico di Torino, Italy, Roland Schmehl of TU Delft in the Netherlands, and Rolf Luchsinger of Swiss research laboratory Empa.

There are some things you can always rely on.

Still not ready for the market Makani Power in Alameda, California received US$ 15 million of startup capital from Google in 2006. “In the international renewable energy market that’s no great sum,” says CEO Corwin Hardham. Usually US$ 100 million is needed. And every time Cristina Archer is asked when the technology will be ready for the market she answers: no sooner than 10 years. Meanwhile, the high-altitude wind pioneers continue their research and demonstrate their design, among other places, at the National Design Triennial in New York’s Cooper Hewitt Museum (through January 2011) with the M1 airborne wind turbine. The global capacity for high altitude wind turbines has been calculated and published. A scientific network linking atmospheric researchers, energy and materials scientists, as well as urban and landscape planners has been developed. It remains to be seen where and with what storage media these innovative energy supplies will be tested and built. Jürgen Claus Further information: Airborne Wind Energy Conference: www.awec2010.com Makani Power: www.makanipower.com Sky WindPower: www.skywindpower.com Windlift: www.windlift.com

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Part helicopter, part kite, these flying objects which have already been tested in models generate socalled high altitude wind power. Photo: Sky WindPower

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

35

Review

Incentive Schemes

Selected countries with new incentive schemes GDP = Gross Domestic Product PV = Photovoltaics ST = Solar Thermal

USA GDP: US$ 14.140 trillion (2009) Population: 307,212,123 (2010) Area: 9,826,675 km² Cumulative installed capacity: PV: 440 MW (2009) ST: 220,000 m² (2009) Wind: 35,063 MW (2009)

Source: National and international institutions

Source: National institutions

+++

Uganda

+++

Uganda produces 90 % of its renewable energy from biomass. A share of 3 % comes from solar thermal systems. Compared to the industrial nations, the development of solar power in the country is insignificant. Nevertheless, Uganda is one of the countries in Africa that provides a feed-in tariff system. Uganda’s tariff rates for hydropower and bagasse systems are determined in the Electricity Act of 1999. The maximum capacity of grid-connected systems has been set to 20 MW. The prices vary with the time of day between 1.50 and 12 US$-ct/kWh. According to the Renewable Energy Export Initiative, the Ministry of Energy in Uganda increased the feed-in tariffs by 20 % in October this year. Furthermore, the incentive will be extended to four new technology forms. In the future, the premiums will now be available also for systems below 5 MW in the areas of wind power, geo thermal, biomass and PV.

+++

Poland

GDP: US$ 67.870 billion (2009) Population: 13,276,517 (2010) Area: 108,889 km² Cumulative installed capacity: PV: > 1MW (2009) ST: n/a Wind: 202 MW (2009) Source: National institutions

Incentive sc

+++

Following a long break, Poland is continuing the promotion of solar thermal systems. Since 2009, residential home owners and multi-family houses have again become eligible for rebates and loans for their solar thermal systems. The decision to continue the subsidy scheme is a reaction to the creation of a promotional fund for solar thermal systems by the Polish NFOŚiGW (National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management) in cooperation with the funding banks. The new incentive scheme consists of a combination of rebates and loans. Residential home owners can apply for a rebate of up to 45 % and a standard bank loan of up to

36

Guatemala

55 % of the investment costs for their solar thermal system up to a maximum of 2,500 Polish Zloty per m² installed collector surface (approx. 628 €/m²). The subsidy scheme is restricted to solar thermal water heating systems and has a budget of € 34.5 million for the first period 2010/2011. The programme is thought to run until 2014 with an overall budget arriving at € 75 million.

+++ South Korea +++ According to the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, South Korea’s government plans

to invest a sum of US$ 35.4 billion (South Korean Won / KRW 40 trillion) into the ­development of renewable energies in the course of the next five years. The overall target is to lower the country’s fossil fuel dependencies and make a contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases. A ­volume of KRW 7 trillion will be invested in the public sector for developing solar and wind power technologies. The remaining KRW 33 trillion is expected to flow into the private sector. With the investments, South Korea is ambitious to become one of the world’s five top players in renewable energy by the year 2015.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Poland GDP: US$ 689.300 billion Population: 38,192,000 Area: 322,575 km² Cumulative installed capacity: PV: 1 MW ST: 509,860 m² Wind: 472 MW (2008)

South Korea GDP: US$ 1.364 trillion (2009) Population: 48,508,972 (2010) Area: 99,720 km² Cumulative installed capacity: PV: 284 MW ST: 80,343 m² Wind: 348 MW (2009)

Source: Nat ional institutions

Source: National institutions

Uganda GDP: US$ 38.180 billion (2009) Population: 30.6 million (2009) Area: 241,038 km² Cumulative installed capacity: PV: > 1 MW ST: n/a Wind: 5.1 MW Source: National institutions

hemes worldwide +++ Guatemala +++ The tendering of power generation projects has developed into the key support mechanism in Latin America. After Brazil, Peru and Argentina, Guatemala is now also putting electricity generation capacities out to tender. By May and June next year, the government will invite tenders for a total of up to 480 MW. Next to conventional power generation plants, a share of 60 % is expected to come from renewable energies, particularly from wind power, biomass, hydropower and solar energy. The Power Purchase Agreements will cover

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

a period of ten to 15 years. According to the National Electric Energy Commission (Comisión Nacional de Energía Eléctrica), the prices paid out per MWh will range at an average of US$ 110 and 130. Agreements must be active between 2015 and 2020. More than 40 domestic and international companies already expressed an interest.

+++

USA

+++

US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has announced a new incentive for biofuel producers in the United States. In the scope of

the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), the US government will provide subsidies for up to 75 % of the costs for establishing eligible perennial crops. The programme is scheduled to run over a period of 15 years. Vilsack also announced a five year cooperation between the United States Department for Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerning a biofuel for the aviation industry. “By driving biofuel production in the United States, we will create jobs, fight global warming, lower our dependency on oil imports and lay the foundation stone for a stronger economy in the 21st century”, said Vilsack. Markus Grunwald

37

Country Special

russia

Second attempt at a green law Russia’s lobby for regenerative energies is small. Its first attempt to introduce a green energy law had failed perhaps for that reason. Now, the lobbyists have made another effort. What the outcome will be is still uncertain.

F

or decades, Russia seemed to believe that ener­ gy will always be abundant. After all, the coun­ try is rich in oil and, in particular, natural gas. Russian gas monopolist Gazprom estimated its gas reserves at the end of 2009 at 33.6 trillion m³ while oil and condensate reserves amounted to 3.1 billion tons. And the European energy networks are not the only ones that depend on the Russian pipelines. It ­comes as no surprise then that energy is cheap in the exporting country Russia. The prices for electricity and natural gas on the domestic market are deter­ mined by the Federal Tariff Service. In 2009, the pri­ vate end consumer in Moscow paid 3 Russian rubles (1 RUB = € 0.07) for every kWh consumed. While the costs for electricity generally vary by region, the ­av­erage price still stays significantly below the world market level – electricity and gas cost about one forth and one fifth of the world price, respectively. Accord­

38

In Russia, the domestic module production is mostly directed at small-scale off-grid solutions on private homes such as this 1.1 kW system that was installed in the eco-village Slavnoe in the region of Tula.  Photos (2): RMCIP

ingly, renewable energies still have a difficult stand in Russia. “The costs for energy are too low. Without state support mechanisms, the operation of green energy systems is generally not economically profit­ able”, says Dr. Klaus Thiessen, Photovoltaics Consul­ tant of Wista-Management GmbH and PV expert for Russia. His hopes are on the introduction of an incen­ tive scheme.

Difficult task In the past all attempts to initiate such an incentive had failed. In 1997, the lobbyists had already pro­ posed a first green energy bill that was accepted by the two Chambers of the Federal Assembly two years later. Nevertheless, the bill never got signed by Pres­ ident at the time Boris Jelzin. “It passed all ­levels. Re­ searchers contributed their expertise. But it never came into effect”, criticizes Thiessen. On November 4th 2007, the parliament passed another law envisag­ ing different measures such as a surcharge (nad­ bavki) on the market price for renewable energy, which was meant to provide an alternative to a feedin tariff system. While the law has already been signed by President Putin, the specifications for the implementation are still not fully elaborated.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

This 50 kW open space system in the Belgorod region in southern Russia was the first system of its kind to be connected to the grid in Russia. ­ evertheless, progress is slowly being N made, and, on October 20th 2010, a sec­ tion of the law concerning subsidies for the grid connection of PV systems below 25 MW was signed. In the last year, an­ other positive signal was given by Vladimir Putin in his new role as Prime Minister. On January 8th, Putin signed an edict that raises the share of energy from green ­sources in the total energy mix from currently less than 1 % up to 4.5 % by 2020. Meanwhile, there has been yet another bill introduced in the Duma, says Vladimir ­Nikitenko of the Russian-­German Chamber of Commerce (AHK). “That bill was originally expected to be passed by October”, says Nikitenko. Besides the surcharge (nadbavki) on the market price and the subsidies for the grid connection costs, the law also includes a range of other promotional measures.

the onshore potential alone arrives at 127 TWh per year. And RAWI expects that the conditions for wind power will im­ prove after the year 2011, which is when Russia’s energy market is expected to be fully liberalized and the average electric­ ity price to rise with the lower subsidies. In 2009, the total installed capacity ar­

Lots of wind, little support Positive political signals would also be much needed in the wind energy sector. Three major wind park projects were elaborated between the years 2002 and 2006. The first concerned a 75 MW wind farm in the region around St. Peters­ burg, the second a 50 MW offshore project in the neighbourhood of Kalinin­ grad Oblast and the third a 150 MW park in Kalmykia. According to Anatoli ­Kopylov, Vice President of the Russian Association of Windpower Industry ­(RAWI), all three projects were eventual­ ly discontinued by potential investors. It had simply become clear that none of the projects would be viable without a federal incentive, says Kopylov. At the same time, the country enjoys an exceptional wind potential. Estima­ tions by the market research institute Emerging Energy Research suggest that

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Russia has an enormous wind potential. But the low electricity costs and the lack of incentives are giving the sector a tough time. Photo: RAWI

Country Special

Russia’s pellet producers are registering a rapid growth. The pellet mill of the NorthWestern Holding in the St. ­Petersburg region has a ca­ pacity of 50,000 tons per year. 

Photo: North-Western Holding

russia rived at 13,275 MW in Russia. Projects with a capaci­ ty of more than 1,700 MW are currently under con­ struction and another 3,000 to 3,500 MW have been announced, according to RAWI. The currently largest project being planned (Yeisk Project) will be located in Krasnodar. In 2009, the Germany-based company Cube-Engineering conducted the wind measurements for Greta Energy and provided analyses for the first three sites: Shirochanka, Mirnij and Oktabrskij. An analysis of seven other locations and first negotia­ tions with the suppliers are currently underway. Con­ struction is scheduled to commence in 2011. On com­ pletion, the project’s total capacity will arrive at sev­ eral hundred megawatts. “Krasnodar and the adja­ cent regions in the northeast have an exceptional wind potential. I was also surprised to see that the municipalities are very open towards wind power. In general, the legislation is reliable. But there is still a need for guidelines and directives when it comes to the realization of wind projects”, says Cube CEO ­Stefan Chun. With an equity portion of 20 % and a tariff of 7.5 to 8 €-ct/kWh, the Yeisk Project is expect­ ed to amortize in the course of ten to twelve years, says Chun. Components for wind parks could soon be available directly in the country: Siemens has entered a partnership with the Russian Rostechnologii and RusHydro. The aim of the joint venture is establishing factories for wind turbine components. In the opinion of Kimal Yusupov, Lead Energy Renewable Division, Siemens, Russia and Central Asia, the sales potential is promising: “Right now, the Ministry of Energy is de­ veloping a support mechanism for renewable ener­ gies. Together with our partners, we are planning to install an annual minimum of 250 MW during five years.”

Birthplace of PV When it comes to PV, Russia has already experience as a manufacturing location, as some of the early pro­ totypes for solar cells had been developed in Russian space travel research labs. Russian manufacturers such as NPP Kvant and Konti Group demonstrate that

40

the way from space application to terrestrial solar plants has not been long. “There used to be three ma­ jor solar factories for space application. One was based in Moscow and is today called NPP Kvant. The second one is based in today’s Ukraine and another one in Krasnodar. In case of the latter, a small part was saved and now functions as headquarters of the Russian manufacturer Solar Wind”, explains ­Thiessen. For space application, Russia had originally produced bifacial solar cells, i.e. solar cells with two active sur­ faces. According to Thiessen, this type of solar cell achieves yield increases of at least 20 % in conven­ tional solar systems when a reflector is located on the ground to direct sunlight to the other shaded surface. “Solar Wind is still using this technique today. We are currently researching the potential yield increases for solar systems in Central Europe in our test facilities in Berlin”, explains Thiessen. Similarly, Russia’s semiconductor industry en­ joys a strong tradition. Accordingly, there exist a number of manufacturers in the upstream areas of the value-added chain for solar cells, ingots and wa­ fers. One example is the company Nitol Solar, which produces polysilicon – and plans to drastically ex­ pand its production in the near future. By the end of the current year, the company’s annual capacities are expected to arrive at 1,800 tons. With the support of the Ministry of Regional Development, the “Irkutsk Industrial Cluster for Advanced Materials“ will be es­ tablished in the company‘s neighbourhood in Irkutsk, East Siberian region. By 2020, a volume of RUB 60 ­billion (€ 1.430 billion) is expected to flow ­into new production facilities for hi-tech materials, semiconductors, microelectronics and PV. Module manufacturers are still scarce in Russia. One of the key players is Hevel LLC, a joint venture of the Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies ­(Rusnano) and the Renova Group of Companies found­ ed in 2009. Hevel LLC plans to produce tandem thinfilm modules in a new 130 MW factory based in Novo­ cheboksarsk with equipment supplied by the Switzer­ land-based Oerlikon Solar. The investment ­arrives at a total of RUB 20.1 billion (€ 479.405 million).

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

In addition, two 12 MW production lines for crys­ talline modules have been sold by the US-based Spire Corporation to ­Bogoroditsk Plant of Techno-Chemical Products (BTCP) and Ryazan Metal Ceramics Instru­ mentation Plant (RMCIP). “Our modules are partly ex­ ported and partly sold in Russia, although the do­ mestic market has not really matured yet. The instal­ lation of the PV systems is carried out by small-sized installer companies, which concerns mostly off-grid systems with a capacity of 1 to 10 kW on private WMF homes”, explains ­Alexander Stoyakin, Marketing Manager at RMCIP. So far, Russia is almost exclusive­ ly active as a producer country whose low demand on the domestic market makes it strongly dependent on exports. Thiessen estimates that the total installed capacities only amount to some several hundred ­kilowatts. However, the first large-scale project is al­ ready underway. Rusbnano, a specialist for nanotech­ nology, and the energy conglomerate Renova have announced their plans to build a 12.3 MW open space system in the town of Kislovodsk in the northern Cau­ casus, which could be operating by 2012.

Interest in bioenergy The lack of incentives affects also solar thermal, which 12/10/10 16:16 Page 1 has remained equally scarce in the country. According to estimations by the globally active heating specialist Viessmann, the total solar thermal surface currently amounts to about 5,000 to 6,000 m² in ­R16:17 ussia –Page with3 WMF (8p) 12/10/10

WMF (8p)

a slightly rising tendency. Experts describe the domes­ tic market as very poorly developed but expect a slow, sustained growth in the course of the next few years. However, the effects of the extreme temperature fluc­ tuations place also high requirements towards the quality of solar thermal systems in the country. When it comes to bioenergy, the situation looks somewhat better. According to Olga Rakitova, CEO of the National Bioenergy Union, a number of about 80 biogas systems are installed in Russia to date – al­ (8p) 12/10/10 16:16 Page 1 though the majority are believed to be rather small in size. Vyborgskaya Cellulose is currently building what will become the world’s largest pellet factory near the AFinnish resource notOntocompletion, be wasted a premier border. the –facility’s annualevent for waste finance production will reach 900,000 tons. Estimations by the National Bioenergy Union suggest that Russian exports currently arrive at 1 million tons of pellets per year. “Pellet production is following a strong growth trend, as the producers in the United States are expe­ riencing a rising demand on the domestic market and accordingly scaling back their exports to Europe. Further information: ­Russia is now filling this gap. But there is also an www.biointernational.ru/en ­increased interest in pellets for heating by home own­ www.btcp-crystal.com ers, particularly in the region around Moscow”, says www.nitolsolar.com/enmain www.npp-kvant.ru/en Nikitenko. “Without subsidies, however, the use of www.rawi.ru/en/main.php?lang=EN bioenergy remains interesting only in special cases”, www.renova.ru/en says Nikitenko. If the present attempt at a green en­ www.rmcip.ru/eng/indexeng.html www.rusnano.com/Home. ergy bill turns out to be successful, this would mean aspx?dummy=634249003110573125 Regis 19 - 20 January 2011in the area of bioenergy. a breakthrough not only www.russland.ahk.de te 3 D ecem r by  Jumeirah Carlton Tower Rebecca Raspe www.solwind.ru b

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DAY 2: TUESDAY 20TH JANUARY 2011

Welcome and opening remarks

SESSION 6: Policy and regulatory system reforms

A resource not to be wasted a premier SESSION– 7: Strategies for waste – a corporate answer for waste finance SESSION 8: New infrastructure systems and waste streams SESSIONevent 2: Funding mechanisms

SESSION 1: A macroeconomic perspective

SESSION 3: Financial prospects – debt and equity

SESSION 9: Waste technology finance

Hear from:

SESSION 4: Alternative financial options

SESSION 10: A business case for emerging technologies

Karolina Fras

SESSION 5: Waste risk assessments

SESSION 11: Material reuse and recovery

Venue: Jumeirah Carlton Hotel

Sustainable Production and Consumption Unit, DG Environment, European Commission

Stephen Henderson Holding Fund Manager,

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Visit: The luxury, five star Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel isthe situated in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge. European Bank Understand evolving waste market andwww.reffwest.com hear from key policyInvestment makers Synonymous with sophistication and luxury, the hotel overlooks the private gardens of Cadogan Call: Place +1 212 224 3570 Email: enerAndrew Hartley Meetskyline. leading financial players and identify the options available for with spectacular views over London’s �

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[email protected] Regis Director, 19 - 20 January 2011 your waste project te byat a preferential rate, Head of Infrastructure, 3 DCarlton For details of how to reserve your room at the Jumeirah Tower rHotel e Ireland Realise lucrativecbusiness forofthe future Jumeirah Carlton Tower please see page 8. embe projections on the horizonBank r & waste market Malcolm Chilton London, United Kingdom UK Director, Covanta Energy About the Organisers

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

41

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

The disparity is

growing

Doses of melted glass: the Irish vacuum tube manufac­ turer Kingspan Renewables started completely automated vacuum tube manufacturing in Portadown, Northern Ireland, at the beginning of the year. A finished tube could leave the line every seven seconds, but the European market cannot take up enough collector area at the moment and this capac­ ity is thus not being reached by far.  Photo: Kingspan

42

This year the world map of the solar thermal industry appears for the fourth time. Since the start in 2007 with 177 companies, participation has grown strongly to 248 flat plate, air and vacuum tube (collector) manufacturers this time. The disparity between the industry in and outside China has continued to grow. The five largest Chinese vacuum tube collector manufacturers produced far more collector area in 2009 than the 167 flat plate collector manufacturers listed on the world map put together.

I

n 2009 the world solar thermal market was split into two unequal halves. The European manufacturers fought with diminishing demand on the main markets and with high price pressures and overcapacity. The manufacturers outside Europe (except the USA and Japan), on the other hand, were able to enjoy strongly increasing demand, although demands on quality and systems efficiency also rose partially along with this. The worldwide survey of the solar thermal industry carried out in September and October shows these two opposing trends clearly. The area manufactured by the industry in the European Union (EU) sank by a total of 13 % (68 companies), while the manufacturers outside Europe (except China) increased their production volumes by 9 % (48 companies). Vacuum tube and flat plate collectors were equally hit by the decline within the EU.

Vacuum tubes are conquering the key markets outside Europe The vacuum tube manufacturers made above-average gains outside Europe. In India, for example, the three assemblers of vacuum tubes listed on the world map trebled their manufacturing in 2009 over the previous year, while the traditional flat plate manufacturers produced 6 % less (12 companies). The new vacuum tube assemblers source the evacuated double-walled tubes from China and assemble the collector, tank and frame themselves, in order to be able to offer complete systems. The Indian company Anu Solar, for example, which has been doing business with flat plate collectors for 25 years, sold almost six times as many vacuum tube collectors as flat plate collectors in 2009. In other fast-growing non-European markets such as South Africa and Mexico, the vacuum tubes are

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Has a consolidation of the market begun yet?

a­ lso gaining in market share, although the collector modules are still being imported fully assembled from China here, so that no assembly companies appear on the world map. From Brazil – so far a market fully characterised by flat plate collector technology – Product Manager Fabiano Lara de Paula from Enalter Engenharia Indústria e Comércio reports that although the company is still importing fully assembled vacuum tube collectors, it is planning to start assembling tubes at its own factory in Brazil within the next six months. It can thus be expected that the 2011 world map will have the first assemblers of vacuum tube collectors in the booming markets outside Europe.

The European solar thermal sector is experiencing a severe crisis. Germany, the largest market in Europe, has shrunk for the second year running in 2010, and by about 20 %. Many manufacturers have been affected by this decline. When asked about their three most important sales markets in 2009, Germany once again managed to get the most responses, though (see fig. 1). Almost half of the 248 manufacturers named Germany, followed by Italy and Spain – these are both countries which have also had to endure negative growth in 2009, although not as strongly as Germany. According to statistics by the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF), the figures were -5 % in ­Italy and -10 % in Spain. In such times of crisis there is more talk of market consolidation and insolvency. There were no signs of this in this year’s survey of the industry, however. ­Only one company, Rayosol from Spain, has disappeared from the map due to insolvency. And yet some manufacturers didn’t take part in the survey this year even after being specifically asked. We will thus have to wait until the world map of 2011 to see if this silence may also have had a financial background. Apart from this, the number of new entrants to the collector industry was once again lower in 2010,

Concentrating flat plate col­ lector: the collector developed by the US American compa­ ny Chromasun contains a classic Fresnel reflector which is housed together with a stainless steel receiver tube. The collector reaches operating temperatures of 220 °C at 40 bar. Photo: Chromasun

Automated absorber manufac­ ture at Winkler: the Austrian collector manufacturer started up a new absorber manufac­ turing line with an automa­ tically loaded laser welding machine in 2009, in order to produce standard collectors. The equipment was supplied by the German company Fix Maschinenbau.   Photo: Fix Maschinenbau Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

43

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

The most attractive sales markets in 2009: Germany, Italy, Spain 120

Number of responses in the category: „Which three countries were the most important markets in your sales in 2009?“

100 80 60 40 20

Mexico (5)

South Africa (3)

Australia (2)

Canada (8)

Poland (8)

Turkey (13)

Greece (13)

Great Britain (3)

Portugal (4)

Brazil (18)

India (25)

France (3)

China (23)

Austria (12)

USA (14)

Spain (9)

Italy (12)

Germany (26)

0

Fig. 1: The most attractive sales markets for the collector industry in 2009 in order of the number of responses. The figures in brackets are the number of manufacturers which have their headquarters in that country. 248 questionnaires were evaluated. Countries with over 15 responses are included. The four countries Germany, Italy, Spain and the USA have defended their peak positions from 2008. France, Great Britain and Mexico have slipped back several places.  Source: Market survey by solrico in September/October 2010

as fig. 2 shows. During the boom year of 2008, 13 new entrants were shown on the world map: this year it was just 8 companies. Sun Radiant is not one of them. The Italian company postponed its entry planned for the summer of 2010 due to the low general demand: „We are continuing to buy in collectors and are still deciding whether to start with our own production next year,” explains company head Goran Zepponi. The new entrants on the world map come from Azerbaijan, Austria, the USA, Macedonia,

Number of new entrants in collector manufacturing 15

12

9

6

3

44

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

0

Fig. 2: Number of companies which started flat plate and vacuum tube collector manu­ facturing in the given years. The air collector industry has not been considered here, as it has its own article starting on page 62. China has also not been considered, as the industry is already too large for an overview.  Source: Market survey by solrico in 

September/October 2010

­ lovenia and Norway, and have all decided on flat S plate collector technology: • the state construction company Azenco in ­Azerbaijan started the production of flat plate collectors in August 2010. The impulse for this was given by the government, which wishes to install solar thermal systems on public buildings. “The state will be our most important customer,” confirms Samir ­Mammadov, Procurement Officer at Azenco. The collector has an ultrasonically welded copper absorber, an aluminium frame and a glass cover sealed with ­EPDM rubber. • The Austrian company Estec Energiespartechnik Süd has been producing a flat plate collector with a new omega-shaped aluminium absorber. It consists of a harp register with the omega aluminium sheet around it and the sheet wings are clinched to the fullsurface absorber. The clinching machine was supplied by the Austrian mechanical engineering company RG Fertigungstechnik. • The US American solar wholesaler Solarhot, which was founded in 2006 and has so far imported solar collectors from Turkey, started up its own production in March this year in Morrisville, North Carolina. “We wanted to avoid the transportation costs and follow the rapidly growing demand,” says ­Jeanette Gretsch, one of the founders of Solarhot, explaining the investment. In the autumn, Solarhot has entered into a strategic partnership with the collector manufacturer Bubbling Springs of Menomonie, Wisconsin. “Bubbling Springs will stock Solarhot products and vice versa and we are sharing some staff. At this time only the Bubbling Spring absorbers will be made at both locations,” says Gretsch. • The US American solar wholesaler SunMaxx and the Austrian flat plate collector manufacturer Geo-Tec entered into a transatlantic strategic partnership in July at the Intersolar North America in San Francisco, USA. The long-term aim of this cooperation is the setting up of a collector factory in the USA. “We entered into the final stage with the US-wide site selection process for the factory and identified possible locations in two US States,” reports Mike Farrell, founder and head of SunMaxx, answering enquiries made in September. Klaus Mischensky, head of Geo-Tec confirms: “We are supplying the technical know-how including the engineering work for planning the ‘made in the USA’ factory.“ As of the editorial deadline a ­final decision on the factory location had not yet been made. • The company Euroterm in Macedonia was originally a household technology installation company with approx. 35 employees. Two years ago the company management decided to enter collector manufacturing and the production of Solar Keymark certified products should get running properly this year. “We are the only manufacturer in Macedonia with full-­surface absorbers,” says Dejan Mickoski, Production Manager at Euroterm. They constructed their ­ultrasonic welding machine themselves – equipped with frequency generators by the Swiss company ­Telsonic.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

CANADA Sunsiaray Solar Skies 5,550 (5,215) Bubbling Springs 450

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SolarRoofs 22,000 Chromasun 400 SunEarth** 45,000

R&R Solar 4,000

Hawaii (USA)

Integrated Solar 5,520 (6,020)

MEXICO

FRANCE New Caledonia

Dawn Solar 1,700 Solarhot Power Partners AET 58,350 (66,300) Solar Development

Grupo IUSA Captasol 42,000 (62,000) Sunway de México 5,000 Módulo Solar 55,000

202 companies in 44 countries

Sun Ray 30,000

Thermo Dynamics 4,000 (1,500)

Kioto Clear Energy 30,000

World map of flat plate collector manufacturers 2010 Publisher: Editors: Layout: Date: Sources:

EnerWorks 10,000

Sun & Wind Energy, www.sunwindenergy.com Bärbel Epp, Stephanie Banse, www.solrico.com Eilers-Media, www.eilers-media.de November 2010 Company data, own research

Caption production site for flat plate collectors production site for flat plate collectors and absorbers1 production site for flat plate collectors, also as OEM products, and absorbers1 production site of absorbers1 only 1) ”absorber” means absorber plate and pipe system 22,000 produced square metres of collectors in 2009 (22,000) produced square metres of absorbers in 2009 * These two manufacturers in Austria and Portugal produce concentrating flat plate collectors. ** Premier Solar in the United Arab Emirates manufactures storage integrated collectors only. This technology also covers part of SunEarth's production output in California. *** Robin Sun in France offers an absorber incorporated into an insulated glass unit.

BRAZIL JMS 32,000 Maxtemper 10,405 Sollider 500 Aconobre 13,000 Tuma 48,000 Solar Minas 11,543 Soletrol 290,000 Enalter 25,000 Colsol 15,000 Solagua 2,050 GET 26,490 A Atual 1,783 Transsen Prosol 300 Cumulus 36,150 Heliotek 80,000 Soltec Unasol 1,200 CHILE 6,000 (18,000) Tosi 3,350 (4,000) Britec 1,500

Example

Bipin Engineers assembles collectors and sells some of them to other branded companies. The Indian manufacturer produced 16,500 m2 of collector area in 2009. Riposol If a factory's output of collectors differs greatly from that 135,000 of absorbers, both figures are mentioned. The manu(151,000) facturer Riposol from Austria produced 135,000 m2 of collector area and 151,000 m2 of absorber area in 2009. Bipin 16,500

46

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

South Korea

Europe see next page

Jehin 9,800 Solar Max 15,000 Grand Solar 25,000

RUSSIA

Shinyang SPC Alten Kangnam 15,000 (12,000) Center of Energy Efficient Technology (TSEFT) 600

AZERBAIJAN Sunda 100,000 (90,000) HaiLin 30,000 Micoe 30,000 Sunrain 25,000 Sunpower 1,600

Azenco

Sunjunior 10,000

CHINA Sines 6,600

Solar Polar 9,200 (2,400)

TUNISIA Egyptian Solar 3,000

EGYPT

IRAN

ISRAEL

High-New Technology Bosch Thermotechnik

SOUTH KOREA

Commonpraise 120,000 (110,000) Prosunpro 350,000 (200,000)

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Israel, Jordan, Syria

Chromagen 235,000 Elsol 50,000

INDIA

Premier Solar** 5,000

JAPAN Yazaki 40,000

DAST 10,000

SYRIA

Ideal Solar NUR Solar

JORDAN EGYPT

MAURITIUS Mosolar Geosolar 2,000

AUSTRALIA

India

SOUTH AFRICA Atlantic 3,000

Solardome 1,452

Inter Solar 19,500 Hiramrut 1,000 NRG 2,500

Solchrome 6,400 (25,171)

Rheem 300,000

Maharishi 1,445 (1,379)

Sudarshan 7,500 Unisol 1,000 Warmstream 4,000 Ariston/Racold 31,000 Bipin Akson's Solar 3,000 (500) 16,500

Space Age Sun Zone 12,000

Photon 25,000 Nuetech Solar 30,000 Kotak Urja 24,000 Tata BP 55,000 Anu Solar 7,100 Velnet 18,562 Emmvee Solar Systems 67,908

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

47

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

NORWAY

World map of flat plate collector manufacturers 2010

Catch Solar Energy

AES 4,800 (4,000)

202 companies in 44 countries Sun & Wind Energy, www.sunwindenergy.com Bärbel Epp, Stephanie Banse, www.solrico.com Eilers-Media, www.eilers-media.de November 2010 Company data, own research

Publisher: Editors: Layout: Date: Sources:

Caption

Arcon Solvarme

UNITED KINGDOM

production site for flat plate collectors production site for flat plate collectors and absorbers1 production site for flat plate collectors, also as OEM products, and absorbers1 production site of absorbers1 only 1) ”absorber” means absorber plate and pipe system 22,000 produced square metres of collectors in 2009 (22,000) produced square metres of absorbers in 2009 * These two manufacturers in Austria and Portugal produce concentrating flat plate collectors. ** Premier Solar in the United Arab Emirates manufactures storage integrated collectors only. This technology also covers part of SunEarth's production output in California. *** Robin Sun in France offers an absorber incorporated into an insulated glass unit.

DENMARK Batec Solar

Viridian 6,000

GERMANY NETHERLANDS Itho Images 8,000 Zen 25,000

BELGIUM

Example

Vaillant

Vaillant

Rotex 40,000

Viessmann Robin Sun*** 100

FRANCE

Ernst Schweizer 80,000

SWITZERLAND

OCV 12,000

Wallnöfer 7,000

Astersa 22,000

G.M.P. 1,000

Richworld Renewables 22,000 Bosch Thermotechnik

STI 48,000 (43,000)

Soltop 30,000 (35,000)

SLOVENIA Riello 70,000

Wagner

AO Sol* 5,000

PORTUGAL

Sunerg 18,000 (16,000) Ariston 41,000

Grupo Unisolar 6,000 LKN Sistemes 4,800

Cordivari

ITALY

SPAIN Termicol 28,000 Sela Solar 1,000 Andater 10,000 Solaris 3,525

Hucu Solar 10,000

CD Solar

Austria Sunwin Energy 18,000

Sun Master 120,000 (125,000) AKS Doma 27,000

Winkler 12,500

48

Tisun 92,000

Geo-Tec 65,500 (67,500)

Gasokol 62,000 Solarfocus*

AUSTRIA Riposol 135,000 (151,000)

Ökotech 12,000

Re 5

Soleg 4,000 VK CitrinSolar 64,000 Wolf 130,000 Nau 40,000

Openplus Fogãosol 900 (800)

K 5

ForSun 50,000

Roth

Wagner

ESE (10,000)

Bipin Engineers assembles collectors and sells some Bipin of them to other branded companies. The Indian manu16,500 facturer produced 16,500 m2 of collector area in 2009. Riposol If a factory's output of collectors differs greatly from that 135,000 of absorbers, both figures are mentioned. The manu(151,000) facturer Riposol from Austria produced 135,000 m2 of collector area and 151,000 m2 of absorber area in 2009.

Reinhard 10,000 (8,500) Bosch Schüco

TUNISIA

Estec Energiespartechnik Süd GREENoneTEC

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

A

Greece SWEDEN Helional 32,000

RUSSIA GREECE

S-Solar 300 (55,000)

Sigma 23,600 (18,600) Cosmosolar 75,000 Helioakmi Megasun

Papaemmanouel 80,000 (90,000) Sole 30,000

Calpak Cicero 40,000

Thermoellas 15,000 Intersolar 8,000 (3,000)

Sammler Solar 88,000

Bachus 750

Maltezos

Dimas 60,000 (180,000)

Prime Laser Tech 105,000 Nobel 80,000 (84,000)

KBB 55,000 (200,000)

Propuls POLAND 2,250 (2,061) Svoboda 188 Solver 20,000 egulus Watt 35,000 5,000 Ensol 4,500 Sunex 63,000 (50,000) Hewalex 40,000 Sunergy 1,000 K Technik 50 T.W.I. 70,000 CZECH REPUBLIC Solarplus Strojírny Bohdalice 10,000

UKRAINE

Sint Solar 900

AUSTRIA Velux

HUNGARY

Lentherminvest 2,400 Solar Thermo Systems Crimean Heat SZR Elsol 200 NES 20,000

SERBIA

BULGARIA MACEDONIA Euroterm Costruzioni Solari 5,000

TURKEY

Baymak 50,000 Fenis 3,000 Eraslanlar Dagsan & ADG Solar

CMG 3,500

GREECE

Derya 60,000 Erksolar 9,500 (4,500)

Sergün 90,000

Ezinç 326,000 (359,000)

Anticam-Sunstrip 36,000 (9,800) Solimpeks Istek 100,000 (120,000) Ouraset Solar 10,000

Efsun Metal 82,000

CYPRUS

Johnsun Heaters 3,500

ISRAEL

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

49

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

The origin of the newly set up factories 2005 to 2010

France; 1 Czech Republic; 1

Azerbaijan; 1

Greece; 1 Norway; 1

Chile; 1

Pakistan; 1 Poland; 1 Slovenia; 1

Spain; 6

South Africa; 2

South Korea; 1

Germany; 6

Thailand; 1 Turkey; 1

USA; 5

Denmark; 1 Denmark 1 Great Britain; 2

Italy; 5 Macedonia; 2 Austria; 3 Brazil; 4 Mexico; 3

India; 3 Portugal; 2

Fig. 3: The origin of the newly set up factories for flat plate, air and vacuum tube collectors from 2005 to 2010. The chart contains 56 companies, entered according to the country in which they have their headquarters. For a few companies the collector factory is actually in a different country, though. Source: Market survey by solrico in September/October 2010

• The Slovenian company Solar Thermo Systems (STS) has risked starting production of both glazed water and air collectors. It has started the series production of façade collectors this year in Celje, and these are being offered with differently coloured absorbers and/or frames. Private investors founded STS in February 2007. Since then the company has in­ vested € 1,500,000 in research and machinery, partly funded through grants by the European Union. • The capital assets of the Norwegian company Solarnor, which went under at the end of 2009, were bought up by the former Solarnor Managing Director Hans-Christian Francke, who set up a new company called Catch Solar Energy with this in February 2010. This company wants to present a new patented col-

lector type at the end of the year. According to Francke, manual pilot production started at the beginning of November. • The South African company Ikhwezi Solar has already ordered the production line from MiniTec in Germany, and the production of flat plate collectors is due to start in April 2011. “We have decided to capitalize on the momentum created in South Africa with the ­focus having moved much to renewable energy,” says ­Pieter Bosch, Executive Director of Ikhwezi Solar, about the investment. From 2011 onwards the company wishes to supply complete solar thermal systems from its base in East London, approx. 500 km from Durban. The new production line has an annual capacity of 20,000 collectors when run in one-shift production.

Turnover of the vacuum tube collector manufacturers

≤ € 5 million

€ 50 ≤ 250 million

€ 5 ≤ 10 million

> € 250 million

€ 10 ≤ 50 million

Fig. 4: Turnover ranges of the vacuum tube collector manufacturers. 34 companies categorised their companies according to their turnover in the field of solar thermal.  

Source: Market survey by solrico in September/October 2010

50

Suppliers from Germany: Narva Lichtquellen is one of two German manufacturers of glass tubes for the solar thermal industry. The other is Schott-Rohrglas.  Photo: Narva Lichtquellen Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

Turnover of the flate plate collector manufacturers ≤ € 5 million € 5 ≤ 10 million € 10 ≤ 50 million € 50 ≤ 250 million

Fig. 5: Over half of the collector manufacturers worldwide are companies with less than € 5 million of turnover in the solar thermal field. 168 flat plate col­ lector manufacturers answered the question: “Please categorise your company according to the turnover in your solar thermal business”.  Source: Market survey by solrico in September/October 2010

Made in Chile: this collector system was manufactured by Britec, the only collector manufacturer in Chile. Prisoners from Colina 1 prison in Santiago de Chile manufacture the collectors and earn money with which to support their families.  Photos (2): Britec The solar thermal industry is growing worldwide, as can be seen in fig. 3. It contains 56 companies which have started to produce collectors since 2005. Most of the start-ups come from Spain, Germany, the USA and Italy, but the worldwide wave of start-up has meanwhile now also reached new solar thermal markets such as Chile, Thailand and Pakistan, though.

Main characteristics: mediumsized, independent and specialised Many of the founders are ardent solar thermal supporters and run their small and medium-sized businesses independently. They fit well into the strongly fragmented structure of the international solar thermal industry, in which 90 % of companies

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a­ nswered the question “Is solar thermal technology your core business?” with a yes. Of the 168 flat plate collector manufacturers who answered the question about their turnover range, 54 % had a turnover of less than € 5 million last year. Only 5 % of the companies generated a turnover of between € 50 and 250 million with solar thermal (see fig. 5). Among the vacuum tube manufacturerers the contribution amongst the different turnover groupings is much more even (see fig. 4). Among the vacuum tube manufacturers the distribution amongst the different turnover groupings is much more even. Here only 26 % are in the smallest company group with less than € 5 million turn­ over, exactly the same percentage as are in the turnover range of over € 50 million, which is full of ­Chinese companies. Here too the following is true:

Advanced thermal control - easy to use

www.sorel.de Intuitive full text user guidance in up to 18 languages

Temperature Difference Controller - there is a TDC for every application

solar thermal is the core business of the independent companies.

Corporations and holdings: who is behind the manufacturers? Of the total of 248 collector manufacturers who took part in the survey, only 31 companies said they belonged to a corporation or holding (13 %). Some of these company names are already well known in the solar sector, while others have not made an appearance at all. So, who are the “big players” in the solar thermal industry and how are they positioning themselves in the sector? Well known and well positioned are the German heating companies Viessmann, Bosch Thermotechnik and Vaillant, who have this year once again claimed a firm place in the ranking of the largest flat plate collector manufacturers (see fig. 6). The fourth European heating company, BDR Thermea, didn’t yet make it into the ranking of the largest manufacturers in 2009, as their plant in Fabrigas, Spain, didn’t go into operation until the end of last year. It can be expected, however, that BDR Thermea will certainly take up one of the places in the ranking next year, especially as the Turkish manufacturer Baymak, which produced 50,000 m2 in 2009, belongs to the company through a joint venture. In the ranking, shareholdings have generally been allocated to the relevant corporation or holding active in the solar industry, even if these are only 50 % shareholdings. This is the case for the Danish company Solarcap, for example. Listed in the ranking with over 100,000 m2, the holding has been allocated the production figures of the 100 %-owned Arcon in Denmark and Heliodyne in California, plus Emmvee in India, even though it is only 50%-owned by Solarcap. An exception here is GREENoneTEC from Austria. It is jointly and equally owned by the Austrian company Kioto Clear Energy AG and Solarcap. As both companies are active in the solar field and have their own

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

53

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

Central Europe GREAT BRITAIN Kingspan Renewables 60,000

Projprzem-EKO

Akotec 12,000 SolarUK 645

POLAND

GERMANY BELGIUM

Philippine 2,500

ESE 5,000

Narva

18,000 Regulus 3,000

Ritter Solar 136,000

Watt 16,000

CZECH REPUBLIC

Consolar 10,000

AUSTRIA AMK 20,000

SWITZERLAND

Sunex 5,000

GREENoneTEC

HUNGARY Spring Solar 1,000

Thermics 3,500

ITALY

World map of vacuum tube collector manufacturers 2010 45 companies in 13 countries Sun & Wind Energy, www.sunwindenergy.com Bärbel Epp, Stephanie Banse, www.solrico.com Eilers-Media, www.eilers-media.de November 2010 Company data, own research

Publisher: Editors: Layout: Date: Sources:

Kloben 40,000

Caption production site for the assembly of vacuum tube collectors production site for vacuum tube collectors and vacuum tubes production site for vacuum tube collectors, which are also sold as OEM products, and vacuum tubes production site for vacuum tubes only (Baoguang in China and Narva in Germany) 22,000 produced square metres of vacuum tube collectors in 2009 (22,000) produced square metres of vacuum tubes in 2009

Yaohui Companies which produce glass tubes in their factory are marked in bold.

Example Calpak 15,000

Linuo New Material

40,000 (2,000,000)

Calpak assembles vacuum tube collectors and sells some of them to other branded companies. The Greek manufacturer produced 15,000 m2 of collectors in 2009. Linuo New Material combines all three manufacturing steps in its factories. The Chinese company produced 40,000 m2 of vacuum tube collectors and manufactured 2 million m2 of vacuum tubes in 2009.

* These Chinese companies run several production sites which have been depicted as just one point in the map.

54

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Calpak 15,000

GREECE CHINA INDIA Hiramrut 11,000

Electrotherm 650

Ariston/Racold 17,000

THAILAND Ravotek 1,500

Anu Solar 40,500 V-Guard 17,000

China

Tsinghua*

Sunda 80,000 (60,000) Viessmann Tiafe 20,000 (1,000,000)

Linuo New

Himin* 2,000,000 Material* 40,000 (2,000,000)

Yaohui*

Sangle* Linuo Paradigma 1,136,020

Apricus 24,942 Sunpower 260,000

Shana Group (Gomon) 150,000 (1,000,000) Sunrain* 651,229 (1,302,458)

High-New Technology 44,000 (30,000) Ariston 15,000 Sunshore Lucky Solar Shentai

Baoguang (Linuo Group) 800,000

Huayang Micoe* 1,600,000 (1,100,000)

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

55

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

Produced area of flat plate collectors in 2009 [m2] Greenonetec (Österreich) GREENoneTEC (Austria) Bosch Thermotechnik (Dtl.) Bosch Thermotechnik (Germany) Viessmann (Deutschland) Viessmann (Germany) Prosunpro (China) Prosunpro (China) Ezinç (Türkei) Ezinç (Turkey) Rheem (Australien) Rheem (Australia) Soletrol (Brasilien) Soletrol (Brazil) Schüco (Deutschland) Schüco (Germany) Chromagen (Israel) Chromagen (Israel) Thermosolar (Slowakei) Thermosolar (Slovakia) Vaillant (Deutschland) Vaillant (Germany) Wagner (Deutschland) Wagner (Germany) Riposol (Österreich) Riposol (Austria) Wolf (Deutschland) Wolf (Germany) Commonpraise (China) Sun Master (Austria) Sun Master (Österreich) Commonpraise (China) Solarcap (Dänemark) Solarcap (Denmark) Sunda (China) Istek (Turkey) Istek (Türkei) Sunda (China) Tisun (Österreich) Tisun (Austria)

Fig. 6: Ranking of the 20 largest flat plate collector manufacturers worldwide according to the collector area produced in 2009. The German manufacturer Solvis and the Israeli company Nimrod didn’t take part in the survey this year and are thus not included in the diagram. GREENoneTEC belongs jointly and equally to the Danish company Solarcap and the Austrian company Kioto Clear Energy AG, but is still listed as an independent company.  Source: Market survey by solrico in September/October 2010

collector manufacturing sites too, GREENoneTEC cannot be clearly allocated to either shareholder and is thus listed independently in the ranking. Two companies from Italy are working on making it into next year’s ranking: Riello and Ariston. According to company statements, Riello already manufactured 70,000 m2 of collector area last year at its plant in

­ iombino Dese in Northern Italy. Ariston reached about P the same area from its two plants in Serra De Conti, Central Italy, and in Pune, India. The Monier Group also wishes to expand its worldwide production capacities. So far the group has taken up a majority share in the Brazilian collector manufacturer Heliotek. It can be expected that further stakeholdings will follow. The building materials specialist Leitl from Austria already bought into the solar thermal sector several years ago through the German collector manufacturer Nau, and the Kingspan Group took over the British vacuum tube manufacturer ­Thermomax in 2007. Two of the flat plate collector manufacturers included in the world map belong to holdings which have broadened their involvement in solar technology. The company Wolf is a subsidiary of the marketlisted company Centrotec Sustainable, which specialises in energy efficient building technology. Dreen, the mother company of the Portuguese company AO Sol, also has stakes in companies mainly dealing with photovoltaics and solar thermal power plants. A company which has so far not shown itself much in the solar thermal industry is Daikin from Japan, which took over the German collector manufacturer Rotex in 2008. Another is the Greek company group Medispes, which specialises in medical technology and to which the manufacturer Intersolar belongs. The US American transformer manufacturer Power Partners entered the solar thermal sector in 2007 when it set up a production plant for solar collectors in Athens in the US state of Georgia.

Flat plate collector manufacturers’ ranking: changes in the lower places While the top three GREENoneTEC, Bosch Thermotechnik and Viessmann took the medal-winning spots one to three in fig. 6 as in the previous year, there were changes in the rankings below them. The production figures by the German manufacturers sank,

while foreign companies raised theirs. Prosunpro from China and Soletrol from Brazil experienced strongly growing national markets in 2009 and secured places higher up in the ranking. Overall, the production volumes announced by the top twenty flat plate collector manufacturers for 2009 sank by 7 % compared to the year before. In the lower part of the rankings some places were taken up by new names, as the German collector manufacturer Solvis and the Israeli manufacturer Nimrod didn’t take part in this year’s survey. But the Austrian manufacturer Riposol did send back the questionnaire and secured itself 13th place. The two Greek companies Nobel and Papaemmanouel announced significantly lower production figures than for the year before and thus fell out of the ranking. The others replacing those now off the list are ­Commonpraise from China, Istek from Turkey and Sunda from China.

Imbalance: Chinese market leader is 21 times the size of the European Nowhere is the disparity between the Chinese and the European collector markets so clear as when comparing production volumes of the vacuum tube collector manufacturers. While Ritter Solar, the largest manufacturer in Europe, announced an output of 136,000 m2 for 2009, the Sunrain Group, the market leader in China, announced a production volume of 2.9 million m2 for the same year, making it 21 times as big. Sunrain thus also overtook the long-running market leader Himin in 2009. The latter stayed ­constant and announced a production volume of 2 ­million m2 of collector area for 2009. This incredible growth in the Sunrain Group has come about through a consistent two-brand strategy. Micoe Solar Energy and Sunrain Solar Energy belong to the same company group but are meanwhile run completely separately from each other operatively and in terms of financial management. “Since the end of last year, we began to invest and build many factories nationwide – six production bases at least for Sunrain,” explains Sunrain’s Marketing Manager Ryan Chan on their growth strategy. According to Chan, the two brands are expanding their production capacities independently from oneanother. Micoe is concentrating more on the urban high-end market, while Sunrain is focusing more on customers in rural regions. “We are proud that these two brands hold top spots in the ranking of the largest collector manufacturers,” says Chan (see fig. 7). Sunrain additionally wants to aid transparency on the Chinese market and has thus announced both the figures for the number of tubes manufactured as well as the conversion to gross area. The factories in Lianyungang and Yanzhou, both in the coastal province of Shandong, manufactured 6,237,822 tubes last year. Chan takes a gross area of 0.1044 m2 (58 mm * 1,800 mm) per tube, so that the two factories together reach a gross collector area of 651,229 m2. This equates to approx. half of the gross collector area announced by Sunrain and Chan does

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Solar thermal

World MAP of the Solar Thermal Industry

Vacuum tube collector manufacturers Himin Sangle Micoe Sunrain Linuo Paradigma Sunshore

0

2,000,000

Fig. 7: Gross collector area manufactured by the largest vacuum tube collector manufacturers in China in 2009 [m2]. Sunrain and Micoe are brands of the Sunrain Group, but are run separately from oneanother and are thus also listed in the ranking as two companies. Tsinghua – included in the last ranking – has now fallen back from the leading group and is thus not listed in this year’s ranking. 

Source: Market survey by solrico in September/October 2010

indeed confirm that in 2009 half of the tubes were still bought in. Sunrain expects to more than double its tube manufacturing in the current year. The marketing manager also recommends using a conversion factor of 1.5 to convert from gross tube area to gross collector area, but assumes that other companies use higher factors. In this year’s ranking these conversion factors were not yet requested from other companies. Three of the six companies in the ranking manufacture their vacuum tubes themselves: Sangle, Sunshore and Himin. Sunrain/Micoe manufacture approx. 50 % of the tubes in their own factories, with an upward tendency, while Linuo ­Paradigma sources all of its coated double-glass tubes from ­Linuo New Materials, a company which also belongs to the Linuo Group.

Mass production in China: Every one of the largest industrial companies in China manufactured more collector area than the largest flat plate collector manufac­ turer in Europe.  Photo. Narva Lichtquellen

And how do things look when it comes to the production of flat plate collectors? Here the Sunrain Group is on the offensive and has published production figures for this segment for the first time in 2010. According to these, Sunrain achieved 25,000 m2 and Micoe 30,000 m2. Sangle and Sunshore also answered the question on whether they had flat plate collector manufacturing with a yes. It can be assumed that on the 2011 flat plate collector world map there will be a whole series of big-name Chinese companies additionally mentioned. Himin and Linuo Paradigma have not yet developed this line of business, though. If you take a look at the diversity of vacuum tube technology, then the Sunrain Group is also in the lead. Apart from the classic direct-flow pressureless

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Tube types Micoe/Sunrain

Sydney tube/double glass tube with heat pipe in air Sydney tube/double glass tube with U-tube Unpressurised water in tube systems Single glass evacuated tube with heat pipe/U-tube

Himin Sydney tube/double glass tube with U-tube Unpressurised water in tube systems All glass heat pipe

Linuo Paradigma

Sydney tube/double glass tube with U-tube Unpressurised water in tube systems

Sangle

Sydney tube/double glass tube with U-tube Unpressurised water in tube systems

Sunshore

Unpressurised water in tube systems

 Total of five biggest companies

Sydney tube/double glass tube with heat pipe in air Sydney tube/double glass tube with U-tube Unpressurised water in tube systems All glass heat pipe Single glass evacuated tube with heat pipe/U-tube

Fig. 8: Share of vacuum tube types for the area ­produced by the largest Chinese collector manu­ facturers in 2009.  Source: Market survey by solrico in September/October 2010

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

”While the wind is blowing, the sun is shining, much of the fossil fuels we are burning is being wasted. Is this acceptable?”

The history of the solar thermal world maps in SUN & WIND ENERGY This year the world map of the solar thermal industry is ­already appearing for the fourth time. Things started in 2007 with a worldwide overview of production sites for flat plate collectors, which back then included 177 companies. In 2008 the manufacturers of vacuum tubes and their factories were added to the map with a new total of 157 companies. The number was lower than the previous year because the authors of the 2008 map introduced the rule that only companies which took part in the written survey could be included on the world map. Since then things have gone steeply upwards. Although the number of questions has increased, more and more companies have been filling in the questionnaire. In 2009 it was 200 manufacturers of flat plate and vacuum tube collectors, and this year it was even 248 manufacturers which returned the questionnaire. Some of the growth is down to the worldwide overview of air collector manufacturers (see page 62), which is appearing for the first time this year and contains 19 companies, of which three make water-filled collectors as well. Additionally, the production sites of 202 flat plate collector manufacturers are included on pages 46 to 49 and 45 vacuum tube factories on the world map on pages 54/55. 15 companies produce both collector types and are thus included on both maps. Since 2008, solrico – solar market research & international communication has been responsible for the questionnaire and the creation of the world map. For this year the authors have decided only to include production figures for 2009 on the map, as experience from past years has shown that the figures given for the current year are often revised in the questionnaires returned the following year. The solrico database of collector manufacturers meanwhile includes 430 companies. A return percentage of 58 % is a good result for a worldwide survey. The ­solrico team would like to heartily thank the industry for its willingness to take part and is looking forward to once again receiving many filled-in questionnaires next year.

Solar architecture in China: one by one, Chinese cities are imposing solar building obliga­ tions. Clever façade solutions are required to fit the required amount of collector area needed for service water heating onto apartment blocks.  Photo: Himin

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Sydney tubes, which made up 80 % of the production volume in 2009, Sydney tubes with a heat pipe or a U-pipe and single-glass tubes with various absorbers are also supplied by them. Fig. 8 shows the share of tube types for the big five from China for 2009. Sunshore, for example, has gone for directflow pressureless Sydney tubes for both the home and export markets. Himin is the only large manufacturer to make heat pipe Sydney tubes with a glass condenser in series, the so-called “all-glass tube”. The five vacuum tube collector manufacturers listed in the ranking produced a total of 8.7 million m2 last year and thus achieved a market share of 21 % the total volume of 42 million m2 (see S&WE 7/2010). Of this, 86 % were “China tubes” using water. In second and third place were Sydney tubes with a ­U-pipe (7 %) and with a heat pipe (4 %). The all-glass tubes achieved 2 %. Only Sunrain supplies singleglass tubes. This tube technology, which is common in Europe, thus only has a negligible 1 % market share in China.

Production for the world market? The disparity between vacuum tube collector manufacturers in China and flat plate collector manufacturers in the rest of the world is becoming more and more pronounced. While manufacturers in Europe had to accept a reduction in production volumes in 2009, the Chinese manufacturers announced record figures. Every one of the largest five industrial companies in China manufactured more collector area than the largest flat plate collector manufacturer in Europe and a multiple of what the largest vacuum tube collector manufacturer in Europe achieved. The Asians are thus in a very good starting position when it comes to serving the global solar thermal markets. The simple gravity systems, often supplied from China fully assembled, are gaining in market influence more quickly here than the high-quality flat plate collectors “made in Europe”. The first traditional flat plate collector manufacturers from India, Brazil, Mexico and Poland said in the survey that they saw vacuum tubes as clearly advantageous over flat plate collectors. They confirmed that the products from China had a good price/­ performance ratio and increasing quality. How quickly this trend continues to make headway depends crucially on market developments in Europe, as strong national markets are the most important pillar in the industry for helping exports. Bärbel Epp

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Solar thermal

World map of the Solar Thermal Industry

Upswing  for hot air

Northern Arizona University has been fitted out with a typ­ical cladding system by the Canadian company Conserval. Photo: Conserval

Optimism reigns in the air collector sector. The market is characterised by high growth rates and numerous new entrants: reason enough to present the sector on its own world map for the first time.

W

e are seeing increasing awareness and ­adoption of solar air heating technology,“ is the positive impression gained by Brian Wilkinson, President of the Canadian company Matrix Energy Inc. Having already produced 12,000 m2 of collector area, Matrix is among the world’s largest suppliers of solar air collectors.

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A total of 30 companies from 14 countries were written to by the market research agency solrico on behalf of SUN & WIND ENERGY, asking them about product and manufacturing data, as well as news on current business developments. 19 companies from 11 countries returned the questionnaires and are shown on the “World map of air collector manufacturers and

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

s­ uppliers 2010”. The main centres of manufacturing lie in Canada, whose air collector market is long-running and traditional, and in central Europe, where apart from traditional companies, there are also many new companies and new entrants. One example of the latter is the German company ­Kollektorfabrik, which began the production of vacuum tube air collectors in 2006. Another is the similarly German company EnerSearch, which has appeared on the market this year with an air collector with a plastic absorber. Since 2006, in France, the company Opaly has been successfully supplying a special foil which can be printed on. It thus combines heat capture on building façades with advertising. Last but not least, the Slovenian company Solar Thermo Systems (STS) has entered the market with a glazed system this year, whose ­coloured collectors can be matched to the individual building looks as required.

Broad technology spectrum These four examples already show that the market for air collectors consists of many different technologies. This diversity stems partly from the various climatic conditions in each manufacturing country, but also from the various uses this technology is put to. The solar heating of an industrial hall obviously requires different systems to the drying of wood chips or the ventilation of a holiday home. The world map distinguishes between glazed systems (red) and unglazed systems (green). Unglazed collectors, which are mainly being supplied by the Canadian manufacturers, are generally cladding systems available by the metre that can be matched to each building façade as required. Glazed systems usually have a modular basis and are mounted on the roof or façade of a building. In the field of solar drying these modules can also be integrated directly into the solar dryer. Exceptions in the field of glazed collectors are the Lubi collector by Enerconcept (Canada) and the ActiveSkin collector by Opaly (France). The former is a transparent perforated cladding system which uses each particular wall as an absorber. The latter uses the above-mentioned printable foil.

High blessing for solar air heating: the glazed collector by the Canadian company Your Solar Home is also bringing comfort­ able room conditions to this church. Photo: Your Solar Home

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Solar thermal

World map of the Solar Thermal Industry

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“We expect continued growth based on the cost-­ competitiveness and widespread applicability of the solar wall technology in the commercial and industrial sector.” Conserval

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“The solar market is continuously expanding in every sector; we believe that for the next 15 years there will be a lot of work to do.” Termotend

Depending on the system, the manufacturing structures of the manufacturers can also vary. While the module suppliers generally produce their collectors 100 % themselves, the situation is partially different for the suppliers of cladding systems. Although the know-how and patents lie in the hands of the ­suppliers here too, the relatively simply constructed collectors of foil or sheet steel, for example, are sometimes manufactured and delivered by correspondingly specialised manufacturers.

High growth rates in 2010

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64

Standing out from the survey were the high growth rates and the good forecasts made by the companies. The Canadian market leader Conserval (SolarWall), for example, reckons with a total collector area of 70,000 m2, after having produced 42,000 m2 in 2009. “We expect continued growth based on the cost-­ competitiveness and widespread applicability of the solar wall technology in the commercial and industrial sector,” explains Victoria Hollick, Vice President of Operations at Conserval, talking about the planned growth rate of almost 70 %. The planned 2010 production figures for Enerconcept (100 %), Matrix Energy (50 %) and Your Solar Home (25 %) in Canada, Termotend in Italy (50 %) and OM Solar in Japan (33 %), also show a clear rise over the previous year. The European market leader Grammer Solar reckons with a growth of 14 % for 2010 as well, despite difficult market conditions. A further indicator of the positive market development are the new entrants in 2010 – STS from Slowenia, MC2 from Canada and EnerSearch from Germany – as well as companies which are currently eyeing up the market. One manufacturer even stated that the growing number of international enquiries was ­causing serious problems, and the employee structure would have to be adjusted (language-wise). The company has thus decided to forego the marketing effect of being included on the world map. Claudio Menegatti, head of the Italian manufacturer Termotend, summarises the situation as follows: “The solar market is continuously expanding in every sector; we believe that for the next 15 years there will be a lot of work to do.” Stephanie Banse

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Solar thermal

hOTEL sYSTEMS

Three new luxury hotels in South Africa, Turkey and Dubai are using solar heat to provide their guests with enough hot water. The solar system is not a luxury here, however, as it should lower the energy costs considerably.

Not a luxury The world’s tallest building uses solar heat. 378 solar collectors are installed on a building adjoining the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai.  Photos (2): Sole

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T

o a lot of people solar thermal heating is an unknown technology: at least they think so. Even if they do not have a solar thermal installation themselves, they may still have used water heat­ed by the sun, in a hotel where they have stayed, for example. This may have been the luxurious ­Armani hotel in the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai, presently the highest building in the world, or the extraordinary Cappadocia Cave Hotel in Turkey, where hotel guests sleep in cave-style rooms. Or it may have been the DaVinci Hotel, a new luxury hotel in the centre of ­Johannesburg. In all three cases the hotel residents do not necessarily see the solar collectors and very ­likely they will not even spare a thought about how the heat for their showers was produced. However, each of the installations would have been worth look­ ing at, as the companies involved have been quite creative to plan and install a perfect system.

DaVinci Hotel in Johannesburg The DaVinci Hotel in Johannesburg is the latest hotel of the Legacy Group, which owns hotels and resorts in various African countries. Located on Nelson Mandela Square, it has 230 rooms, including 54 luxury suites. Two restaurants, a fitness centre, a wellness spa and a swimming pool overlooking the square are additional facilities designed to attract hotel guests. “The government has asked everyone in South Africa to reduce their electricity consumption by increasing efficiency wherever possible and by installing alternative means of generation where applicable,” says James Shirley, General Manager of Kayema Energy Solutions (PTY) Ltd., explaining the reasons for having the installation. Energy costs in South Africa have been rising at an average of around 30 % for the last three years, 25 % rises are expected for the

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Two heated swimming pools, two saunas, a snow room, a steam room, other wellness services, 79 luxury rooms and restaurants require a lot of hot water at the Cappadocia Hotel in Central Anatolia. Photos (2): CCR Hotels

In the Cappadocia Hotel guests sleep in rooms which are excavated from the volcanic tuff rock.

next two years, with potentially more price increases after that, he says, and adds: “Couple this with the current inadequate electricity capacity, and you see that installing solar thermal systems to heat water makes perfect sense.” Kayema, an integrator of solar and wind energy solutions in Africa, designed the turnkey solar system for the DaVinci Hotel. The Israeli collector manufacturer Elsol solar energy systems delivered the flat plate collectors. KBI Engineering, a tank manufacturer from Alberton, South Africa, was in charge of installing the reticulation (copper piping, fittings and insulation) for Kayema. Standing in front of the hotel the modern architecture with the sky and clouds reflecting in the glass façade is an eye-catcher. Moving to either the right or left, the visitor will realize how slim the building with its oval shape is. “Because of the slim design of the

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

building, roof space is extremely limited,” says Shirley. Thus the number of collectors which could be installed on the rooftop was limited. Besides, the roof is also used as a fire escape. Plus, the rooftop was not initially designed to withstand the added weight of the system. All these circumstances turned out to be major challenges in the construction of the system. The solar collectors were raised on support structures to sit above the other rooftop plant machinery in order to make room for them. “A great deal had to be done to design each stand,” says Shirley. “Each leg of every stand had to be positioned directly over one of the supporting ‘ribs’, while still looking good and being able to withstand wind loads of up to 2 kN/m².” Additionally, chemical bolts, which use a chemical glue and thus create a stronger bond than mechanical bolts, had to be sunk into the slab in their exact positions several months in advance. The prefabricated frames could only be raised the 15 stories and installed after waterproofing had been carried out. In order to have enough space so that people can move under the installation, the system was raised

67

Solar thermal Daniel Schwab, CEO of Kayema Energy Solutions, Enoch ­Godongwana, South African ­Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, and Dov SegevSteinberg, Israeli Ambassador to South ­Africa, in front of the solar t­ hermal plant on the ­DaVinci Hotel in Johannesburg.

hOTEL sYSTEMS 2.1 m above roof level. “It took far longer than normal to install the panels, copper piping and insulation,” Shirley recalls. The engineering and planning phase took two months, and the installation itself about three months. 117 solar collectors with a size of 2.9 m² are installed on the DaVinci Hotel. The system takes the heat produced to a heat exchanger in a plant room 80 m below. Three 10,000 litre tanks store the heat-

ing energy. “It is enough energy to heat 20,000 litres of water from 18 to 60 °C every day,” says Shirley. The system is designed for hot water only. All in all the hotel requires about 600,000 kWh of thermal energy per year for water heating. According to Shirley, the solar system generates 360,000 kWh per year, which amounts to 60 % of the requirements. The rest of the heating demand is generated using electricity. “Should the hotel not be at capacity, however, the solar contribution increases to as much as 100 percent of hot water supply,” he adds. The solar system is automated and controlled via temperature sensors, radiation sensors, flow meters and pumps. It has the ability to collect and deliver all the data via cell phone network to a database for monitoring and tracking purposes. The software gives visual outputs of how the system is operating, how much energy the system is saving and what this equates to in terms of financial savings. “So far the system has been exceeding all expectations, even during winter,” says Shirley. “On several occasions we have had to run the system at night, which releases energy into the air, to cool the boilers down.” In

Due to the slim shape of the Legacy Group DaVinci Hotel in Johannesburg, space for solar collectors was limited. 

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Photos (2): Kayema Energy Solutions

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

South Africa, winter months are May, June, July and August. The system went online in April, with the ­DaVinci Hotel opening in May this year. “A project like this should cost around 2,000,000 South African Rand (ZAR; approx. € 212,000) with a net present value for 20 year operation of this system being around ZAR 6,000,000,” says Shirley and goes on to explain: “Calculations are based on the assumption that the current Eskom price of electricity is ZAR 0.45 per kWh (approx. € 0.046 ) and will rise by 25 % per annum for five years and then another 25 % every five years for fifteen years, and a discount rate of 5 % including maintenance costs, with a payback of approximately five years.”

Turkey – Sleeping in caves Anybody who appreciates special locations might want to visit the Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa in Turkey. Cappadocia (Turkish: Kapadokya) is the name of a landscape in Central Anatolya, which is famous for its volcanic rock formations. The hotel is only 4 km from the Unesco World Heritage Site Göreme, which is famous for its cave churches. The hotel was excavated from the volcanic tuff rocks in the region. It is thus embedded into the rocks and is built in steps. It includes 79 luxurious cavestyle rooms. The room rates start from € 300 per night and person; the most expensive room rate is € 1,200. Apart from the extravagant location and the amazing view over Capadoccia, the hotel residents may use several wellness services. Among others there are two heated swimming pools (outdoor and indoor), two saunas, a snow (cooling) room, a steam room, two Turkish baths and Jacuzzi rooms for special therapies and treatments. This requires a lot of hot water and thus a lot of heating energy. Before the owners decided to have a solar thermal system installed, they only produced energy with coal. They used boilers which burn coal inside to produce hot water for central heating and domestic hot water via a heat exchanger. Such boilers are still popular in small towns of Anatolia as coal is cheap. The main reason for the new heating systems was to save money and to be more independent of fuel. Besides, the hotel owners wanted to reduce the black exhaust of coal in the winter and to completely avoid it in the summertime in order to keep the natural beautiful surroundings clean. In April 2009, Ezinç Metal A.S., a manufacturer of solar collectors and tanks based in Kayseri, got the order for a solar thermal installation. The project was completed by the Ezinç Project Sales Department. One of Ezinç’s dealers in the Cappadocia region installed the plant. The system consists of 40 blue selective solar collectors of 2.3 m² each to supply 5,000 litres of hot water for domestic use and the hot water needs of the spa. It started operating at the end of June 2009. According to Kutay Ülke, who is responsible for marketing and exports at Ezinç, the system produces 92,142 kWh of energy annually, which means

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

[email protected]

www.ayvaz.com

Solar thermal

The main challenge in the project in Turkey was to find space for the installation of 40 solar thermal collectors. The solar company Ezinç decided to install them in the terrace area. 

Photo: Ezinç

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hOTEL sYSTEMS 1,930,344 litres of hot water at 55 °C per year. “With this system they save 17,336 kg of coal each year,” says Ülke. “The biggest challenge for us was the decision where to locate the system,” says Ülke. As the hotel’s construction is in steps and rooms are excavated in the rock, there is a space limitation. “Therefore we decided that the solar collectors could only be installed in the terrace area. There was a distance between the heating room and the solar collectors. We constructed pipes between the tank and collectors with pipe insulation with a matching thickness to minimize heat losses,” explains Ülke further. The 5,000 litre tank is located near the coal-burning ­boiler in the heating room. According to Ülke, the solar coverage for domestic hot water is around 65 to 70 %. He doesn’t mention the share of room heating achieved through solar heating. The hotel has recorded domestic hot water temperatures of 85 °C in the system. Sometimes in the summer they do not need to store hot water and send it directly for use via a by-pass line. As coal is still the primary fuel for heating the hotel, they use this source for the rest of hot water generation. “To get a higher solar coverage we would have needed more space for the storage of the hot water,” says Ülke, “but because of the limited area for storage tanks and heating boilers, it is not possible at the moment.” However, the owners are currently considering constructing new rooms. This might mean that the solar system can be expanded too.

Dubai – tallest tower in the world The photos of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai, which was unveiled in January this year, were some of the most spectacular pictures circulating the media this year. At 828 m (2,716.5 feet) and with more than 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa holds several records. It is the tallest building in the word, it is the tallest freestanding structure in the world, and it has the highest number of stories in the world. The Burj Khalifa is a mixed-use tower with the first Armani Hotel on three levels, one and two bedroom Armani Residences on eight floors, “ultra-luxury residences” – as it says on the official website– on 63 floors, and 37 office floors. Residents may use four swimming pools, an exclusive residents’ lounge, a four-storey-fitness and wellness club and many more luxurious amenities. Visitors may enjoy a meal at the world’s highest dining restaurant at level 122. Such skyscrapers can hardly be energy-saving, however. But Emaar Properties, who is in charge of this building project, committed themselves to including energy-efficient technologies. “Energy efficient measures, especially through use of renewable sources, are not an option but an imperative for sustainable growth. By leveraging solar power, Burj ­Khalifa is setting an example as well as creating a referral mark on how urban developments can effectively integrate energy-friendly initiatives,” says ­Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar ­Properties, in a press release.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

One of these installations is a solar thermal system with 1,020 m² of selective solar collectors. The collectors were produced by Sole S.A., a solar appliances manufacturer based in Athens, Greece. The collectors are mounted on the roof of an office building which is annexed to the tower. The solar plant brings energy savings equivalent to 690 MWh each year. “Approximately 60,000 litres of water are heated daily,” says Eva Nakou, Export Manager at Sole. She does not give a figure for the solar coverage. The ­energy is used for the Armani Hotel and all the ­offices and apartments in the tower. The installation was completed in about two months. More than 50 people were involved in the project. “The approximate cost of the project is in the range of € 300,000,” says Nakou. Another special feature of the tower is its glass surface. More than 174,000 m² of glass is included in the surface. The glass, with special solar and thermal performance, provides an anti-glare shield from the strong desert sun, and a high light reflectance to keep the interior from overheating. According to the manufacturer, Guardian Glass, the glass also withstands extreme desert temperature swings and strong winds. Solar thermal installations in highly frequented places like these are a chance to raise awareness for solar energy. However, to do this the managers will have to inform their guests about the technology. In Johannesburg and in Cappadocia this is not the case

yet. And also on the official website of the Burj ­Khalifa tower there is no information regarding the energy concept. Hot water in luxury hotels is simply a matter of course. But even if they do not stress their way of energy production, the projects show that solar thermal technology is so advanced that it can be a part of even prestigious buildings and their heating concepts.

The installation of the solar thermal system at the DaVinci Hotel took three months. 

Photo: Kayema Energy Solutions

Ina Röpcke

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Solar thermal

Spain

Solar contracting for 23 hospitals In the Spanish region Castilla y León, 23 public hospitals have been supplied with solar thermal installations. The energy agency of the regional government, EREN, not only maintains the installations, it also acts as a contractor.

Hospitals usually have huge roofs where solar collectors can ospitals, hotels and dormitories are ideal be installed, like the Hospital Del places to use large-scale solar thermal systems. They all have a constant high heating Bierzo in the province of León. The hospital’s roofs hold 477 m² demand and are very likely to have a suitable place of solar collectors.  Photos (3): EREN somewhere within the building complex where a

H

l­arge collector array can be installed. That is why such facilities caught the eye of EREN, the energy agency for the Spanish regional government of Castilla y León, when it developed its “Castilla y León Solar Energy Plan” in 2001. Following an energy audit, the agency decided to install solar thermal hot water systems on all of the region’s hospitals. The programme, called Hospisol, was established in 2004. EREN itself acts as the service provider, offering the heating in a contracting arrangement. Castilla y León has nine provinces in northern Spain, among them Salamanca and Valladolid. Roughly 2.5 million people live in the region on some 95,000 km².

Long-term plan The aim of the solar plan is to promote the long-term solar market. To do this, EREN defined four main activities: raising public awareness for the use of solar energy, training installers, providing subsidies for installations, and installing solar plants on public buildings.

72

EREN was founded in December 1996. Three out of 30 employees work in its solar division. Head of the department of renewable energy is Jorge Jové Sandoval. “Hospisol is our most important programme of all the installations we have installed,” he says. All in all, EREN is in charge of 70 solar thermal and photovoltaic installations. “They need our supervision, control, monitoring and maintenance.” By the end of 2001, the surface area of solar collectors installed on private and public buildings in Castilla y León amounted to 10,223 m². EREN defined a goal of having 74,850 m² of solar collector area in operation by the end of 2009. In the energy audit conducted in 2003, EREN found that on average 5,049 kWh per bed per year were required to meet the sanitary hot water demand. In terms of money, this amounts to € 135 per bed per year, or 3.51 €/m³ of sanitary hot water. Energy demand for hot water made up 20 % of total heating demand per year. Furthermore, EREN determined that solar thermal energy could supply 65 % of the annual energy demand needed to heat water. EREN set a goal of supplying over 20  % of hot ­water heating demand in public hospitals with solar thermal plants. With an investment of € 4.5 million, 9,000 m² of solar collectors were supposed to be installed. All together, the plants are expected to produce 18,800 MWh of thermal energy annually to ­supply 7,000 beds.

Agency is in charge Sandoval and his team are in charge of nearly every task that the solar projects entail. This starts with designing the installation, drawing up the contract with the hospital, and requesting permission from local authorities. They hire the installers, train hospital maintenance staff, and perform preventive maintenance during the first three years. When asked why EREN opted for contracting, Sandoval says: “Because it is better for the hospitals and for us. At the hospitals they usually do not know the technology and they do not have the money for these activities. For EREN it is good because we want to demonstrate the value of the contracting business.” The model gives the agency the opportunity to present the technology to the public, and the team ensures that the installations run for many years,” he explains. By the end of 2009, 15 solar thermal plants were installed. The biggest installation is on the Hospital de León in the capital of the province León. The installation was completed in February 2007. The hospital has 487 beds. All together, the hospital’s different roofs hold 506.2 m² of solar collectors. The installation includes two storage tanks with volumes of 20,000 and 15,000 litres. EREN invested € 250,600.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

The solar thermal installa­ tion on the Hospital Virgen del Castañar in Béjar in the province of Salamanca is the smallest one in the Hospisol programme. It has a collector area of 17.6 m². The smallest solar thermal plant can be found on the Hospital Virgen del Castañar in Béjar in the province of Salamanca. It has 15 beds and since March 2007 a collector area of 17.6 m². In Bejar a 1000 litre storage tank is installed. In this case EREN invested € 17,500.

Paying back the investment “We make the installations within our own budget, without any subsidies”, says Jorge Jové Sandoval. The energy provided by the plants is sold to the hospitals. The hospitals pay for the energy they consume at the cost of conventional fuel, less 10 %. The conventional fuel price is updated and tracks the hospital’s fuel procurement cost during each invoicing ­period. The hospital pays EREN. The agency uses the money to recover its investment, which is calculated at bank rates. Once the investment is paid back, the hospitals assume ownership of their installations. “The hospital has a solar energy installation without technical risk and they are enjoying a lower energy bill right from the beginning,” says Sandoval, naming a few benefits for the hospitals. In total, the 15 solar plants supply enough heating energy for 3,193 beds. So far, 3,425 m² of solar collectors have been installed at a cost to EREN of € 1.83 million. By the end of October 2010 the solar installations had produced 6,850 MWh, saving the hospitals some € 675,000 in energy costs. “They are so happy with the installations,” says Sandoval, speaking of the administrative bodies of the hospitals. But Sandoval does not deny that it is not always easy. Controlling and supervising how the plants are

operated has been most challenging, he says, as well as sensitising maintenance personnel at the hospitals to perform their tasks carefully. “Also, the administrative tasks are sometimes complicated,” he continues. “But most of the problems were caused by a legionella system installed at some hospitals, as it reduces the maximum temperature that the solar installations can provide.” This problem has now been solved by limiting the maximum temperature that the solar thermal installation can provide to the conventional system.  Sandoval and his team are now working on their next two installations. One of them will have a collector area of 950 m². Ina Röpcke Further information: www.eren.jcyl.es

At the Hospital Divino Vallés visitors can see the solar col­ lectors from the parking area. Raising awareness about solar technologies is one goal for the energy agency EREN.

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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73

Solar thermal

Heating Networks

Potential for more? Throughout the EU, only 40 megawatt-class collector arrays are in operation. However, examples in use show that very low solar thermal energy costs can be reached.

S

mall solar energy systems on the roofs of ­single-family homes are synonymous with solar thermal energy use in Europe today. Only 1 % of the collector surface area is accounted for by large-scale solar energy systems with collector surface areas greater than 500 m². Swedish researcher Jan-Olof Dalenbäck from the planning and consulting firm CIT Energy Management AB recently submitted a microanalysis of the large-scale systems installed in Europe. It was produced as part of the SDHtake-off (Solar district heating in Europe) project, subsidised by the EU IEE (Intelligent Energy Europe) programme. He reports on 126 solar energy systems in Europe, which generate a thermal output of more than 350 kW (or 500 m² of collector surface area). Throughout ­Europe, there are just 40 “megawatt systems” which generate more than 1 MW. Worse still: it would appear that the best times have passed. From 1997 to 2002, approximately 10 of the large-scale systems were built each year (Fig. 4).

Since then, the number of new systems has decreased rather than increased, with the exception of 2007. However, these figures are deceptive. “The number of systems may be lower, but the collector arrays installed are larger,” says Dalenbäck. Also, in the 90s, almost all systems built were demonstration projects, whereas the systems installed now are commercial. According to Dalenbäck, “we are still at square one”. Most of the large-scale solar energy systems feed thermal energy into district heating networks. “Currently, district heating meets roughly 10  % of the Euro­pean demand for heating,” affirms Dalenbäck. “If we do not succeed in speeding up the introduction of large-scale systems, both the solar industry and the district heating industry risk losing market share.” However, progress is being made, in Denmark in particular. Several large-scale systems have already been commissioned this year. Further projects with a total surface area of around 170,000 m² are ­currently in the pipeline, which will be commissioned in 2010 and 2011 (see page 79 ff). In Sweden, the leading nation with 20 large-scale solar systems in operation, another of these collector arrays was built this year. The municipality of Ellös, on the island of Orust on the west coast of Sweden,

Intermediate short-term storage

Fig 1: The Danish systems use the storage tank concept.

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Graphics (3): Jan-Olof Dalenbäck

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Direct feed into the network

Fig 2: In Austria, the large-scale arrays feed directly into the district heating network. They are generally installed on roofs, but some are also ground-mounted – as is the case at the Andritz Water Treatment Plant in Graz.

invested the equivalent of € 4.5 million in a solarsupported district heating network with a solar collector surface of 1,000 m². The first large-scale systems in Europe were also built in Sweden. The first two were built in 1979 (Fig. 4). These pilot systems are no longer in operation today. They were decommissioned after 10 to 20 years. Throughout Europe, 15 systems had to be decommissioned. “However, very few systems had to be shut down before the end of their expected service life. Most remained in operation longer than expected,” says Dalenbäck.

Intermediate short-term storage Most of the largest-scale solar energy systems feed thermal energy into district heating networks.

­Dalenbäck distinguishes between three concepts. Concept 1: the Swedish and Danish solar-supported district heating networks are generally connected to short-term storage tanks. The central solar energy system charges this storage tank from which the district heating network is fed (Fig. 1). The collectors can be installed on roof surfaces or on the ground. Arrays installed on the ground are ­particularly cost-effective. Danish systems of this type have reached a solar thermal energy price of 0.04 €/kWh without subsidies. This holds up well in compari­son with gas boilers. Dalenbäck believes that the current increase in solar district heating in Denmark is also due to the rapid rise in wind energy. This means that power and heat cogeneration in windy periods is no longer economical. Operators of district

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75

Solar thermal

Heating Networks

As the Andritz Water Treatment Plant system is in a water protection area, S.O.L.I.D. had to install a special leak control system for the glycol-filled solar circuit, which is implemented via pressure measurements.  Photo: S.O.L.I.D.

heating networks therefore often use boilers for heat generation, making solar thermal energy suddenly particularly economically interesting. Of course, it is just as important that a strong local company paved the way, like the Danish collector manufacturer and solar pioneer, Arcon Solar A/S.

Direct feed into the network With a solar thermal energy price without subsidies of 0.06 to 0.08 €/kWh, systems built according to

the second concept are slightly more expensive. In this concept, decentralised solar energy systems feed the thermal energy directly into the district heating network (Fig. 2). They are generally installed on roofs. This is the most important reason for the higher thermal energy price. Such systems have been built in Austria, and some Swedish systems are also based on this concept. In Germany, E.ON Hanse Wärme GmbH intends to equip their district heating network in Hamburg with decentralised solar energy systems.

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Solar thermal energy for the secondary circuit In the third concept presented by Dalenbäck, the ­solar energy systems are distributed decentrally on house roofs, and feed the solar thermal energy into the heating circuit of a local heating network (Fig. 3). The primary district heating circuit serves only as a backup in this case. Such a system has been implemented in the Ackermannbogen solar-powered community in Munich, Germany. At the same time, Munich is also an example for a concept with seasonal storage, of which there are 20 in Europe. There is another example of this in Crailsheim in Southern Germany, where the largest roof-integrated system in Europe with a collector surface of 7,300 m² is located. The solar thermal energy costs in Crailsheim are 0.19 €/kWh. In contrast to the projects driven by companies, seasonal storage involves projects where research and development is the priority, and demonstrates that high solar coverage rates of the overall thermal energy requirement of residential communities up to around 50 % can be reached.

Specialists take risks The concepts can be distinguished not only via the feed-in method, but also by their business models. Some of the key Danish systems belong to district

Solar thermal energy for the secondary circuit Collector array

Return 40 to 50 °C

Fig 3: In solar local heating networks with seasonal storage like that in Munich’s Ackermannbogen community, the solar thermal energy remains in the local network (secondary circuit). The district heating network (primary circuit) serves only as a backup. heating network companies, while the decentralised collector arrays are held by the housing companies. In this situation, companies which provide ­customers or tenants with heat make direct investments. Other arrays belong to third parties –

Solar thermal

Heating Networks ­ alenbäck refers to them as ESCOs (Energy Service D Companies). The company installs and operates the solar energy systems and sells the solar thermal ­energy to the network operators or directly to the home owners connected to the district heating ­network. This has advantages: “Just like facility managers, many managers of district heating companies consider the risk of a solar energy system too high,” explains Dalenbäck. In the ESCO model, companies with experience in the technology take on the risk. In Austria, the Graz-based company S.O.L.I.D. Gesellschaft für Solarinstallation und Design GmbH pursues this model. S.O.L.I.D. plans and installs the system, while contracting is left to partner companies such as Graz-based solar.nahwaerme.at ­GmbH. The Andritz Water Treatment Plant system is an ­example of a project contracted by solar.nahwaerme.at. The Graz municipal public utilities will move into their new water centre of competence there in October. 3,900 m² ground-mounted collectors provide new and existing office buildings with thermal energy for heating and hot water. For this purpose, a 60 m³ storage tank has been installed. If this tank fills up during the summer, the excess thermal energy flows into the district heating network. Contracting company solar.nahwaerme.at has two customers: the heating network operator Energie Graz, and the municipal public utilities, which use the thermal energy to heat their own offices. Energie Graz pays a “competitive price” for the thermal energy. The municipal public utilities receive the thermal energy for the same price they would have to pay for district heating. State subsidies, which provided 30 % of the project funding, are necessary to balance the books for the contractor. A parallel to the Danish model: in both countries, the projects are driven by local companies.

Mistakes to learn from Dalenbäck also analysed the problems which occur in the large-scale solar systems in all concepts and what we can learn from this. Positive: most of the projects reached the predicted solar yield. However, retrospective improvements were often required. For example, buffer management had to be optimised after construction in the Andritz Water Treatment Plant project. In general, it is a greater challenge to integrate solar energy systems into the building services equipment of existing buildings than to install them in new buildings. Dalenbäck puts this into perspective: “There are control problems with all complex systems, not just with solar energy systems.” Ground-mounted solar circuits must withstand great forces. The temperature difference on a single day can reach 90 °C. This brought the solar circuit in the solar community in Hamburg-Bramfeld to its knees at an early stage. It is also very important to clean the solar circuit thoroughly. Valve problems occurred due to insufficient cleaning in the project in Strandby, Denmark. “Of course, small solar energy systems are just as affected by these problems,” explains Dalenbäck. “However, the consequences of a failure are greater in large-scale systems, which is why the requirements for planning and system moni­ toring are far higher in large-scale systems.” It is also important that all parties involved work together and as few companies as possible are involved in the implementation. The key factor for the success of solar thermal energy networks is that more investors, planners and companies become experienced in building and operating large-scale collector arrays. And there is only one way to do so: far more megawatt systems must be built than is currently the case. Jens-Peter Meyer Further information: SDHtake-off - Solar district heating in Europe: www.solar-district-heating.eu

Development of large-scale solar energy systems in Europe

Fig 4: The number of solar energy systems with thermal capacities of over 350 kW was relatively small (126) at the end of 2009. The boom is yet to come. Source: Jan-Olof Dalenbäck

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Solar thermal

Heating Networks

Denmark paves the way The construction of solar thermal district heating systems in Denmark is booming. 25,000 m² of new solar collectors commissioned in Ringkøbing und Jægerspris have already been added this year to the 80,000 m² installed by the end of 2009. This is another major step towards independence from fossil fuels for the Scandinavian country.

I

n Europe, energy from the sun has been used in solar district heating systems for roughly 30 ­years. Countries in northern Europe in particular have shown great interest in solar heating systems with seasonal storage, which allow them to cover much of their heat requirements in winter. Together with the Netherlands and Sweden, Denmark has ­taken on a leading role in recent years, making it one of the leaders in solar thermal energy. The reasons for this lie in the past. Denmark, for example, like many other countries, also has a law promoting renewable energy, in particular electricity generated from ­renewable sources. However, since the change in ­government in 2002, subsidies and bonuses were reduced significantly, which also made large solar thermal systems more attractive compared with small systems. Rising gas and crude oil prices took care of

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

the rest. As a result, Denmark invested in large-scale district heating systems instead of the small individual systems which are prevalent in Germany. “The average heat production costs of our largescale solar thermal systems are 3.5 cents per kilowatt hour, which is significantly lower than the heat prices of oil or gas boilers,” calculates Sten Beltman ­Jørgensen. This is why the Distribution Manager at Danish systems provider Sunmark has benefitted from major demand for large-scale solar thermal systems. According to Jørgensen, their integration into the many existing district heating systems provides a return on the investment in less than ten years – without state subsidies. In recent years, Denmark has built up the largest combined heating and electricity network in the European Union. Approximately 665 large-scale district

The collector array in Marstal is currently the largest in the world. 

Photo: Marstal Fjernvarme

79

Solar thermal

Heating Networks heating systems generate both electricity and heat, while a further 230 systems generate heat only. The majority of the heat and electricity generation is used for public demand – e.g. for swimming pools, hotels and campsites. Thus, Denmark is the leading district heating nation, as over 60 % of the Danes are supplied with district heating. In general, the solar collectors used in Danish ­solar-based district heating systems are groundmounted fixed-standing systems. Most of the systems are equipped with large-surface flat plate collectors which are faster to mount. On average, Denmark has 1,800 hours of sunshine a year. Annually, the sun provides roughly 1,000 kWh/m² with horizontal measurement and 1,200 kWh/m² with an irradiation angle of 45° and southern orientation. “In recent years, the demand for large-scale solar thermal systems has increased constantly,” says ­Anders Otte Jørgensen, Director of Arcon Solvarme. The company is one of the pioneers in solar district heating support in Denmark. Based in Skørping on North Jutland, it was founded in 1974 as a specialist for large and medium-sized thermal solar energy systems and is the market leader for this segment in Europe. According to the company, Arcon planned and built more than half of the large-scale systems in ­Europe with collector surface areas greater than

1,000  m2. In addition to this, the company designed special high-performance flat plate collectors for large-scale solar thermal systems, the HT collectors. The 13.5 m² collectors can supply temperatures of approximately 95 °C, which corresponds to the typical storage temperature in central heating systems. The first Danish solar heating plant was built in Saltum in 1988. It was based on experience from Sweden and is still operating, with 1,000 m² of solar collectors. In 1995, the Danish district heating provider Marstal Fjernvarme A.m.b.a. built a far larger system with 8,000 m² of solar collectors. In 2002, the system was expanded to almost 18,000 m² and a nominal capacity of 13.5 MW. Since then, it has been Europe’s largest solar district heating system – in spite of the construction of further large systems, e.g. in Ringkøbing, Denmark, this year with 15,000 m² of solar collectors.

Multiple expansions In the mid-nineties, Marstal Fjernvarme A.m.b.a. set itself the goal of using renewable energy instead of oil to generate heat in its region, and to reach a 100 % coverage rate during the summer months. In 1994, the company received a government subsidy of 20,000 Danish Kroner (DKK, € 2,600 at the current

Overview of Denmark’s solar district heating networks Location

Commissioned [year] 1

Nominal collector Collector surface output [MW] area [m²] 2

Number of Storage tank residential units size [m³] connected

Fuel

Collector supplier

Tistrup (under construction)

2010

4.0

5,400

1,914

900

natural gas

Arcon Solar A/S

Ringkøbing

2010

10.5

15,000

3,900

1,700

natural gas

Arcon Solar A/S

Jægerspris

2010

6.7

10,000

4,047

2 x 750

natural gas

Sunmark A/S

district heating waste (CHP) network

Arcon Solar A/S

Copenhagen

2009

0.35

755

n/a

Sønderborg

2009

4.0

5,866

30,000

4,000

biodiesel

Sunmark A/S

Tørring

2009

4.6

7,284

2,468

1,600

natural gas

Sunmark A/S

Broager

2009

7.0

10,700

1,019

2 x 960

natural gas

Arcon Solar A/S

Gram

2009

7.0

10,073

1,095

2,300

natural gas

Arcon Solar A/S

Strandby

2008

6.0

8,019

830

2 x 1,500

natural gas

Arcon Solar A/S

district heating natural gas network

Arcon Solar A/S

2,500

natural gas

Arcon Solar A/S

900

wood pellets

Arcon Solar A/S

Hillerød

2008

Brædstrup Ulsted Marstal Rise Nordby-Mårup

2.1

3,007

600

2007

6.0

8,012

1,400

2006

3.46

5,012

473

2002 (1996)

13.5

18,300

1,250

15,600

biodiesel

Arcon Solar A/S

2001

3.0

3,575

n/a

4,000

pellets

Sunmark A/S

2001

1.75

2,500

110

800

mineral oil, wood pellets Arcon Solar A/S

Ærøskøbing

2010 2000 (1998)

3.4

4,900

550

1,400

straw, wood pellets

Arcon, Sunmark

Ottrupgård

1994

0.4

565

22

1,528

n/a

Arcon Solar A/S Arcon Solar A/S Arcon Solar A/S

Ry

1990

2.1

3,025

1,300

district heating n/a network

Saltum

1988

0.7

1,030

267

district heating n/a network

1 Refers to the last expansion phase; initial commissioning of the project and further expansion stages are stated in brackets; systems in order of the date

of initial commissioning; 2 Collector surface area of the total system in the current expansion status

This table lists the Danish solar thermal systems which are already complete or are close to completion. Systems in the map on page 81 which are currently being planned are not shown in the table.

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Large-scale solar district heating plants in Denmark

Systems are currently planned for Vijens, Dronningslund, Oksbøl, Hejnsvig and the next expansion phase in Marstal.

exchange rate) for building the planned 8,000 m² ­solar energy system with a 2,000 m³ storage tank, which supports an existing district heating system. After completion in 1996, the collector surface area was expanded by approximately 1,000 m² four years later to a total surface area of over 9,000 m². Initially, the system had 640 solar collectors, subsequently increased to 1,720, each 12.5 m² in size, installed in 32 rows (now 36 rows) on a 20,000 m² site. Since the expansion of the collector surface area to 18,000 m² in 2002, 30 % of the annual energy demand can be covered by the solar energy system. Today, five different collector types are used in Marstal, including both flat plate and evacuated tube collectors. Currently, there is another project to expand the system, called “Sunstore 4”, with the involvement of

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010



Status: June 2010



Graphic: Solar District Heating

European experts from Sweden, Italy and Germany. The expansion of the solar thermal system by a further 15,000 m² is one of eleven special European energy projects and is being subsidised by the European Union to a value of 46 million DKK (€ 6.2 million). The new system phase is to be completed by 2012 at the latest, and will then generate 55 % of the total heating requirement of Marstal. The new storage tank will have a volume of 87,000 m³, and support a 4 MW wood-chip boiler. In future, this will supply renewable heat to 1,600 households.

With support from home roofs The district heating system with solar support in Braedstrum on Eastern Jutland, at 8,000 m² was the

81

Solar thermal

Heating Networks third largest solar thermal system in the world when it was commissioned in 2007. However, the system had already lost this status one year later. The market leader for large-scale solar thermal systems, Arcon Solvarme, installed 614 type HAT-SA large-scale collectors with a net surface area of 8,012 m² in ­Braedstrup. The collectors are connected in rows of 14 units. They feed hot water at a temperature of 95°C into a storage tank with a capacity of 2,500 m³. Braedstrup Fjernvarme’s district heating network comprises 1,400 households, supplying thermal energy to approx. 3,000 people. With a performance of 6 MW and an annual energy yield of approx. 4,000 MWh, the solar company provides 10 % of the total heat requirement. “The solar thermal system reduced the dependency on natural gas and is essential to continue to generate our district heat supply cost-efficiently in future,” explains Per Kristensen, Managing Director at ­Brædstrup Fjernvarme. The collectors are connected in series according to the following system: the first two collectors do not have film for thermal insulation in the rear walls; they are filled with cold water from the buffer heat exchanger. By contrast, the last two have reinforced rear wall insulation, and are specified for ­water temperatures of 95°C. In addition to this, ­Braedstrup Fjernvarme also uses intelligent control systems: three irradiation sensors are distributed among the array. They react to sunlight and start the solar circulation pump before the temperature sensor registers heating by the sun – this is intended to optimise the yield. However, Arcon’s major project is not the end of the story at Braedstrup, Denmark – in the future, home-owners are to be encouraged to install systems on their roofs. Their surplus production will be passed

on to Braedstrup Fjernvarme. For this, the citizens will receive 75 % of the price they would have to pay for district heating in winter.

On the island A further successful example of a solar-backed heating network in Denmark, built by Arcon Solvarme, was expanded in multiple phases on the southern island of Æro in the Syddanmark district in 1998. Before the construction of a solar thermal system in ­Ærøskøbing, heat was primarily generated there by burning straw, supported by wood pellets and some oil in winter. The objective of building the system was to render the use of the straw boiler unnecessary in summer, while reducing the oil consumption in winter via heat storage. The first part of the system was financed by Ærøskøbing District Heating itself without subsidies, with a total cost of approx. € 1.2 million. The now 7,000 m² ground-mounted flat plate collector system generally provides 100 % coverage from solar thermal energy in the summer. “Our objective in 2007 was to increase the percentage of demand met by solar thermal energy to 20  %, for greater independence from biomass,” says Jan Ivert Kristensen, Manager of Ærøskøbing District Heating. Although Arcon has been responsible for the delivery of the collectors and the technical implementation until now, Ærøskøbing District Heating is now working on the current expansion of the solar thermal system with the Danish company Sunmark, which has already implemented a range of large-scale solar thermal projects in Rise and ­Jægerspris. Oliver Klempert

An 8,000 m² collector array feeds heat into the network in Braedstrup. In future, many small systems on building roofs will provide solar backup for the district heating system. 

82

Photo: Arcon

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Products

Solar thermal

Heat from a ball The Italian company Sferasol S.r.l. has developed a compact, spherical solar thermal system whose surface is constantly exposed to the sun’s rays. Unlike conventional flat solar panels, Sferasol makes the most of diffuse radiation, which during a clear day accounts for 10 % of the total radiation and on cloudy days can reach up to 50 %. According to the manufacturer, Sferasol’s advantage comes from radiation reflected from the ground (albedo), which is absorbed by the spherical collector. The spherical steel absorber, which is coated with selective paint, has a surface area of 4.5 m2. It is placed inside a plastic sphere made of methacrylate. The Sferasol system is a pumped solar water heater. The storage tank is hidden inside. It is made from stainless steel, has the shape of a vertical cylinder and contains up to 150 litres of water. According to the manufacturer, Sferasol is capable of heating water within a shorter time in

comparison with flat solar thermal collectors, since the thermal fluid is exposed to the solar radiation twice. The glycol thermal fluid first flows through one half of the sphere, then through the other half, and subsequently flows through the heat exchanger inside the tank, where the heat exchange with water takes place. Maintenance and installation costs are minimal. It is a “plug and play” system that plugs directly into the secondary circuit like a normal boiler. Sferasol is also available without a tank inside. Cristina Barbero

Thanks to its spherical shape, Sferasol fits in perfectly with the architecture. Photo: Sferasol

Further information: Sferasol S.r.l., Via Pinerolo, 119, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy, phone: +39/011/9622318, fax: +39 /011/9622319, [email protected], www.sferasol.com

Compact solar desalination module The German company Terrawater GmbH with its headquarters in Kiel offers complete desalination systems that can be operated using waste heat, the heat from the sun or heat from the ground. The core of the systems is the TW5 module, which vaporizes raw water using a patented thermal procedure and generates 5 m3 of salt-free condensate per day. The module is capable of desalinating almost any kind of raw water. It may have a salt content of up to 30 % – ten times as much as normal sea water, and close to the solubility limit of sodium chloride. If drinking water is to be produced, however, it is essential that the water does not contain any toxic substances that evaporate at the temperatures used in the process. According to the manufac­ turer, the system is very robust and easy to operate and causes only low running costs. The electrical power that is required by a TW5 module is only 0.7 kW. Terrawater is currently working on an optimized solar-­

powered system. The aim is to lower the water price to less than 4 €/m3 when 100 % solar power is used. Further information: Terrawater GmbH, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24118 Kiel, Germany, ­phone: +49 431 22001-0, fax: +49 431/22001/29,  [email protected], www.terrawater.de

Pilot installation in Namibia: the desalination mod­ ule from Terrawater is easy to operate.  Photo: Terrawater

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

83

CSP

Cost reduction

Beating fossil prices k Power Bloc

-5%

Storage

-8 to -10% Civil Works

-7%

Heat Transfer Fluid

-30 to -60%

Cost reduction potential of CSP plant components until 2025. Not included is project management, finance allowances and development with a reduction potential of 25 to 30 %. Also not included is balance of plant cost reduction of up to 8 %.   Photo: Solar Millennium AG 

Data: A.T. Kearney

84

There is only one way to ensure that renewables beat fossil fuels in the long term: make them cheaper. The near-term goal for CSP is to drive down costs a third by 2015.

I

t is the year 2035. Journalists from all over the world are following the installation of the world’s largest solar power plant in the Egypti­ an desert via a video live stream. To be more pre­ cise, there are three plants with a total of twelve 250 MW power blocks. Together they will generate 3 GW of electric power around the clock. This ex­ ceeds the power output of the Aswan Dam. The so­ lar arrays cover a 100 km2 area. For somebody driv­ ing alongside them, the rows of mirrors seem end­ less, but seen from a plane, they are only a small spot in the desert. Finally, even in Egypt and the MENA region with their cheap prices for fossil energy, CSP plants have won the race. At first, they were small plants, built by industrial companies, to secure their own power sup­ ply when the power grid failed. The solar plants grew bigger and Egypt began exporting electricity to ­Israel, establishing a close economic relationship. CSP is still not the cheapest renewable energy in the Middle East, but its storage tanks make it a lot more reliable than wind power and photovoltaics – and that counts for a lot. Will this vision come true? Nobody can tell today. What we do know today is that this scenario is defi­ nitely technically possible and almost certain to be­ come economically viable. But there is still a long way to go. Until this sum­ mer, Spain was the only country where significant construction of CSP plants was taking place. Plants in the USA had suffered from financing and permission

problems. Finally, construction has started for two big projects, located at Ivanpah (126 MW in first con­ struction phase) and Blythe (four 250 MW plants). In Spain, construction is fuelled by a feed-in tariff (FIT) of 27 €-ct/kWh which makes CSP a profitable busi­ ness for investors. The actual levelised costs of elec­ tricity (LEC) – the generation costs including invest­ ment, interest rates, and maintenance, etc. – are around 18 €-ct/kWh for a CSP plant in Spain. From the perspective of an investor, the gap between the LEC and the FIT is easily explained and necessary. CSP is a young technology, which means it might car­ ry high risk. To attract investors in spite of the risk, relatively high profits are necessary. From the perspective of Spanish consumers, who have to pay the FIT on their electricity bills, 27 €-ct per kWh is a high price, even compared to the FIT for photovoltaic plants. Unlike FITs for PV, the FIT for CSP plants has not been reduced in recent years. In the photovoltaics sector, the reduced FIT has put prices for modules and other components under pressure. The machinery of the market has kicked in. In the CSP industry, the stable FIT still provides a comfortable niche. It is a well known but seldom mentioned fact that the CSP industry could cope well with a some­ what lower FIT. Eckhard Lüpfert of the German ­Aerospace Centre (DLR) states, “It is realistic to fore­ see in the FIT a soft but sensible price degression. It must be soft enough to not block development, but still strict enough and dynamic to keep the cost going down as capacities grow.”

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Solar Fie

-10 to -1ld 2%

To secure political support for this young technol­ ogy, however, companies will have to make a plausi­ ble case that prices will go down. Therefore, the Euro­ pean CSP industry association ESTELA engaged the A.T. Kearney consultancy to prepare a forecast of the cost development of power from CSP plants out to 2025. This freely available 45 page paper concludes that costs will go down by 40 to 55 % by 2025, mak­ ing plants profitable for investors at a feed in-tariff of 10 €-ct/kWh. As this number reveals, the study fo­ cuses mostly on the Spanish market. That makes sense at the moment because most of the world’s newly installed CSP plants are being built in Spain. However, it does say much about the future cost of electricity from CSP plants. Experts, including ESTELA and A.T. Kearney, agree that Spain will not continue to be the main market in the future, due to its limited ­solar irradiation and available land. The US will play a key role in the near and mid term. Building a basi­ cally identical power plant in California would result in electricity costs (LEC) some 30 to 40 % lower than

those in Spain, due to better climate conditions. In the mid to long term, the Middle East and North Af­rica will play a role – think Desertec. In Morocco, for in­ stance, conditions are not as good as those in Cali­ fornia but LEC would still be 10 to 20 % lower than in Spain.

Thinking big Besides choosing sunnier locations, there are two main factors that will drive down costs: economies of scale and technical progress. Simply stated, economy of scale means that big­ ger plants are cheaper. There are many cost factors that do not increase proportionally with the plant size, such as engineering, permitting and project management. Regarding maintenance, economies of scale have already come into play. Newly built plants need much fewer staff for operation and maintenance than the first generation plants built in the 1980s in the US. The reason is that the operative units in the new plants are much bigger. The investment cost of a 50 MW parabolic trough plant in Spain, including storage,generating some 160 GWh per year usually amounts to € 300 million. A.T. Kearney estimates that if energy output for such a plant is doubled, using all the same technology, the electricity the larger plant produces would cost about 11 to 13 % less. A plant ten times as big might save more than 20 % of the energy production costs. At 250 to 500 MW per plant, returns begin to level off. Experts agree that it does not technically make sense to increase plant size any further. By 2025, A.T. ­Kearney estimates that economies of scale will re­ duce costs per installed capacity by 30 %.

Learning by doing Unfortunately, economies of scale will only have a mi­ nor effect on the cost of a solar field – to double out­ put, you have to double collector area. The solar field accounts for almost 30 % of the investment cost of to­ day’s typical Spanish parabolic trough plant. For larg­ er plants, the percentage rises as the share of other cost factors comes down, so it is worthwhile to take a close look at reducing the cost of the solar field. For­ tunately, solar fields involve many young technolo­

Overview of main technological and efficiency improvement measures Functionalities Technology

Solar collection

Thermal generation

Storage

Electrical generation

Parabolic trough

• Receiver characteristics • Mirror size and accuracy • Alternative working fluid • Optimized support structure design • Higher operating temperature

• Alternative storage reservoir designs andstorage medium compositions

• Turbine efficiency

Solar tower

• Field configuration and heliostat size optimization • Optimized tracking system costs

• Alternative storage reservoir designs and storage medium compositions

• Turbine efficiency

Dish Stirling

• Optimized support structure design • Optimized mirror sizes for various solar resources

• Storage development

• Engine efficiency and capacity

Linear Fresnel

• Automatic mirror assembly • Optimized mirrors

• Storage development

• Turbine efficiency

• Alternative working fluid • Higher operating temperature • Improved cycle technology

• Receiver characteristics • Higher operating temperature

Initiative improvement potential: high ■ medium ■ low ■ 

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Source: A.T. Kearney

85

CSP

Cost reduction gies that can be assumed to have a steep learning curve. The learning curve (or experience curve) is a mod­ el that economists have been using for decades to predict the future costs of all kinds of technologies, and it works amazingly well. It says that whenever the cumulative produced amount of a certain product doubles, the price drops by a certain percentage. The challenge is to estimate this “certain percentage.” In various reports, the International Energy Agency as­ sumes a learning rate of between 10 % and 15 % overall for CSP plants. According to Eckhard Lüpfert, rates of between 12 and 15 % are most likely. That means that the industry will have to install about 20 to 43 times more CSP power to lower costs by 50 %. ­Dominik Foucar, one of the editors of the A.T. Kearney report, considers 10 % a rather conservative learning curve. In their estimate, A.T. Kearney distinguished between different assets that contribute to the total costs of a CSP plant. For example, they assume a low learning curve of 10 % for auxiliaries, very mature technologies. For planning the solar field, A.T. ­Kearney assumes a high learning curve of 30 %, as this is a young discipline and there is much to learn. Regardless of how steep the learning curve will be, the report makes very clear that a decrease in cost depends not on time but on installed capacity. Fortu­ nately, development in new technologies is exponen­ tial rather than linear, and political support can con­ tribute considerably to faster growth, accelerating cost degression. This seems contradictory at first glance. To under­ stand the mechanism, it is helpful to look at the pho­ tovoltaics industry: according to the National Renew­ able Energy Laboratory (NREL), module production – the key technology – has had a price learning curve of almost 20 % since the 1980s. Feed-in tariffs, es­ tablished in 1999 in Germany and later in other coun­ tries, gave a decisive boost to the market. For a while,

Learning curve for the photovoltaic industry $80 $60

Learning curve: modul price/W - degression rate

Module price (2006 US$/Wp)

$40 $20 $8 $6 $4 $2 $1 $0,8 $0,6 $0,4

Grid parity 2013 at 65 GW

$0,2

Since the 1980s PV industry has had an experience curve of 20 %. High prices due to silicon shortage and high FITs in Spain have only been a temporary effect. It is likely that CSP will develop in a similar way although experience curves for parabolic troughs are not expected to be that steep.  Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory

86

they kept module prices higher than they should have been according to the learning curve model. But this did not last for long – FITs were reduced and now the price is developing according to the learning curve model again. It seems very unlikely that it would have been possible today to produce PV modules at a cost of less than 1 US$/W, had it not been for the boom triggered by the FIT. To be as successful as photo­ voltaics, CSP will need market introduction support in its early stages as well. Lüpfert claims: “FITs must go down softly to avoid the last-minute rushes and mar­ ket blockades seen in the previous years in many of the subsidised technologies.”

Key components for cost reduction Economic theory aside, physicists and engineers have identified the specific components that are like­ ly to contribute to significant cost reductions. There are two major aspects to how this works. One the one hand, cheaper components will drive down in­ vestment costs. On the other hand, even components or technologies with slightly higher investment costs per unit may reduce generated electricity cost by in­ creasing plant efficiency. It is difficult to separate these two effects but together A.T. Kearney expects them to add up to a cost reduction of 30 to 40 % by 2025. Lets zoom in to take a closer look at those key components. A.T. Kearney considers the “thermal generation system” the largest share of costs within the solar field, which includes the receiver and the heat transfer fluid, along with engineering and han­ dling. Only with a new receiver design and an alterna­ tive heat transfer fluid – most likely either molten salt or steam – will it be possible to rise the operation temperature at the steam turbine (see S&WE 2/2010). Only a significantly higher temperature allows the turbine to work at its ideal conditions. Receivers have undergone several improvements since the 1980s but no fundamental changes of design. Currently, all three receiver manufacturers – Archimede, Siemens and Schott – are working on new receiver designs and their commercialisation. The new Archimede HEMS08 receiver has been in use since this summer in Italy in a 5 MW power plant with molten salt. The company is currently ramping up its production facil­ ity. Engineering company Solarlite is currently build­ ing a 500 kW plant in Thailand which uses direct steam receivers. Apart from new heat transfer fluids, another trend is to scale up receivers so they work with bigger col­ lectors. This saves installation costs. An example of this approach is Schott’s PTR90 receiver with a tube diameter of 90 mm rather than of 70 mm. Schott pre­ sented the receiver at the Intersolar exhibition in ­Germany in summer 2010 and plans to begin selling it in autumn 2011. Project developer Solar ­Millennium will use a 90 mm receiver in Flagsol’s new ­HelioTrough collector. The HelioTrough also has a larger aperture area and different support structures than the ­previous collector. According to Solar Millennium, the ­HelioTrough will reduce the cost of the solar field by

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Foto: © Fronius International GmbH

20 % and will be used in all of their future plants. De­ pending on how quickly construction of those plants begins, the reality of CSP development may soon out­ strip A.T. Kearney’s report. The report anticipated new support structures by 2012. Further developments, such as composite mate­ rials, are expected after 2015. To name just one ex­ ample, Flabeg, a manufacturer of glass mirrors, is co­ operating in work on a support structure based on ­paper combs coated with synthetic resin to which a thin-film mirror will be applied. The mirrors are one of the most controversial components of CSP technology. New mirror concepts are manifold, as are new production companies. To­ day, all CSP plants use thick glass mirrors, but alter­ native concepts are evolving. Thin glass mirrors prom­ ise a higher reflectivity and a 25 % lower price ac­ cording to A.T. Kearney, and they seem like a feasible alternative. Furthermore, many companies are work­ ing on reflective coatings and polymeric materials, as well as on coatings for protecting those materials. There are polymeric reflectors on aluminum sub­ strate, fully polymeric reflectors, and front-surface silver coatings. New concepts and products keep emerging – not an exhibition or conference passes without the presentation of some new coating ma­ terial and mirror concept. Up to now, no project devel­ oper has had enough confidence in the new materials to use them in a large-scale plant, but all of them are

being tested. Companies seem confident that indus­ trial use of the new mirrors is on the way. Skyfuel, manufacturer of the Skytrough collector based on ­Reflectech reflecting film, just announced that it will soon ramp up commercial production. The race is still open. A.T. Kearney cannot name the winner yet, but they already predict what the win­ ner will be like. By 2015 there will be a material with 95 % reflectivity at a 25 % lower price. Such details are of great relevance to companies in the business. Still, one has to zoom out again to get the bigger picture. In the long run, things seem to work out according to plan, Eckhard Lüpfert says. He has been working in CSP research for the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) for 18 years now. He refers to studies the DLR published some years ago, such as the Trans-CSP study from 2006. It says that power from CSP plants will be available for € 0.05 in ­Europe around the year 2050, including transmission via HVDC lines. The Ecostar-Report from 2005, also writ­ ten by the DLR, goes so far as to assume that CSP will reach a levelised cost of electricity (LCE) of 5 €-ct per kWh (excluding transmission and profits for the plant owner) as soon as 40 GW are installed, which is like­ ly to be the case by around 2025. Lüpfert is sceptical about the exact figures. “No one knows what you will be able to buy for five cents in the year 2050”, he says. But he is convinced that the key findings of these reports still apply.  Eva Augsten

www.solarpraxis.de

1st Inverter and PV System Technology Forum

Lower cost per kWh via intelligent systems combination and high reliability Technology, R&D, Production, Markets & Finance 24 – 25 January 2011, Berlin, Germany Online registration: www.solarpraxis.de/conferences Information: Miriam Hegner, Solarpraxis AG, Tel.: +49 | (0)30 | 726 296-304, Fax: +49 | (0)30 | 726 296-309, [email protected] Platinum sponsor

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Solar Energy

Solar Glass

Anti-reflective glass

makes clear gains

Glass is traditionally an important topic in solar engineering. But nowadays, unlike just a few years ago, the discussion is no longer about a supply shortage. Now, quality in general and coatings in particular are the focus. The manufacturers increasingly sell anti-reflective glass and place emphasis on special coatings for thin-film photovoltaics.

S

Processing: in a vacuum coat­ ing system, F-Glass applies functional layers to the glass.  Photos (2): F-Glass

88

ince this year’s international trade fair Glasstec in Düsseldorf came to an end, we have updated our market overview from last year (see S&WE 7/2009, page 82). Our survey of 15 important manufacturers of solar glass has shown that anti-reflective (AR) coatings are becoming increas­ingly important. Out of the nine companies that participated in our survey this year, seven stated that they have had an increase in the sales of AR glass. Of the other two, one company does not offer any AR glass yet. One of the companies that deal intensively with AR coatings is Centrosolar Glas GmbH & Co. KG. At its headquarters in Fürth, Germany, Centrosolar Glas

produces float glass and textured glass. The mediumsized company claims to be the worldwide market leader in the field of AR-coated solar glass and to rank among the top three suppliers of uncoated solar glass. This claim is supported by the company’s capacity to process about six million m2 of glass annually. In 2009, the company still coated its AR glass ­using a dipping process. In the meantime, ­Centrosolar has put into operation a new production line for ­single-sided coating. It uses a roller to apply the antireflective coating to the plane glass surface (roller coating method). The Danish company Sunarc Technology A/S from Rønnede is exclusively active in processing glass ­into

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

AR glass. The company buys textured and float glass from other manufacturers and provides it with an ­anti-reflective coating. Sunarc is the only company to create the AR quality in an etching process. The antireflective layer is generated by etching the surface instead of applying an additional layer. The Liechtenstein-based company Interfloat ­Corporation produces three types of textured glass in its factory in the East German town of Tschernitz. For the first time, Interfloat now also offers anti-reflective glass – even though solar glass without an AR quality still accounts for the bulk of its products. General Manager Ulrich Frei had already announced this step last year. The company relies on well-tried processes: since Interfloat produces solar glass all the year round – and not in campaigns like many other manufacturers – constant product quality is ensured.

German-Chinese cooperation Hecker Glastechnik GmbH from Dortmund, Germany, also offers AR glass. Since 2001, the company has cooperated with the Chinese Jinjing Group. Jinjing produces textured glass as well as float glass according to European standards. Hecker processes this glass into single-pane safety glass – optionally in AR quality. In the spring of 2011, the current production capacity – Jinjing is one of the largest glass producers in China – will be complemented by an additional line for textured solar glass. Hecker also has an innovative new product: a solar glass with an anti-glare

quality for applications where people could be dazzled. It reduces the dazzling effect in comparison to normal glass, but this does not impair transmittance. Furthermore, this year the two partners have begun to produce anti-reflective glass with a coating on one side for the Chinese PV market. Of course, the Jinjing Group, which complements its own know-how with that of the partner Hecker, also sells solar glass under its own name. Float glass is produced by Shandong Jinjing Science & Technology Stock in Zibo City in the province of Shandong. It is also offered with an AR coating. Just recently, the company has expanded its production capacity for lowiron float glass from 600 to 1,800 tons per day. There are numerous other Chinese glass manufacturers that produce for the European market. In order to prove their products’ quality, these manufacturers like to have their glass certified by the Swiss ­Institute for Solar Technology SPF. One of them is Henan Succeed New Energy Material. At its headquarters in Qinyang in the province of Henan, the company produces textured glass for solar applications with and without an AR coating. In response to an enquiry from S&WE, the company reported that it is currently developing a special solar glass for the American photovoltaics market. Due to a non-disclosure agreement with the customer, the company cannot yet specify any details. But Succeed is pleased to give information about the expansion of its own production capacities. At present, three production lines for toughened glass and six lines for AR coating are under construction. The new line for toughened glass will have a production capacity of 10 million m2. The new capacity for AR glass will be 4 million m2 for glass coated in a dipping process and 2 million m2 for glass coated using a roller coating process. Succeed wants to significantly increase the proportion of AR glass. In 2009, the capacity utilization of the existing line for toughened glass was 80 %.

Interpane: vacuum coating for jumbo sizes Interpane Glas Industrie AG, which has its headquarters in the North German town of Lauenförde, applies the anti-reflective coating iplus HT to float glass and textured glass. The company has transferred the pro­ cess from its pilot plant to its industrial coating facility. Since 2006, Interpane has been able to apply solar anti-reflective layers to glass in large sizes up to about 3 m x 6 m using a vacuum process. This can be done either just on one side or on both sides. During subsequent tempering, the glass is not only pro­c­ess­ ed into single-pane safety glass, but the AR coating is also firmly combined with the glass. At the locations Lauenförde and Plattling in Southern Germany, the company maintains its own solar glass production facilities. Since the beginning of 2010, the anti-reflective coating process developed by Interpane has also been used by the company F-Glass GmbH in SülzetalOsterweddingen (Saxony-Anhalt) in float glass pro-

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

89

Solar Energy

Solar Glass

Textured glass is very popu­ lar in crystalline PV and for flat-plate collectors. It gives the collector or module its characteristic frosted or rough surface. Photo: Saint-Gobain duction. F-Glass is a joint venture between Interpane and the Dutch glass manufacturer Scheuten, which has been active in the glass business since 1959. In the summer of 2009, the joint-venture put into operation a float glass production line in Sülzetal for the continuous production of solar glass. There, a staff of around 270 produces up to 700 tons a day of low-iron float glass, the company says. April 2010 saw the start of operation of the toughening furnace with a capacity of about 4.5 million m2 annually and the continuous coating line with a capacity of 6 million m2 annually. In the 230 m long facility, a mono-broadband coating is applied using the previously mentioned process in order to produce AR glass. The solar glass is processed under ultra-clean vacuum conditions. The AR coating made of robust quartz increases the transmittance, which has been confirmed by flash tests under standard test conditions, and additionally protects the glass from detrimental environmental influences. For thin-film applications, the coating line also provides the option of applying layers by magnetron sputtering.

A cutting plant cuts the glass to the desired dimensions.

90

AGC Solar belongs to the AGC Group, which is based in Japan but active worldwide. Via its parent group, AGC can rely on more than 100 years of experience in glass production. For its textured and float glass, the glass manufacturer offers the anti-reflective coating Sparc, which brings about an increase in transmittance of 2.4 %, measured according to ISO 9050. At present, AGC produces its textured glass in Belgium, China, Japan, Thailand and the US states of Kansas and Tennessee. In response to the rising demand for AR-coated solar glass, this year AGC has also begun to apply the AR layer Sparc in the textured glass factory in the Belgian town of Roux. Saint-Gobain is one of the world’s leading glass suppliers. Hence, it is little wonder that the company is in demand in the solar sector as well. Low-iron float glass and textured glass with a frosted or prismatic surface accounts for the bulk of the solar glass. Furthermore, Saint-Gobain offers a cast glass with a deep texture. A pyramidal or wave shape causes multiple light refractions, which increases yield by 3 % in comparison with standard cast glass, as the French company promises its customers. Also in the case of the Saint-Gobain products, transmittance is increased even further by the AR coating, which can be applied to any of the glass products, even the deeply textured glass. The Turkish company Trakya Cam, which belongs to the Sisecam Group founded in 1924, does not yet offer any AR glass. Instead, the company continues to work on improving the transmittance of its plate glass Durasolar P+, which Trakya produces in the South Turkish city of Mersin. The company conducts its R&D activities in the research centre of the Sisecam Group, which is accredited according to the standard EN 45001 for testing laboratories and is a member of the International Commission on Glass (ICG). Trakya’s glass is certified by the Institute for Solar Technology SPF and is sold to companies in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. The company is making further investments in facilities for the production of solar glass at the Mersin location. For example, the start of operation of a new furnace for casting textured glass is scheduled for the first quarter of 2011.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

There are also several manufacturers from India that offer low-iron glass for the solar industry (see S&WE 10/2010, page 108). Gujarat Borosil Limited, for example, has set up a modern factory to meet the rising domestic demand for high-quality solar glass and in order to export to the EU (see S&WE 9/2010, page 118). The low-iron solar glass is a borosilicate glass, which is offered with a matt-frosted or ­prismatic-frosted texture. It is tempered according to EN 12150. In Europe, the products from Borosil are distributed by the Dutch company Vertrad NV.

The British company Pilkington is another supplier of solar glass. Since 2006, it has been part of the NSG Group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass and glass products for the construction and vehicle markets. The Pilkington product range includes the float glass Optiwhite, a white glass low in iron oxide and suitable for solar applications. It is produced in ­Weiherhammer in South Germany. There, Pilkington has recently completely modernized and extended its production line II.

Overview of glass products for modules and collectors Supplier

Designation

Glass type

Transmittance [%]

Glass thicknesses [mm]

Max. dimensions

Standard solar glass AGC Solar

Solite/Solatex Sunmax

textured glass

91.5 %

3.2 / 4.0

1,650 mm x 2,160 mm

float glass

91.0 %

3.2 / 4.0

1,650 mm x 2,160 mm

textured glass

91.5 %

3.2 / 4.0

n/a

3.2 / 4.0

n/a

3 to 12

n/a

Centrosolar Glas

Centrosol MM / SM Centrosol C+

float glass

91.0 %

Euroglas

Eurowhite Solar

float glass

up to 92 % 1

2.8 to 4.0

2,200 x 2,600 mm

F-Glass

F-Solarfloat

float glass

91.3 % 2

Gujarat Borosil

Low Iron Solar Glass

textured glass

91.6 %

3.2 / 4.0

2,500 x 3,500 mm

T-Safe Solar Pattern

textured glass

91.6 %

2.5 / 3.2 / 4.0

2,134 mm x 3,050 mm

Hecker Glastechnik

T-Safe Solar Float

float glass

90.0 %

3.2 / 4.0

2,134 mm x 3,050 mm

Henan Succeed New Energy Material

Succeed Solar Glass

textured glass

91.6 %

3.2 / 4.0

1,200 mm x 2,400 mm

Interfloat

Silk / Cone / Astra

textured glass

92.0 %

2.5 to 6

2,000 mm x 3,000 mm

Pilkington (NSG Group)

Optiwhite

2 to 19

n/a

float glass

up to 91.0 %

Securit Albarino S/T

textured glass

91.5 %

n/a

n/a

Securit Diamant Solar

float glass

91.2 %

n/a

n/a

Shangdong Jinjing Science & Tech­ nology Stock

Solar Low Iron Glass

float glass

91.0 % 90.8 %

3.2 4.0

2,440 mm x 3,660 mm 3,660 mm x 8,000 mm

Trakya

Durasolar P+

textured glass

91.6 %

3.2 / 4.0

n/a

Sparc

AR coating for textured or float glass

+ 2.4 % 2

3.2 / 4.0

1,650 mm x 2,160 mm

Centrosolar Glas

Centrosol HiT

Nano Power AR coating for textured or float glass

+6%

3.2 / 4.0

n/a

F-Glass

F-Solarfloat HT

AR coating for float glass

+ 2.5 % 2

2.8 to 4.0

2,200 x 2,600 mm

Hecker Glastechnik

Energy Vision

AR-coated solar glass (textured or float glass)

96.6 %

3.2 / 4.0

1,200 mm x 2,250 mm

Henan Succeed New Energy Material

Succeed AR Solar Glass

AR-coated textured glass

97.3 %

3.2 / 4.0

1,000 mm x 2,000 mm

Interpane Glas Industrie

iplus HT

AR coating for textured or float glass

min. + 2.2 % (PV) 2 min. + 4 % (solar thermal) 3

2.8 to 12

3,210 mm x 6,000 mm

Sunarc Technology

depending on the supplier

AR coating to be etched on textured or float glass

+5%

n/a

n/a

PV-AR

AR coating for textured or float glass

+ 2.5 % 4

n/a

n/a

deeply textured glass

+3%

n/a

n/a

Saint-Gobain Solar

Anti-reflective solar glass / anti-reflective coatings AGC Solar

Saint-Gobain Solar

Securit Albarino P/G

1 in the case of glass thicknesses of 3 to 5 mm; 2 energy transmittance according to ISO 9050; 3 according to EN 410; 4 increase in transmittance compared with the basic glass in the case of perpendicular incidence of radiation

This overview shows which types of glass the manufacturers offer. The transmittance values are difficult to compare because they were not mea­ sured according to uniform standards. Especially the AR figures have to be considered with caution: the mean values specified by the manufac­ turers can differ widely, depending on the measurement method. Under standard measurement conditions, however, the manufacturers achieve similar values, as AGC, F-Glass, Interpane and Saint-Gobain show.  Source: company data

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

91

Solar Energy Further information: AGC Solar: www.agc-solar.com Centrosolar Glas: www.centrosolarglas.de Euroglas: www.euroglas.com F-Solar: www.fsolar.de Gujarat Borosil: www.borosil.com Hecker Glastechnik: www.hecker-solarglas.de Henan Succeed New Energy Material: www.succeedglass.com Interfloat: www.interfloat.com Interpane: www.interpane.com Pilkington: www.pilkington.de Saint-Gobain Solar Glass: www.saint-gobain-solar.com Shandong Jinjing Science & Technology Stock: www.cnggg.cn Sunarc Technology: www.sunarc.net Trakya Cam Sanayii: www.trakyacam.com.tr

Solar Glass Coatings for thin-film PV are the trend In addition to the textured and float varieties of solar glass, numerous manufacturers also offer special glass for thin-film photovoltaic applications. For example AGC Solar: its float glass PV 200 deforms to a lesser extent than soda-lime glass when heated and is therefore suitable as a large-area substrate for CI(G)S applications. As a back glass for CI(G)S modules, AGC offers Moly, a molybdenum-coated float glass. For manufacturers of silicon thin-film and CdTe modules, AGC provides float glass with various TCO coatings for application as front glass. The AGC product range also includes special glass products for CSP applications: glass tubes are available with diameters of up to 250 mm. They are suitable as receiver tubes. The extra-thin solar mirror Sun Mirox is laminated onto a carrier material and then acts as a parabolic mirror or a parabolic trough. Interpane, too, offers special coatings for thinfilm photovoltaics, such as blockers, molybdenum coatings and TCO coatings. Shandong Jinjing offers its float glass with a TCO coating. Another company that produces glass for thin-film photovoltaics is ­Euroglas GmbH. Since June 2009, the company has processed the low-iron float glass Eurowhite Solar for thin-film PV in its new factory in Haldensleben, ­Saxony-Anhalt. Euroglas has been selling only the TCO-coated Euroglas PV Hy TCO to solar manufacturers so far, but not the basic glass Eurowhite Solar.

Special application: building-integrated photovoltaics Solar glass production at AGC in Kingsport, Tennessee: a robot picks finished textured glass from the line. 

Photo: AGC Solar

92

In principle, any single-pane safety glass is suitable for building-integrated photovoltaics, with glass thickness usually being at least 4 mm in this case. Only very few companies offer special solutions for BIPV. Out of nine companies, three said that their glass was hardly ever used in BIPV. Centrosolar Glas, Interpane, Shandong Jinjing and Trakya reported that

their float glass was sometimes used for building integration. F-Solar named two examples: the glass ­F-Solarfloat is used in building integration as the front glass either of amorphous silicon thin-film modules or of micromorphous silicon laminates. AGC does, however, offer special products for building integration. The safety glass SunEwat is a glass-glass laminate enclosing polycrystalline cells. The space between the cells can be adjusted to the needs of the customer and the purpose of application in order to obtain the desired level of light transmittance. At present, the maximum size of the SunEwat laminate is 2.0 m x 3.0 m. From the second quarter of 2011, it will also be available in sizes of up to 2.0 m x 4.0 m, explained Marketing Manager Olivier Mal.

Solar glass is becoming more important for the glass industry In the context of our survey, we also asked the glass manufacturers for details of the volumes of their glass sales and the fraction of solar glass in the total amount of glass sold. For publication, we have made these figures anonymous. There is one trend that stands out: almost all the glass manufacturers that do not exclusively produce solar glass recorded an increase in the sales of solar glass as a proportion of their total glass sales. Only one company did not give any figures; another said it had not recorded an increase. Unfortunately, only two companies specified concrete figures for the change in percentage of solar glass: one of them increased the proportion of solar glass in its overall glass sales from 1.3 % in 2007 to 4.6 % in 2009. The other plans to increase the proportion from 5 % this year to 20 % in 2011. The question about the amounts of glass sold in 2008 and 2009 was answered by too few companies to allow a general trend to be inferred. Nevertheless, the development can be roughly sketched. Two suppliers that are already well established in the solar glass business managed to keep their solar glass sales approximately constant in the order of magnitude of several million m2. This means that the sales of these two companies fluctuated by less than ± 10  % despite the fact that 2009 was a difficult year for PV. Another company was able to sell 50 % more glass last year than in 2008 and reached 6 million m2. Smaller companies achieved even higher growth rates. A European company, for example, raised its solar glass sales from 500,000 m2 in 2008 to 1.5 ­million m2 in 2009; an Asian company managed to increase its sales from 1.5 million m2 to 2 million m2. It is obvious that the market for solar glass is growing. The investments in new factories, production lines and technologies demonstrate that the ­(solar) glass manufacturers are proceeding on this assumption. In addition to improved textured and float glass types, anti-reflective glass products and special coatings for thin-film PV will play an ever greater role in the future.  Stefan Trojek

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Solar Energy

Solar POwer International

In search of a solar vision Los Angeles Convention Center

At this year’s Solar Power International Conference and Exposition (SPI), Rhone Resch, President of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), called on the industry and politics to work together on a common national vision in order to transform solar energy into a primary source of new energy in the US.

T

Solar companies showing off their latest advances on the expo floor.

94

Photos (5): SPI

he branch, as it stands now, according to ­Rhone Resch is a patchwork of markets scat­ tered across the country. “Once we have a common vision, we will overcome many of the prob­ lems we’re facing today, such as financing in the face of political and regulatory uncertainty, getting projects through the permitting process, and dealing with a rapidly growing industry”, said Resch in his opening remarks in Los Angeles. He envisioned an in­ dustry where all solar technologies come together to install 10 GW of solar energy per year by 2015. Ac­ cording to the SEIA President, such a capacity would create 220,000 jobs per year, power 2 million homes, and close ten polluting coal plants each year. In fact, the US solar industry has already started to accomplish this vision – which is reflected by dif­ ferent good news from the sector. Thus, in the weeks leading up to SPI, the Federal Bureau of Land Man­ agement (BLM) announced that it had approved three

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

major solar projects that will begin construction on federal lands in the US Southwest before the end of this year. Kenneth Salazar, US Secretary of the Inte­ rior, signed and approved a fourth project – the first solar project on federal lands in Nevada – on stage at the conference opening. Since then, the Department of the Interior approved two other major solar projects on BLM lands. “In these six projects alone, almost 3 GW of new solar energy will be installed, enough to power approx. 2 million homes, and create 37,000 new construction jobs and more than 600 permanent plant operation positions.” Secondly, there is evidence suggesting a rever­ sing of trends in which US companies were seeing manufacturing jobs go overseas. E.g. Suntech, a ­Chinese solar company, has opened a manufacturing plant in Goodyear, Arizona, in October. Finally, ­President Obama only recently announced that he is installing solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) sys­ tems on the White House, the most famous residence in the US.

Gaining political support In order to achieve 10 GW of solar power installed per year, the SEIA appeals to the industry to become more politically active and unified. In the past, USAmerican solar business has suffered from regulato­ ry uncertainty due to inconsistent political support for solar. Even though 94 % of Americans think it is im­ portant for the US to develop and use solar power, ac­ cording to an SEIA study, many politicians are heavi­ ly influenced by the powerful fossil fuel lobbies in Washington DC. “Big oil and fossil fuel special inter­ est groups spent 500 million dollars in lobbying and campaign contributions to defeat the clean energy and climate legislation that Congress considered this year. This has effectively killed hopes of establishing a national renewable portfolio standard or cap-andtrade program in the US this year”, said Resch. Policymakers who support solar energy are also influential in helping companies through the permit­ ting process, one of the other major challenges facing the solar industry and a hot topic at SPI. When Secre­ tary Salazar took office, thousands of megawatts of

Kenneth Salazar, US Secretary of the Interior, is speaking at at the SPI opening ceremony, SEIA President Rhone Resch standing next to him. projects were held up somewhere in the permitting process. Most of these projects were proposed for federal lands in the US Southwest. The short-term goal for the Department of the Interior is to get as many projects approved in a “fast-track” process ­before the Federal Loan Guarantee Program runs out at the end of the year, said Salazar at SPI. The Loan Guarantee Program allows solar developers to share some of the financial risk with the federal government so that new technologies have a financial guaran­ tee. The approval signed by Salazar was for the Silver State North Solar Project, Nevada. The other five BLM projects include the Imperial Valley Solar Project, Chevron Lucerne Valley Solar Project, Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System and the Calico Solar Project, the Blythe Solar Power Project, all in Califor­ nia. “These projects show what great strides we are making and it reflects President Obama’s focus and commitment to supporting America’s clean energy economy,” said Salazar. However, the Loan Guaran­ tee Program runs out at the end of this year. This sparked discussion at SPI about how the solar indus­ try will thrive in a post-incentive world. In the SPI general session that was focused on politics in the solar industry, both Democratic and

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Solar Energy

Visitors on the expo floor

Solar POwer International ­ epublican representatives R were optimistic about future political support for solar. ­Republican Mary Matalin, former adviser to President George W. Bush, argued that many of the new Republican candidates realize the impor­ tance of solar energy. “The type of Republicans that are going to win innovation, get entrepreneurship and the de­ centralization of solar,” said Matalin. Her husband and Democrat James Carville, part of President Bill Clinton’s brain trust, agreed with ­Ma­talin about the importance of solar, but warned that the Republican take-over of the US House of Representatives could make it more challeng­ ing for the solar industry in Washington DC.

Hopes on the residential market US solar thermal companies showed their latest tech­ nology, focusing not only on new module designs, but also on other technology, e.g. water heaters. But 2010 has been a hard year for most of them. With sales much lower than PV, solar thermal companies have used this year to build-up their business for future growth. ­SunMaxx Solar from New York e.g. has focused on train­ ing, education and outreach in order to create a better market for the future. Even if people cannot afford to in­ stall the system now, they can at least afford to learn about it or get trained in it, said SunMaxx representa­ tives. SunMaxx is confident that the solar thermal in­ dustry will grow more quickly in the years to come. Sunward Solar, Vermont, another US solar ther­ mal company, has been able to be relatively success­ ful this year by offering turnkey solutions including water tanks, tubes and panels as well as installation,

financing, and management of the system. Custom­ ers may choose between three models – a roofmount, a ground-mount and a shed-mount system. Solar thermal company Heliodyne, California, has been focusing on larger commercial installations be­ cause residential customers are not as plentiful. ­Heliodyne has been able to find enough business in the commercial market for now, and is confident that the residential market will grow once again.

Bringing solar power to the people Hoping to address the large-scale industry challeng­ es, many PV companies came to show off their latest technological advances, aiming at further increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and bringing solar power to more people. Australian Transform Solar displayed its new ­Sli­ver technology panel which is designed to provide high power output even when it is partially shaded. The cells are manufactured by using a micromachin­ ing technique, which slices the wafer into thousands of tiny strips that are assembled together in modules. As a result, according to the company, Sliver cells are capable of higher efficiency because they can collect power from either side of the silicon. The cells are ­also ultra-thin and very flexible. After more testing and development, Transform Solar will slowly inte­ grate the technology into the market, declared James ­Seymour, Corporate Development Director. First Solar, headquartered in Arizona, announced plans to build two new manufacturing plants, one in the US and one in Vietnam. The plants will double the company’s capacity from 1.4 GW this year to 2.7 GW in 2012. The new facilities are expected to create 600 permanent jobs each. This reflects the company’s be­ lief in the strong growth of the solar industry. SunPower is currently working on a concentrator that would make a solar park require only ­one-se­venth of the amount of material needed by conventional PV. A set of reflectors concentrate the sun’s energy on so­ lar cells. Solar cells which have already reached max­ imum efficiency could generate more power. But the product is still in the R & D phase.

CEO discussion (left to right): Terry Wang, Trina Solar; Dan Shugar, Solaria; Rand L. ­Rosenberg, Pacific Gas & Electric; Tony Clifford, Standard Solar; Matthew Baker, Commissioner, Colorado PUC; Marc Gunther, Fortune Magazine.

96

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

SolarCity, Texas, a PV project planning, installing and and monitoring company, is now offering energy efficiency services. The company unveiled the option at its SPI booth. SolarCity will now offer technical ad­ vice and service for energy savings, including home energy evaluations, efficient heating, cooling, and lighting, water heating, and sealing. It can be expect­ ed that after having gained a more holistic view of a building’s energy use, SolarCity and other installers will also be able to reduce costs for the installation of PV power plants.

Lightweight panels Another innovative company on the SPI exhibit floor was Saint-Gobain Solar, a French firm with projects around the world. Its latest family of products, the LightSwitch, uses a plastic polymer coating on the surface of the solar panel instead of the more tradi­ tional glass. This results in a very lightweight module, which is easier and cheaper to ship and install, said Nikhil Bhiwankar, Product Manager of PV at ­Saint-Gobain Solar. The lightweight material results in a cheaper overall cost for the installation and also allows for other niche market applications. Lightweight panels can easily be shipped to remote areas and can be in­ stalled on buildings that otherwise would not be able to support heavy panels. Additionally, the plastic pol­ ymer does not need to be cleaned as much as glass panels and do not require as much water for cleaning. This results in lower maintenance and ope­ration costs, said Bhiwankar. The company is still develop­ ing its product but is looking for partnerships with manufacturers and other companies who are inter­ ested in mass-producing it.

Inverters a hot topic General Electric (GE) introduced its 1 MW inverter, the Brilliance Solar Inverter, the largest inverter in GE’s portfolio. With an inverter capable of converting more direct-current power generated by solar panels into usable electricity, GE will be able to use fewer invert­ ers at each site and build larger solar projects. The in­ verters include control functions that manage voltage levels for potential changes in future grid operation. Inverters were a hot topic at SPI, and not just for US companies like GE. Ingeteam, a Spanish company, announced at SPI plans to construct a new manufac­ turing facility in Wisconsin. The US$ 15 million facili­ ty, which will be completed by March 2011, will pro­ duce many different products for renewable energy, including inverters for solar, generators for wind, and electric-vehicle charging stations. The new factory will create 275 jobs by 2015, said José Gómez, Sales Manager at Ingeteam. The existence of a solar inverter manufacturing plant in the US will help decrease the cost of US ­installations. It also demonstrates that international companies see the US as the next big market for so­ lar energy. Reid Smith and Lisa Cohn

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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97

Photovoltaics

module components

Secure hold, long life A favourite solution, according to Sika, is to bond frameless modules directly onto corrugated roofs. This example shows the Solon Lightweight system in a project in Germany. The specific weight of such solutions is between 8.5 and 12.5 kg/m2.  Photos (2): Sika

Frames and adhesives are more than just manufacturing “extras”. They contribute to a module’s durability and are decisive components for a long service life.

O

nce a solar module leaves the laminator, the main work is no doubt complete. The technical characteristics and thus the performance of the module are fixed – literally baked in – by the lamination process. The specifications can no longer be influenced without destructive measures. What follows lamination, however, is of the utmost importance for service life of a solar module. Backrails on the back of the module or a frame give the panels strength for transport and installation, as well as resistance to wind and snow loads. They also provide a place on which to mount modules. In addition, the frame sealing system ensures that modules stay dry during operation. Bonding and applying filler inside the junction box is an important step on the tail end of the manufacturing process. These process steps involve adhesives in the form of tapes and liquid glues as well as sealants and fillers. The quality and durability of these components is decisive if modules are really to perform for 25 years or more and produce acceptable yields over the long term.

Processing times are crucial As far back as the 70s and 80s, mechanical engineers learned that adhesives are a kind of last resort. They were always used when other joining techniques,

98

such as screws, soldering, or welding were out of the question. Glued joints did not have the best image – for joints that had to hold, quality minded mechanical engineers back then reached for the bolts. That attitude has changed fundamentally over the past 30 years. As in other branches of industry, adhesives have taken production lines by storm. Whether a liquid or an adhesive tape is used depends on the specific production conditions – both are equally used in the photovoltaics industry. American company 3M, one of the leading suppliers of tapes used in the solar industry, offers double-sided tape for the frame-glass joint, for instance. The tape is first applied to the edge of the laminate. Once the protective strip is removed, the frame can be pressed into place. The adhesive both glues and seals the joint. At the last EU PVSEC in Valencia, Spain, Saint-Gobain ­Solar presented an automated variant of the framegluing process in which adhesive sealing foam is pressed into the groove between the glass and the frame. The thermoplastic adhesive used in the pro­ cess is supposedly superior to the commonly used silicone-based glues and sealants. The key advantage, emphasises Marketing Manager Geoffrey King, is significantly reduced processing time. “Normally, it takes 1 to 2 minutes to do one module with silicone

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

manufaCturEr of HigHpowEr modulES

module components

Energy Systems for the future www.galaxy-energy.com The blow-up picture shows how adhesives and adhesive tapes are used. They bond individual components during processing, secure and fill the junction box, and, most importantly, they bond the laminate to the frame. Graphic (2): Tesa

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(source is Kuka, an automation company). We have demonstrated the SolarBond single piece frame at 30 seconds per module and believe it can be faster once optimised. This means more module output per day with a given investment in application equipment.” The cost benefit of this self-developed frame application technique over conventional methods adds up to several hundred thousand euros in a 100 MW production line. Adhesive joints comprise an application that is far from trivial in the photovoltaics industry. While the process steps that place thermal stresses on the module are complete by the time adhesives enter the picture, what comes later really packs a punch. Modules are subjected to at least 25 years of intensive solar radiation, strong temperature fluctuations, severe snow and rainfall, and sometimes continuous high humidity. It is no wonder then that British adhesive tapes manufacturer Scapa Group plc has had its adhesive tapes for the solar industry certified through TÜV Rheinland. In the tests, the certifiers subject the company’s foam bonding tape, which used to connect the laminate to the frame, to exhaustive environmental conditions: cyclical temperature fluctuations, humidity, frost, and hot steam. “We didn’t detect any visual defects or leaks,” was the satisfied conclusion from the Scapa headquarters in Manchester. Competitor tesa SE also took advantage of TÜV Rheinland’s services to certify their tapes as solarready. In addition to foam bonding tapes for the frame-glass joint, the German global market leader in

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

industrial tapes offers adhesive strips for cells, laminating foils, and cables. Junction boxes, too, can be permanently mounted to the back of modules with adhesive strips. One advantage of bonding tapes over liquid adhesives is that they work instantly – in other words, they do not require any curing time, and thus they bond instantly. Also, in contrast to multi-component adhesives, there is no need to mix several substances together. One disadvantage is that, once a part comes into contact with the adhesive strips, its position cannot be adjusted. When it’s on, it’s on.

Passport for solar modules A look at the adhesive tapes from tesa begs a small digression. One tape-related product offered by tesa is an innovation called the Laser Transfer Film Contrast (LTF-C). It is a marking which enables the module to be tracked along the entire production chain, all the way to the end of its service life. According to the company, the high-contrast black marking is “highly resistant to wear, weathering influences, solvents, and other chemicals” – it can even withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. The principle used in the product is the transfer of nanoparticles onto a glass plate using a laser. First, a film is bonded to the glass; then a laser is directed through the glass onto the film. The precise, high-energy beam of light then pulverises part of the LTF-C film, transferring it to the glass. This results in a durable marking entailing only minimal manipulation of the glass object. The technique can be used to generate bar or matrix codes which clearly identify a solar module for its entire product life. The marking cannot be removed without damage to the glass object. This can be used to check warranty claims or even solve thefts. The LTF-C marking can be applied quickly and is machine-readable. “That makes this method suitable for fully automated production environments,” says Corporate Spokesman Gunnar von der Geest. “The module can be clearly identified in the production line and is traceable through the manufacturing ­pro­cess, which helps to identify weak points in the pro­cess.”

Adhesives in photovoltaics The rapid rise of renewables has also given rise to a new line of business for Sika AG. The company offers adhesives. “We started out more in the construction field; we made concrete construction products,” says Daniel Vogt, explaining the company background. Vogt is an engineer responsible for the renewables business at Sika. The original Sika AG can be traced back to 1910 when businessman Kaspar Winkler founded his first company and make a breakthrough with his first product, Sika-1, an additive used to increase the density of the Gotthard Tunnel. Now, Sika is well known among builders and architects for its industrial and façade solutions which employ silicone products.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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module components modules for stability and connection to the mounting frame. “With that product, we mix two components in a specific ratio,” Vogt explains. “Customers have different requirements of course, but we can adapt pro­ cess times to the needs of the customer.” The typical processing time for backrail bonding – usually performed by robots – is between 30 and 60 seconds, according to Vogt. On request, however, it can be extended to several minutes.

Filling junction boxes

The adhesive is applied directly to the roof profile. Sika recommends singlecomponent adhesive for this application, which cures on-site when ex­ posed to moisture in the air.

Silicone is also the basis for the solutions Sika offers to the PV industry. Among those solutions is a frame adhesive for C or L profiles, which uses a ­neutral-cure silicone adhesive that combines mechanical stability with high strength. A 2-component non-corrosive adhesive/sealant is used for extremely demanding applications. This adhesive can also be used to bond backrails, hat section rails mounted on the back of frameless

“That’s very popular on the market,” says Vogt cheerfully to the technique of bonding frameless modules directly to corrugated roofs. No mounting frame is needed. For this application, Vogt recommends a ­single-component adhesive which hardens on site when exposed to moisture in the air. Adhesives and fillers for junction boxes on the back side of solar modules round out the company’s PV industry port­folio. Robots apply at least two beads of adhesive to the ­J-box and place it on the back side of the modules. There are at least two methods of filling the junction box. “The potting material for filling the J-box has a relatively thin consistency,” explains Vogt. “It completely fills the box. There are two ways to do it. You can either squeeze the material through the opening in the box until it comes out of one of the venting holes; or you can fill the open box, and then put the lid on it.” The potting material not only protects the electrical components against external influences, it also works as an electrical insulator. Sika also has similar products for the solar thermal industry. In that application, the joint between the glass and the frame can be bonded and sealed, as well as the connection between the metal base and the collector. Solar thermal power plants is an emerging field of application. Adhesives fix the mirrors to a backing structure. “The competing tech-

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

nique there would be to use screws,” says Vogt. But that is much more involved – both in terms of time and also because of the materials used.

your world of laminating technologies

More than just gluing Vogt puts a high premium on the fact that Sika does not stop at merely producing and selling adhesives. “Our customers are interested in complete solutions,” he emphasises. The first step is for the Sika engineers to sit down with the customer and determine the dimensions of the adhesive joint. In doing so, it is not only important to know what loads the joint will have to withstand without failing, but also what types of damaging environmental influences through sun, wind, snow, or an aggressive atmosphere the joint will be subjected to. Like bolted or welded joints, adhesives have different strength classes. Factors that come into play when determining the long-term durability of adhesives include UV light, temperature fluctuations, corrosion, and moisture. If you take Vogt at his word, the silicone-based adhesives are better in this regard. “They are UV resistant and can take high temperatures of up to about 180 degrees centigrade without a problem. These stable characteristics are also evident at negative temperatures of down to minus 40 degrees – so, overall, across a broad temperature range,” he emphasises. Adhesives are governed by relevant guidelines of UL and IEC categories, which also set forth the testing procedures. Among them are adhesion tests and compatibility studies. These ensure that adhesives – which are, after all, active chemicals – do not have any negative effects on their neighbouring substances and vice-versa. Nevertheless, Vogt has no unpleasant surprises to report in this regard. “Unlike other adhesive technologies, silicone chemistry is very friendly,” he says. As part of the complete solution that Sika offers its customers is the answer to the question of how to apply the adhesive to the spot where it is needed. To do that, tests are conducted which often end with an applicator. Sika, however, does not manufacture these machines, which apply adhesive in a controlled manner. “To do that, we have partners specialised in the application of 1 and 2-component adhesives,” Vogt explains. Sika concentrates fully on the adhesives. For quite some time, the glues of the future have been stuck in the development pipeline. The key concept here is “debonding on demand.” In other words, adhesives permanently do what they’re supposed to: they stick. Till now, the only way to get them apart is to cut open the bonded joint or use chemicals. That is their very great disadvantage over their keenest competitors, bolted joints. A solution that allows adhesives to be separated quickly is nowhere in sight in the near term.

Frames In adhesives, there is a wide range of technical solutions. “There are huge differences there,” says

InnoTech D-46397 Bocholt/Germany Robert-Bosch-Straße 15 Fon +49(0)2871/2134-0 [email protected]

www.spaleck-stevens.de Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Photovoltaics

module components

Laser Transfer Film Contrast ­(LTF-C) is a marking method which enables modules to be tracked beyond the production chain, all the way to the end of their service life.

­ athias Kamolz who heads up the Conergy AG modM ule factory in Frankfurt/Oder. Unlike adhesives, framing for modules is basically straightforward. Aluminium frames are so widely used that they are practically a standard. Plastic frames are used to stabilise panels in only a few special applications. Chemicals giant Bayer, for instance, has created a self-described “intelligent frame system” in its polyurethane frames for the ­Solon Black in-roof module. It is intelligent because it can be directly bolted onto roof battens as a water repelling layer without any further material. Bayer advertises this solution not least for the plastic frame’s “diverse design possibilities.”

Back to aluminium While it is considered the standard solution, the ­designs and details of aluminium framing are, nevertheless, different. “That includes expertise,” says ­Kamolz, who swears that the frames he uses contain no hollow spaces. “While hollow profiles are stiffer, they are also much more sensitive to moisture, especially the 45-degree mitres. Conergy, therefore, uses an in-house development which is manufactured for them by a stamping works. The approximately six metre long profiles are then processed in company subsidiary Mounting ­Systems GmbH located in Rangsdorf, Brandenburg. “The final processing takes place in our plant,” says Stefan Spork, head of Mounting Systems GmbH. “It involves drilling, sawing, and milling. We saw the profiles to the right length and angle and drill the bleeder holes and a hole for the earthing cable.” While the

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Conergy subsidiary’s main business is mounting systems, a quarter of the aluminium profiles delivered to the plant are made into module frames – that is 5,000 tons a year, which corresponds to 7,000 km of profiles laid end to end. When they are delivered, the profiles are already anodized, a process in which a protective layer of oxide is applied to the profile. Unlike galvanisation or painting, anodization does not apply an additional layer, but rather converts the top layer of the metal into a layer of oxide. It is all a question of looks, Spork says; he could take it or leave it. The natural oxide layer on aluminium is somewhat thinner, but just as effective as the anodized layer. Indeed, some customers want a coloured frame – and that is only possible with anodized metal or a powder coating. When it comes to improvements, cost is king. Essentially, that means further optimising automated manufacturing and the mechanical characteristics of the frame. Spork says that there are no bottlenecks in the supply chain. Still, he says, “The price development is disturbing. Aluminium has become a sweetheart of speculators.” That, combined with the general level of demand determined by overall economic conditions, results in very volatile prices. While a ton of the metal could be had for US$ 1,300 in the midst of the 2009 economic crisis, it was already up to $ 2,000 in September 2010 and as much as $ 2,500 in November 2010. Because the cost of the material is 70 % of the price of the frame, this development has completely erased optimisation successes. Jörn Iken

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

New company. Proven experience. More than 12 million people are already benefiting from solar modules fitted with ISOVOLTA backsheet films. ISOVOLTAIC is now continuing this tradition. And with its innovative film technologies will make even more people independent of conventional energy sources.

ISOVOLTAIC GmbH | 8403 Lebring | Austria | [email protected] | www.isovoltaic.com

Photovoltaics

Off-grid

An alternative to grid-based supply Growing markets in the developing and emerging countries, and no less the development of new fields of application, have given a noticeable boost to the demand for autonomous PV electrification solutions. The manufacturers of off-grid inverters and charge controllers, however, in future will need to offer not merely individual devices, but rather complete systems for an off-grid power supply.

W

This 4 kW PV power plant is supplying a health care centre in N’dollor, Senegal. The project was planned and realised by the German Society for Technical Cooperation GTZ and renewables developer juwi. The inverter is made by SMA. Photo: juwi

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ith the BipBop initiative, we want to help those people who, even today, are still hav­ing to live without electricity,” explains Jean-Pascal Tricoire, president and CEO of Schneider Electric SA. “BipBop” stands for “Business, Investment and People at the Bottom of the Pyramid”. According to Tricoire, there are still around 1.6 billion people worldwide with no connection to an electricity grid. In May last year, the French energy management specialists joined a number of partners to ­install a first off-grid photovoltaic system in the Madagascan village of Moravato, whose population to date had been excluded from a direct supply. The installation generates a peak power of 1.4 kW. It incorporates an

inverter, charger, NiCd batteries and corresponding circuit-breakers, and is provided with a GSM-based system for remote maintenance and monitoring. Further installations on Madagascar followed: by the end of 2009, Schneider had provided 1,000 house­ holds with access to electricity from off-grid PV systems. But there are many other uses for off-grid PV solutions, besides autonomous systems for rural electrification in the remote regions of the developing and emerging countries. They can also supply telecommunications and security installations, street lighting or the infrastructure of mountain huts, for example. In fact, they can be viewed as an option in all those ­cases where connection to the main power grid would be uneconomical. Off-grid systems are furthermore able to contribute to supply reliability. Wherever computers, electrical control systems and other safety-­ relevant consumers require an uninterrupted power supply, the self-contained installations can be designed as hybrid systems. The sensitive devices are supplied with electricity not only from the PV modules and batteries, but also from at least one other source, for example from a diesel generator, wind turbine or fuel cell.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

The suppliers of components and complete solutions for off-grid PV generation listed below can generally point to references in the aforementioned fields of application, though it must be said that most manufacturers rate the market chances for the electrification of isolated settlements particularly highly.

Manufacturers, products and markets The US company Morningstar Corp., with commercial offices near Philadelphia, offers inverters and charge controllers for photovoltaics. These products – including a diversity of accessories and the related components for remote maintenance and monitoring – are sold through a global network of distributors in 67 countries. Morningstar’s devices are used in PV systems for telecommunications and security applications, for street lighting, in the oil and gas supply sector, and in so-called solar home systems. The company offers two solar controllers: the TriStar MPPT and the SunSaver MPPT. The TriStar model is a battery charger unit for off-grid PV systems with an output up to 3 kW, for which the company claims a remarkable 99 % efficiency. The tracking of the device uses a special algorithm to determine the maximum

The Sunsaver MPPT is the smaller counterpart to the TriStar MPPT, to be applied in on- as well as in off-grid systems.  Photo: Morningstar Corp. power point (MPP) from a fast sweep of the entire ­current-voltage curve. As Morningstar points out, “the TriStar MPPT possesses a web-enabled interface and can record the data of up to 200 days.” It can be supplied for nominal voltages of 12, 24, 36 or 48 V DC, the solar open-circuit voltage is specified at 150 V, and the operating range of the battery is a broad 8 to 72 V. Morningstar manufactures the devices in two versions – TS-MPPT-45 and TS-MPPT-60, for battery currents of 45 and 60 A, respectively. The SunSaver MPPT is aimed above all at smaller applications, but can nevertheless be used in professional PV installations. The quoted peak efficiency is 97.5 %, and the maximum PV input 400 W. The nominal voltage of the battery is 12 or 24 V at a maximum battery current of 15 A. The Morningstar product portfolio includes furthermore the inverter SureSine, which was developed for solar electricity generation

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Photovoltaics

Off-grid

Refrigeration container supplied by off-grid PV, developed by Dresden based Institute of Air Handling and Refrigeration (ILK) Photo: ILK

The GPX charger/inverter from OutBack Power combines inverter and battery charger in a single die-cast housing.  Photo: OutBack Power Technologies, Inc.

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on private homes, schools, community centres and healthcare facilities, as well as for applications in the leisure and recreation sector, for example supplies for chalets, caravans and boats. It is designed with a toroidal transformer and delivers an output of 300 W (at 25° C). “We manufacture power electronics for photovoltaic and wind turbine ­systems, for small-scale hydropower and for battery-assisted energy systems,” says Andrew Wilson from the marketing department of OutBack Power ­Technologies Inc. in Arlington, USA, to describe the company’s activities. A particular focus is placed on battery systems, as the natural fluctuations in solar and wind energy can be compensated with the aid of corresponding storage. The product list includes, for example, inverter/chargers which combine inverter, battery charger and AC transfer switch in a single die-cast housing. OutBack also offers an MPPT charge controller, the outage back-up solution SmartRE, and diverse hardware and communication accessories. Wilson draws special attention to the inverters of the GFX International series, whose robust design also permits use in tough environments. They were conceived for applications in 230 V/50 Hz systems which place no particular demands on the voltage quality and are available in versions for 12, 24 or 48 V DC (1,300/1,400/­

1,400  VA). Another product spotlighted by Andrew Wilson is the display and control module MATE3, which offers a wide spectrum of functions for the programming and monitoring of energy systems and is also suitable for use in off-grid solutions.

Grid-independent lighting for the streets of Baghdad “Solar power beyond the grid” is the motto of Phaesun GmbH from the South German town of Memmingen. The company has specialised on sales and installations of off-grid PV and wind energy systems. An extensive network of partners and branch offices in Eritrea and Panama are the basis for worldwide activities. Phaesun has already realised many off-grid PV systems around the world: in 2009, for example, it supplied the components for 6,000 street lights in Baghdad, and also trained the staff of the Iraqi ministry which is now responsible for maintenance of the systems. This year, five autonomous solar power systems were completed for police barracks in the West African state of Liberia. At the same time, Liberian tradesmen were trained locally as solar installation engineers. And last but not least, Phaesun is providing solar electricity to homes, small businesses and public institutions in Mozambique. Further applications for off-grid technologies were to be seen on the Phaesun stand at this year’s

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Solar electronics since 20 years

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Photovoltaics

Off-grid

Manufacturers expect growing markets: autonomous PV electri­ fication in an isolated mountain village  Photo: SMA I­ ntersolar in Munich: one of the highlights was a solar cooling container, which was designed by the ­Institute of Air Handling and Refrigeration (ILK) in Dresden for hospitals and for medical and food stores in regions with either unstable power supplies or else no grid connection whatsoever. The integrated panels of the modular system achieve a maximum output of 1.7 or 3.6 kW, depending on the version. The standard container is simple to transport by truck, rail or helicopter and is thus suitable not only for stationary deployment, but also for use at alternating locations. ­Phaesun grants a 10-year warranty on the main components. “The future prospects for off-grid technologies are not bad at all in the classic markets,” says Phaesun Managing Director Tobias Zwirner. Unfortunately, however, there are still numerous hurdles to be over-

diesel

energy management centre

biogas wind PV

An option for the rural power supply of the future

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Graphic: Kaco new energy

come in the emerging and developing countries. A great deal of know-how and long-standing partnerships with local companies, above all in the fields of logistics and technical services, are imperative to be able to realise projects successfully. The priorities differ from those in other countries where price is the decisive factor: “In the developed countries, we need to present technical subtleties, in the sense of unique selling points, in order to win new customers,” says Zwirner. “In the classic markets for off-grid systems, it is sustainability and continuity which count.”

Inverter as the central component The activities of SMA Solar Technology AG from Kassel, Germany, also show where the greatest market chances currently lie for off-grid systems – in the electrification of isolated regions in the developing countries. The latest project: SMA is to supply 100 stand-alone systems to Ethiopia, where they are to secure the power supply to 100 local health centres within the framework of a development project realised by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ). Designed for module outputs of 1.5 kW each, the systems are to be equipped with Sunny Island and Sunny Boy inverters and corresponding batteries. They are planned as power supplies for microscopes, centrifuges, refrigerators and sterilisers. The systems can also be expanded as energy demands grow. “With a project of this scale, we can contribute significantly to a better power supply situation in the mountainous regions of Ethiopia,” says Volker Wachenfeld, SMA Vice President for Off-Grid Systems. The central component of the stand-alone system is the inverter. At SMA, the inverter bears the name Sunny Island. Together with the battery, it maintains

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Phaesun are internationally operating Off-Grid-Specialists in the field of complete systems and component trade. Our high quality products and extensive services combine advantages for suppliers, wholesalers and dsitributors for the Off-Grid-Market. Welcome to our territory.

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Photovoltaics

Off-grid the local AC grid, into which it is possible to integrate both consumers and generators – for example renewable energy systems or diesel generators. As the manager of this AC-coupled system, the inverter controls all the processes necessary to safeguard a constant power supply. One example: a system equipped with a Sunny Island SI 2224 and a Sunny Boy SB 1100 achieves a capacity of 1.2 kW and a battery/inverter output of 2.2 kW. The autonomous supply period is then 3 days. The power ratings of the Sunny Island inverters range from 3 to 300 kW; they can be connected in parallel in one- or three-phase operation and are expandable on a modular basis. SMA gives a 5-year warranty. The Sunny Island SI 2224 is used in systems with outputs up to 9 kW. The unit complies with protection class IP54 and is thus, in the words of the manufacturer, suitable for practically all installation locations. The continuous AC power is specified at 2,200 W (at 25 °C); the AC input voltage is 230 V, the battery voltage 24 V. Both lead and NiCd batteries can be used; the specified maximum efficiency is 94 %. The Memmingen-based German manufacturer Steca Elektronik GmbH gives preference to a modular system design: up to four units can be connected in parallel, and thus combined into a system with a power capacity of up to 4 kW. The essential components are currently the inverter Solarix PI and the solar charge controller Solarix MPPT 2010. “We have implemented a number of innovations in the Solarix PI,” says Michael Müller, Product Manager for off-grid photovoltaics at Steca. As examples, he mentions the parallel connection, an operating concept with a single rotary switch, direct calculation of the charge status, and the electronic fuse. The two versions Steca Solarix PI 550 and 1100 are designed for system voltages of 12 or 24 V, respectively. The continuous power output is then either 500 or 1,000 VA, representing a maximum efficiency of 93 or 94 %. Müller emphasises that the solar charge controller Solarix MPPT 2010 is suitable for all typical module technologies. “Optimum results are achieved with module voltages which are higher than the battery voltage, and with modules which are actually intended for use in grid-coupled systems.” The ­Steca solar charge controllers Tarom and Power Tarom were developed specifically for use in telecommunications applications and in PV hybrid systems.

The innovations implemented in the off-grid inverters Solarix PI 550 and 1100 include the capability of parallel connection, a new operating concept with a single rotary switch, and direct calculation of the charge status. 

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Photo: Steca Elektronik GmbH

Fuel cells for a constant supply Supplier udomi from Neuenstein, Germany, has chosen a rather unconventional approach. Its offgrid systems incorporate not only a PV generator and battery, but also a third energy source, namely a fuel cell. “We offer complete systems for off-grid power supplies in the range up to 100 W continuous output,” says Managing Director Udo Michelfelder. To date, the systems have been sold almost exclusively in Europe. Exports to the developing countries are scarcely feasible due to the high cost of the system itself, and the fact that the methanol fuel is generally unavailable in the less developed regions.

Radio relay link powered by a hybrid solution comprising PV system, fuel cell and lead battery. 

Photo: udomi – Udo Michelfelder

It must be added that, given the relatively low output of the Udomi systems, there would in any case be few real application possibilities in terms of power supplies to regions isolated from the regular public grid. Better prospects are to be expected in connection with isolated low-power consumers. One example mentioned by Michelfelder is that of the LED safety signs and lighting for building sites. A fuel cell complements the fluctuating sources sun and/or wind and in this way guarantees an uninterrupted power supply. Monitoring of the off-grid supply can be realised via a GPRS modem link, which serves both to reduce service costs and to maximise reliability. Michelfelder also points to an incidental benefit: the waste heat from the fuel cell protects the batteries against excessively low winter temperatures. Like many other manufacturers, Studer ­Innotec S.A. from Sion in Switzerland also sees the greatest market potential in hybrid solutions which combine a photovoltaic installation with a diesel-­ powered generator, for example, and thus realise the decentralised electrification of isolated settlements.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Never mind the weather report

Sunmaster XS

Mastervolt will manage that... Obviously Mastervolt can’t influence the weather report – and there’s no need to. Since a Mastervolt Sunmaster solar inverter performs from early in the morning till late at night. Transmitting all present sunlight into profitable power. Thanks to its own very low power consumption and perfect cooling. Another advantage: quick and easy installation. Since a Mastervolt Sunmaster XS will ‘connect’ to almost every thin-film or crystalline solar power system on the market. For all our ‘smart’ details and flexible support, take a closer look at www.mastervolt.com

THE POWER TO BE INDEPENDENT

Photovoltaics

Off-grid

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According to manufacturer Studer Innotec, the in­verter Xtender (XTS) is capable of relieving alter­ nating current sources in hybrid systems.  Photo: Studer Innotec “We are exporting more and more systems to developing countries,” confirms Serge Remy, the Head of Sales and Marketing at Studer Innotec, going on to add: “Renewable energies are the most suitable, most flexible and most conveniently usable technologies for power supplies to remote regions.” For solar off-grid systems, he recommends inverters of the Studer Xtender series, whose special functionality (“Smart Boost”) relieves the load on the AC source. The XTH models are ideal for high power demands, while the XTM variants cover the mid-range from 1,500 to 3,500 VA. In the first quarter of 2011, furthermore, the first new XTS versions for the lower power range of 600, 800 and 900 VA (at 25 °C ambient temperature) will be ready for delivery to the customers. The basic functions of all units are provided by an inverter, a battery changer, a transfer relay and the Smart Boost circuitry.

40 hours of LED light in store

BATTERY SUPPLIES NV/SA IZ Snepbeek 5A | Lindestraat 89a | 8790 Waregem - BELGIUM | Tel. +32 (0)56 61 79 77 Fax +32 (0)56 61 79 55 | [email protected] | www.batterysupplies.be

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Bavarian manufacturer IVT – Innovative Versorgungs­ technik GmbH offers solar energy supplies for caravans, boats, holiday chalets and the like. The component sets can be used to develop an individual gridindependent power source. A solar lighting set comprises a solar panel with an output of 20 W, a 12 V solar charge controller with deep-discharge protection, a 20 Ah battery, the switch and two LED lights, as well as the panel holder, connecting cables and mounting accessories. According to IVT technician Bernhard Renner, the set keeps the LEDs lit for 40 hours without recharging. As typical household refrigerators, televisions and other electrical appliances cannot be operated on DC voltages, IVT also offers corresponding inverters.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

They cover a power range from 300 to 2,000 W and are equipped with the necessary electronics to monitor and control the most important parameters, and thus to prevent problems caused by overvoltages, overloads, short-circuits, deep discharge and excessive operating temperatures. Phocos AG from Ulm, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of solar charge controllers, MPP trackers and other components for autonomous PV power supplies. A diversity of reference projects in Mongolia, ­Laos, ­China, Bangladesh and elsewhere illustrate the high demand for off-grid photovoltaics in the developing and emerging countries. But such systems are ­also attracting increasing attention in the industrial nations, for example for telecommunications applications or street lighting, as CEO Alexander Macketanz reports. The company’s product portfolio includes furthermore refrigerators and television/monitors as DC appliances.

Solar electricity from a container Alongside off-grid inverters of the KI series, Kaco new energy GmbH from Neckarsulm, Germany, also offers a mobile solution to ensure a round-the-clock power supply, at least according to the Kaco promise. Going by the name reCUBE, the system was designed specifically for use in remote regions without grid connection and is based on renewable energy sources. The otherwise usual diesel generator is rendered super­ fluous. The energy input comes from a PV generator

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

DSW 600 inverter from IVT  Photo: IVT – Innovative Versorgungstechnik GmbH with a peak output of 1,750 W and a small wind turbine which supplements a nominal output of 750 W when the sun is not shining at full intensity. The data sheet quotes a nominal output power of 3,000 W and a battery capacity of 420 Ah at 24 V. An automatic bypass switch enables the unit to be integrated with an existing supply. The on-site installation in a container is completed in just a few hours, says Volker Dietrich, ­Division Manager for battery-coupled systems. Kaco cooperates with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) on research in the field of autonomous power supplies based on renewable ­energy generators. “Over the course of a four-year ­research project, we want to elaborate a solution for rural electrification,” says Dietrich. The project has two more years to run and is to be concluded with field tests in Brazil and Germany.

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Photovoltaics

Off-grid

Inverter/charger Victron Quattro 48V/10000VA/140A 

Photo: Victron Energy B.V.

Prominent among the products distributed by ­Belgian company Battery ­Supplies nv are batteries for renewable energy systems from the American manufacturer Crown Battery Manufacturing Co. According to ­Managing Director Alexander De Soete, these batteries are distinguished by their outstanding reliability and availability. He admits that they are very heavy, “but they contain a great deal of conductive material, and so the high weight stands for high performance and a long service life.” De Soete has identified further markets alongside rural electrification in the developing countries; in his opinion, compact off-grid systems are also likely to gain in importance on the European market.

an integrated system with an inverter, energy and battery management and a lithium-ion battery. “Our aim is to synchronise PV power generation with the electricity demand of a 4-person household: while generation and consumption coincide to the extent of around 30 per cent with a normal PV system, the VS 5 hybrid system raises the demand coverage to 70 per cent,” as Voltwerk Spokesman Christoph Lapczyna explains. In the summer months, it is even possible to remain fully independent of the public grid. The first systems are to be available in summer 2011. System supplier Sinosol Systems GmbH, similarly from Hamburg, concentrates above all on the development and planning of battery-assisted off-grid systems and turnkey solar installations. “We plan, develop and distribute complete solar solutions both for grid-parallel operation and for application remote from the public grid,” says Sinosol Systems. The company caters to the market segment for off-grid solutions with its “cleversolar” product line. The list of

Reliable supplies for sensitive devices Africa and the Middle East, and to a slightly lesser extent South America, are the markets targeted by Dutch company Victron Energy B.V., which offers the inverter/charger unit Quattro 10000 with a rated output of 10 kVA (versions with 3/5/8 kVA are also available). The Quattro possess two AC inputs and two AC outputs. The main output is intended for electronic devices which are required to operate without interruption. In case of a loss of supply, the power electronics switch one of the AC inputs through to the output in less than 20 milliseconds. The second AC output only becomes live if an AC voltage is detected at one of the inputs. It is used for consumers such as airconditioning systems or water heaters, which would otherwise drain the batteries too quickly. Any deficiencies in the grid or generator power are immediately compensated with energy from the battery. The unit is furthermore equipped with the communication tool Global Remote, which uses a modem to send alarms, warning messages and status reports to mobile telephones by SMS. It is similarly able to log data from battery monitors and inverters, and can make this data available to a website via a GPRS link. Matthijs Vader from the Victron office in Groningen has also revealed a forthcoming Ethernet-enabled version, which will provide remote diagnosis and troubleshooting functions.

Synchronising generation and consumption Hamburg-based voltwerk electronics GmbH has announced the market launch of the VS 5 hybrid system,

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The VS5 hybrid system from voltwerk is said to cover a decisively increased proportion of domestic consumption with solar energy. Photo: voltwerk

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

pesos® tracking systems... ...solar modules mounted on the twin-axis SunFlex SD trackers are always positioned at the optimum angle to the sun, enormously increasing the effectiveness of the solar plant. Our tracking systems are suitable for different types of module. Thanks to the use of high-quality components, SunFlex is a very robust, low maintenance and extremely weatherproof product. The system is supplied as a cost-effective kit. Installation is simple and requires no special tools. Each kit comes complete with comprehensive assembly and operating instructions.

Lithium-ion battery from Saft SA

Source: Saft

reference projects includes street lighting in Beijing and power supplies for the buoys of a tsunami early warning system and for a lighthouse in the North Sea.

Support for “BipBop” Schneider Electric has gained the support of various other companies for its “BipBop” initiative. The French battery manufacturer Saft S.A., for example, supplied the energy storage for the off-grid project on Madagascar. At the same time, the company is coordinating “Sol-ion”, Europe’s biggest development project in the field of decentralised PV energy storage. The most promising solution to date is the ­lithium-ion technology, as this permits a high energy throughput and stable performance over a service life of 10 to 20 years. Saft has developed a megawatt container comprising battery modules of the medium-power class. Charging and discharging are controlled with the aid of special software, and an interface is provided for external communication. The unit is furthermore equipped with temperature control and fire safety features. Saft engineers are currently testing 75 of these systems in Germany and France. Wilhelm Wilming Further information:

pesos® PVI inverter... ...our mains inverters are completely weatherproof, making them very versatile. Depending on the model, the inverters have an output of between 2,300 and 10,000 Watts. The wide range of system configurations is sure to impress, with high efficiency ensuring superb energy yields. Every one of our inverters is maintenance-free and all feature fully automatic operation. Inverters are equally suited for indoor and outdoor installation.

pesos® solar products... ...a PAIRAN GmbH brand. With headquarters in Göttingen, Germany, and additional sites both in Germany and overseas, we have focussed our expertise on the photovoltaics sector. We are proud that our products are contributing to environmentally sound energy production.

On rural electrification: www.rural-electrification.com (BSW-Solar, Department Rural ­Electrification) www.ruralelec.org (Alliance for Rural Electrification) www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/fr-madagascar-projet-perer.pdf (GTZ project PERER in Madagascar) www.peracod.sn (project in Senegal) On BipBop: Schneider Electric, 2009 Annual Report (www.schneider-electric. com/documents/presentation/en/local/2010/03/schneiderelectric-annual-report-2009-en.pdf)

PAIRAN GmbH|Florenz-Sartorius-Straße 5|37079 Göttingen|Germany Phone +49 551 50477-0|[email protected]|www.pairan.com Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Photovoltaics

Dye Solar Cells

Targeting to exceed the 12 % threshold At the 4th annual conference on the industrialization of dye solar cells (DSC) in Colorado Springs, Japanese company Fujikura presented a performance study comparing DSC and silicon cells – with results strongly supporting DSC. However, the chances for reducing the costs of organic PV cells were discussed controversial: While Australian supplier Dyesol expects cell efficiencies above 12 % in the near future, a Fujikura representative expressed anxiety over missing the train for mass production.

D

SC makers are not out to replace PV technology applied on roofs or solar farms, but to fill in the gaps in the PV portfolio with dye-based technologies in everyday items, like building façades, windows, door frames, cars or even furniture, gadgets and textiles. “One day, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) with a characteristic of very flexible, transparent, light weight, using standard materials and being the most efficient in ambient light, could turn the electricity market upside down,” said Gavin Tulloch, Global Director of Technology Dyesol Ltd., Australia. “By that day, today‘s centralized, grid-dependent network would be transformed into a power supply generated by customers at point of use. The consumers become producers of the electricity they use, just the way people used to grow vegetables and eat them, before they started buying canned food in stores.” The digital society demands available energy wherever people are, Tulloch stated. Consequently, a digital system would require portability, integrability (power generation as part of the application system), reliability (storage integrated) and scala­bility from mW to MW. “These requirements can only be met by DSC, which turns a niche product, ideal for applications with low energy demand, into a major provider.” In addition, according to Tulloch, DSC would reduce costs for grid expansion, because, when used in combination with storage, no grid is needed. And with redgard to national security, DSC “provides security against attacks because it is very difficult to destroy ten thousand mini-power plants in one strike.”

Huge market potential in residential housing

Rotors powered by dye solar cells in Colorado Springs. Photos (3): A. Limperis

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Tulloch sees the highest potential for DSC appliation in the construction retrofitting market. He argues that while crystalline silicon-based PV is still struggling with efficiency drops in high temperatures and ­diffuse radiation (reducing e.g. the efficiency of a system

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i­ nstalled on a South-Eastern façade in Cairo down to less than 12  %), DSC already shows the highest outcome when installed in indirect light, due to its less sensitivity to angles. “This opens up forms of applications in construction which had been rejec­ ted as inefficient in the past because of shading or indirect exposure to the sun, such as roofing and wall panels, glass façades, smart glazing, blinds, fencing or barriers as well as in tandem with solar thermal.” Dyesol has calculated a potential market value for the US of US$ 30 to 300 billion in residential housing, US$ 35 to 350 billion in high-rise structures, and US$ 50 to 400 billion for commercial buildings by 2015. Listing recent activities, Dyesol formed joint-ventures and collaborations with various BIPV companies, like Tata Steel Europe, integrating DSC in a coil coated steel, or Pilkington and Dyesol-Timo on glass products. “We have moved forward,” said Michael Grätzel, the inventor of dye-sensitized solar cells, also called Grätzel cells, and Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), in the conference’s opening speech. DSC are showing lab cell efficiency of 12 %, mass produced modules are slightly under 10 %. “We are competitive with other thin-film technologies, now we have to scale up to mass production.” Grätzel was awarded the 2010 Millenium Grand Prize by the Technology Academy Finland in March 2010. According to him, the DSC technology 2009 finally entered the stage of mass production. Many of his former PhD students are now leading staff in companies and research labs, like Toby ­Meyer, who founded Solaronix in Lausanne, Switzerland, Hans Desilvestro, Chief Scientist at Dyesol in Austra­ lia, or Anders Hagfeldt, Professor for Physical Chemistry at the Uppsala University, Sweden.

Raising the cells’ productivity Even though DSC technology, also described as “artificial photosynthesis,” is so simple that high school teachers can have their students make Grätzel cells in science class, using toothpaste, glass plates, graphite pencils and tea bags for dye, to raise the cells’ productivity is difficult. “The key question is how to replace

Discussions amidst impressive November scenery

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“We have moved forward.” – Michael Grätzel (right), pioneer researcher on DSC, in a coffee break. that tea bag stain with an optimized dye and a high ­absorption rate.” Starting in early 2000, ruthenium based dies became the most promising because they had shown to pick up more light in the mid-spectrum. But later “the cells proved to be only effective at low light intensities due to charge recombinations and diffusion limitations of the photo current under intensive light,” explains Grätzel. Korean and EPFL scientists recently work with D-π-A bridges to overcome the problem, now measuring a power conversion efficiency of 9.3 % at full sun radiation. Considering the limited global rutheniumresources scientists at the Chinese Academy of Science tried to replace the ruthenium dye with an ­organic material, dye C219, and reached an efficiency of 8.9 % under low-light conditions. Using the following dye C220, the converted photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) was even higher than 80 %. “We were never able to do that,” commented Grätzel. In a paper published in August, Grätzel quoted from a study on nanosize mesoporeous TiO2 beads with a larger surface area to absorb more dye, which lead to a power conversion efficiency above 10  %. ­According to Grätzel, another breakthrough was reported this summer based on data from the Segawa group at the Tokyo University. They were using a panchromatic sensitizer (Dye X) which matched the spectral response of silicon PV cells (CdTe of 26.1 (Jac mA)/ cm2), with 26.6 (Jac mA)/cm2. “How can we break the 12 % boundary and how far can we improve efficiency, having costs in mind?” asked Hans Desilvestro, Chief Scientist at Dyesol in Australia. Exploring areas of improvement, like better dye absorption and optimised hole transport in “whatif” scenarios, Desilvestro comes up with hero cells that have an efficiency between 13.7 and 18.7 %. According to him these rates are achievable by 2016 or sooner. Dyesol makes a point to only use standard materials industrially available in kg quantities, and solvents with low volatility and toxicity. Regarding efficiency in hot climates, Desilvestro says, “while stability of dye cells at 55 to 60 °C is excellent, further improvement is required for temperatures above 80°C.”

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Dye Solar Cells

After conference end, participants visited the near-by National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Denver.  Photo: Patrick Corkery/NREL

DSC application: ultralight mobile panel e.g. for power supply in the wilderness  Photo: Dyesol

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One of the proudest moments for the branch was last year’s first commercial shipment of DSC made by the Wales-based manufacturer G24i to Mascotte Industrial Associates in Hong-Kong. Integrated in the Mascotte travel bag line, the cells can charge small electronic devices like cell phones, iPods, or eBook readers. G24i products are also available as DSC powered keyboards, smoke detectors, computer mice or remote controls. “Another very promising application are stand-by functions on devices, like TV sets”, says Silvia Villarroya-Lidon, R&D manager at G24i. Still, the stand-by function can make up to 10 % of energy use in a typical household. The most recent development includes solar cells for calculators to come out in the first half of 2011, but the company hasn’t decided yet on a production partner, according to Villarroya-Lidon, talking to calculator manufacturer Texas Instruments. Despite the good news, a number of attendants in Colorado Springs expressed anxiety over missing the train for mass production of DSC, since the material costs are still extraordinary. Nobuo Tanabe, Ge­ neral Manager at Fujikura, first presented promising results of a comparison study measuring the performance of DSC and silicon cells on building walls exposed to all directions. DSC outperformed the silicon cells in a 10 kW system not only in indirect exposure to sun, but also on the walls by a factor of 1.2 to 1.6. But then, Tanabe showed the material costs of 93 US$/W for DSC versus less than 0.80 US$/W for CdTe and 3 US$/W for silicon modules, both taking advantage of upscaled production. The costs for black dye (34 US$/W) and TiO2 (20 US$/W) are enormous, according to Tanabe. Fujikura comes up with a target of 0.40 US$/W in case of a mass production output of 100 MW per year. “Without the efforts to reduce material costs, DSC will disappear as a dream,” said Tanabe who has been involved in DSC research since 2000.

Increasing involvement of traditional chemical producers German chemicals producer BASF four years ago started two small research groups on photovoltaics, one focusing on solid state dye sensitised cells. ­Ingmar Bruder, Research Scientist at BASF, in Colorado said that his company had a strong opinion on pri­cing, not expecting a customer to pay more just because a product is transparent or can be colorised. “We want costs below 1 Euro per Watt, or even less, and a lifetime of over 20 years.” Bruder reported an efficiency of 4.8 % to start with would not be bad, but “not good enough” either. The results of “800 dyes later” were still not satisfying regarding details like the fill factor. But despite his team being puzzled about the behavior of the dye, which “for some reason needs air”, the efficiency goes up, says Bruder. A major break-through for BASF was understanding the oxidation process which finally resulted in a 5 to 6 % efficiency, setting up Bruder’s research group now to claim a patent and find a partner for mass production. More and more traditional chemical producers are entering the field of PV via organic or DSC technology, since the major components are already to be found in their sector. Organica, a company located near Q-Cells in the former East-German industrial area of Bitterfeld, five years ago decided to get involved in DSC, focusing on the cells. “We felt that 15 years after the publication of Grätzel’s paper, there finally is a market,” said Bodo Schulze, CEO at Organica. “We started with dye N719, but it was so complicated that we almost gave up. After observing the market a bit longer and with some external help we mastered the production of dyes,” said Schulze. Starting in 2008, Organica found its first customers in Europe. Today, about 3 % of the company’s sales come from DSC, not taking into account the semi-finished products delivered to Asia and other markets. Sony Japan, also rather known as a computer and electronics company, entered the field of PV manufacturing when recently introducing the self-charging lamp, powered by the light it spreads and ambient light with a DSC module. The solar cells are barely recognizable, since they became part of the design making up the decorative lampshade itself, which makes a good example of integrating DSC into an every­day product. Anja Limperis

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Photovoltaics

Japan

Japan wants to get back to the top Tokyo has the target of cover­ing about 20 % of its energy demand through renewable sources by the year 2020. Picture: Fabian Voswinkel / Pixelio.de

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The new version of the state incentive has boosted the demand for rooftop systems on residential households in Japan. The industry is reacting with multi-billion investments.

T

he confidence in Japan’s PV market is again ris­ ing. “The market for PV in Japan is currently booming and there is strong potential for fu­ ture growth with long-term government support for the industry”, says James Plastow, Global Product Strategy Manager for the module manufacturer Solar Frontier, about the atmosphere. Hardly anyone will be able to object at the moment. In 2008, the government had announced the tar­ get of raising the total installed PV capacities in Japan to 14 GW by 2020 and up to 52 GW by 2030. Follow­ ing this announcement, the parliament had passed an incentive scheme that has been in effect since last year. The law entitles private home owners to a tariff of 48 yen (43 €-ct) per kWh from their utilities. According to the Japanese system, the feed-in tariff is limited to surplus solar power not used by the house­ hold. For the next year, the government has an­ nounced a lowering of the tariff to 42 yen per kWh

(28 €-ct). The tariff rates are valid over a period of ten years. In addition, the Japanese government supports the investments into solar systems with 70,000 yen (€ 620) per kW – up to a maximum of 10 kW. Investors taking advantage of the incentives available on the federal and regional level can expect an amor­ tization of their solar systems within a period of ten years, according to a calculation by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Incentive scheme showing an effect The incentive has given a strong stimulus to the pre­ viously feeble Japanese PV market. In 2009, the new­ ly installed capacities had reached a total of 365 MW in Japan. But the feed-in tariff has only come to its full effect on the market this year. According to the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA), the newly

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installed PV capacities were able to more than redou­ ble in the second term to about 200 MW compared to the same period of the previous year. Official fore­ casts for the entire year do not exist. But in the opin­ ion of experts, the sector could pass the 1 GW mark. “If the trend continues, the total installed capacities might reach 3.5 GW in Japan by the end of the year”, says Björn Koslowski, Consultant for Renewable Energies, German Chamber of Commerce and ­Industry in Tokyo. But there is more: Japan’s politicians are current­ ly debating an expansion of the incentive scheme. The cabinet already approved of a bill that envisages a feed-in tariff for all forms of renewable energy. “Since the incentive is so far restricted to surplus solar electricity production, the new law might lead to another surge in the demand”, says Koslowski. Pre­ sently, the bill is still waiting to be passed by the low­ er and upper house of the Japanese parliament.

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Rooftop PV dominates Especially the segment of residential rooftop systems is experiencing a boom. In the year 2009, the instal­ lations on private rooftops had accounted for about 90 % of the total PV capacities in Japan. Only 10 % had been installed on industrial areas. According to the business paper Nikkei, a 3 kW rooftop system currently costs about 2.3 million yen (about € 20,000). Compared to other countries, the costs are rather el­ evated, which is due to the usually more complex in­ stallation. Many regions of the island state are prone to earthquakes and typhoons, which means that there are strict safety and stability requirements for rooftop systems. Due to the limited surface available, large-scale or ground-mounted systems play a rather minor role. Japan is very mountainous. The few plains that exist give room to the major cities where the majority of the 127 million inhabitants live. “Ground-mounted systems are the absolute exception”, says Koslowski. “They are usually for demonstration and PR pur­ poses.” One example is the solar plant built by Toshiba in Fukuyama – in the Prefecture Hiroshima –, for the energy provider Chugoku Electric Power, which is expected to reach a capacity of 3 MW and sche­d­ uled for grid connection by the next year. So far, the large-scale system is the only industrial-use solar power plant operated by Chugoku Electric Power.

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House construction as sales market Domestic manufacturers still dominate the market – and are trying to defend their position with a “onestop shop” strategy. For this aim, the companies have been entering partnerships with businesses from other sectors such as the construction industry. Building construction has turned into one of the main sales channels for the solar industry in Japan, as PV systems have become a standard for many new struc­ tures. The integration of solar systems is booming

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Photovoltaics

Japan particularly in the segment of prefabricated houses. Some suppliers say they are already equipping three quarters of all of their new buildings with solar mod­ ules. With its branch network for household applianc­ es, the electronics group Panasonic – and its solar subsidiary Sanyo – takes an active role in the strate­ gic cooperation of the two sectors. Executive Vice President Toshihiro Sakamoto announced that the company will in the future offer complete integrated home solutions combining solar systems, storage so­ lutions, air conditioning and alarm equipment. In spring, Toshiba entered the segment for private rooftop systems as well. The company’s target group

­ yocera launched a new plant in Yasu, in the Prefec­ K ture Shiga, which has become the group’s largest production facility in Japan to date. In the factory, ­Kyocera produces poly-crystalline solar cells with an efficiency of 16.9 %. Taking into account the already existing plant in Yohkaichi, Kyocera is expecting to reach a total production capacity of 600 MW in the current business year. Further expansions are planned. By 2013, the technology group wants to achieve an annual solar power production of 1 GW. World market leader Sharp is another example. In March this year, the company launched a new pro­ duction facility in Sakai/Osaka. The plant produces thin-film modules on the basis of amorphous silicon with an initial capacity of 160 MW p.a. Since April, Showa Shell has been operating its solar division for CIS thin-film modules under the name Solar Frontier. In the next year, the company ex­ pects to launch a new 900 MW production line in the city of Miyazaki in the south of Japan. The plant will be the world’s largest integrated PV factory for CIS modules to date. Together with the company’s other production locations already operating in Japan, ­Solar Frontier will then achieve an annual production capacity of about 1 GW – and become the world’s largest manufacturer of CIS thin-film modules. “We are hoping to become a major player in Japan with a double-digit market share”, says James Plastow, ­Global Product Strategy Manager of Solar Frontier. The new plant is also expected to push the technolo­ gical edge. Sharp has announced plans to raise the efficiency of its CIS modules to 14.2 % by 2011 and even up to 15 % by 2014. Presently, the thin-film modules based on a composition of the semicon­ ductor materials copper, indi­ um and selenium have an effi­ ciency of around 13%.

Higher production capacities In order to exhaust the massive capacities in Miyazaki, Solar Frontier requires major custom­ ers with global activities. Such a customer was found with ­General Electric (GE). GE bene­ With a renewal of the state incentive for solar systems, Japan wants to return to the top in the PV sector. Photos: Sanyo, Bildpixel/Pixelio.de fits from the partnership with Solar Frontier in being able to are private end customers: the system kits include expand its solar power portfolio for ground-mounted modules, inverters and a display for monitoring the and private rooftop systems. Even though the cooper­ performance of the installation. With its offer, the ation with GE is mainly for the US market, Japan re­ company expects to achieve a market share of 10 % mains an important sales area for Solar Frontier, ex­ in Japan by 2012. plains Plastow. “Today, we sell most of our products to Europe, but after our third plant starts operation, we expect to sell about 30 % of our capacity into the Japan’s PV industry goes for it Japanese market.” Following the takeover by technology group Japan’s domestic manufacturing industry has been ­Panasonic, Sanyo wants to achieve a production ca­ encouraged by the renewal of the incentive law and pacity of 150 MW in its new factory in Shiga by the end reacting with multi-billion investments. In August,

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Photovoltaics

Japan

The Japanese industry is expanding its capacities. Manufacturer Sanyo – left: the company’s Solar Ark building at Gifu – wants to arrive at a production capacity of 1.2 GW by spring 2011; Sharp’s largest solar production facility (right) is currently under construction in Sakai, Japan.  Photos: Sanyo, Sharp of March 2011. In total, the solar cell and module pro­ duction capacities will be raised from 690 MW in 2009 up to 1.2 GW in spring 2011. Under the name HIT (Het­ erojunction with Intrinsic Thin layer), Sanyo had placed solar cells with an efficiency of 21.1 % on the market in September. These cells consist of monocrystalline wafers coated with a thin film of amor­ phous silicon. According to company information, this technology currently achieves the highest efficiencies on the market. By the end of 2012, ­Panasonic targets a market share of 35 % through its solar subsidiary.

Smart grids integrate solar power One of the key issues for the Japanese PV manufactur­ ers is grid integration. The island state relies on a net of self-contained grid structures with narrow transi­ tions between the different service areas. For that rea­ son, the destabilizing effects of volatile electricity can spread through the grid in relatively short time. This has been reason enough for the Japanese energy pro­ viders to remain reserved towards an expansion of PV and to argue accordingly in the political debates over renewable energies. In turn, the elec­tronics companies have started to drive the development of intelligent grid operating systems. As recently as October, the first smart grid was put in­ to operation in Japan on the island of Miyakojima, which is part of Okinawa, about 300 km off the main island. A 4 MW solar plant and 4.2 MW wind park in combination with storage batteries and a heating station have since been providing the island’s 55,000 inhabitants with elec­ tricity. The demonstration project was planned and fi­ nanced by the regional utility Okinawa Electric.

One foot in Europe Even though the domestic market is gaining weight, the Japanese manufacturers currently achieve only

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20  % of their sales in the country. Also as a conse­ quence of the capacity expansion, the sector is becom­ ing massively dependent on the world market. Its main sales markets are today in Europe and the United States. ­Especially the major players Sharp and Solar Frontier have been battling for market shares in the competitive thin-film segment. For Solar Frontier, the partnership with GE means a major step into the direc­ tion of global activities. Sharp is currently investing a sum of about € 35 million into its plant in Wrexham, Wales in order to raise its capacities to 500 MW p.a. with four addi­ tional production lines in the next year. The decision was based on the growing demand registered in Eu­ rope and particularly in Great Britain after the intro­ duction of a feed-in tariff. “Last year, 99 % of the mod­ ules that we manufactured were exported to continen­ tal Europe. The rate has already dropped to 90 %. The feed-in tariff has given confidence to manufacturers like ourselves to invest”, says Andrew Lee of Sharp ­Solar UK in Wexham. The company has been producing in Wales since 2004. In a joint venture with Italian Enel Green Power and Swiss STMicroelectronics, Sharp recently foun­d­ ed the company 3Sun for the production of thin-film modules. 3Sun has announced to launch its produc­ tion in the second term of 2011. The location in Europe will be a former semiconductor factory of STMicroelectronics in Catania on Sicily. Sharp will contribute its triple junction thin-film technology with efficiencies of about 10 %. At the beginning, the ­module production will have a capacity of 160 MW per year. In the long term, however, the capacities are ex­ pected to reach around 500 MW – serving the sales markets in Europe and the entire Mediterranean region. But there are also other Japan-based manufactur­ ers that have gained a foothold in the European mar­ ket. One example is Sanyo, which produces solar

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

modules in a plant in Dorog, Hungary. Production ca­ pacities are expected to be raised to 315 MW by March next year. Furthermore, Kyocera operates a production facility in the Czech Kadan.

Difficult stand for foreign players The number of foreign manufacturers on the Japa­ nese market has been increasing. However, while Japanese companies are competing for market shares around the globe, the domestic market continues to be a difficult arena for foreign competitors. No nonJapanese manufacturer has so far been able to win significant shares on the market. Industry giants such as Sharp, Kyocera or Sanyo are successfully defend­ ing their positions. Foreign players will find opportu­ nities particularly in the low-cost segment, says Björn Kos­lowski. “Right now, the market is mainly driven by price. The strong yen allows ­foreign players – parti­ cularly those with production sites in China –, to en­ ter into competition with the Japanese manufactur­ ers.” One of the companies focusing on this strategy is China-based Suntech that owns a subsidiary in ­Japan. In August 2006, Suntech had acquired the domestic module manufacturer MSK thereby secur­ ing the highest market shares of all foreign compet­ itors. To conclude: the participants of the Japanese PV sector are becoming increasingly active on their home market, even though the industry’s focus re­ mains on exports. If an extended version of the incen­ tive for renewable energy is approved by the policy makers, the atmosphere might further brighten in Ja­ pan. This could also open new avenues for foreign manufacturers, particularly in the lower price seg­ ment. 

Rouben Bathke

PV on public roof: Takasaki train station in East Japan, Gunma Prefecture. The system consists of modules with a total rated power of 200 kW.  Picture: Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Further information: Solar Frontier: www.solar-frontier.com METI: www.meti.go.jp/english/ Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA): www.jpea.gr.jp Toshiba: www.toshiba.co.jp Chugoku Electric Power: www.energia.co.jp/e/ Kyocera: www.kyocera.eu Sharp: www.sharp.eu Sanyo: www.sanyo.com Okinawa Electric: www.okiden.co.jp/english/ Suntech Power Japan: www.suntech-power.co.jp/

Since 2004 solar modules and system solutions from sunlink pv have been deployed in over 20 countries and regions.

Photovoltaics

PV in the USA

The “solarization” of the south-west Is there a preference for large-scale solar projects in the USA? Assuming this is the case – how does it impact a sustainable development?

W

ith an approval rate of one and a half new solar power plants per week starting in the first week of October the US Department of the Interior is about to make the state of California the world leader in large and super-large-scale solar power plants. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the sixth approval – an equivalent of 3,037 MW – at the beginning of November, and if continuing in that pace the three south-western states California, Nevada and Arizona by the end of 2010 will have broken ground for 6 GW of solar ­power, planned to go online within the next 2 years.

4.8 MW Springerville Generating Station Solar System, which will be expanded to 6.4 MW before the end of 2010. 

Photos (2): Tucson Electric Power

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A solar leader again? The 1 GW mark in total solar installations was barely crossed this year, but now – mostly thanks to government loan guarantees and fast-track permitting pro­

cesses by the Obama administration – the US are on their way back to being a solar leader, a title they had lost in the 1980s. This quantum leap in solar deployment can only be achieved with large and superlarge-scale power plants, central stations far away from the customer and in the majority with electricity generated from concentrated technologies, like CSP and CPV. Besides improving the renewable portfolio dramatically in these three selected states, 400 to 1,000 temporary jobs will be created per site during the 2-year construction phase, and 50 to 300 permanent jobs per plant will follow. This means a large number of qualified installers will be needed at the same time and in close proximity of three bordering states. The largest and most recent approval, the Blythe Solar Project in the Southern California desert, will be the biggest in the world with a planned capacity of

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1,000 MW to provide electricity for about 290,400 households through Southern California Edison. After speeding through the approval process in even less than one year, Blythe will be the first solar power plant to reach the electricity output of a large-scale natural gas or fossil fuel plant. The plant near Blythe will cover a footprint of 7,025 acres (2,843 hectare) of public land. To mitigate the project’s impact the Solar Millennium AG, the German company which also built Andasol in Spain, is required by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to provide funding for more than 8,000 acres (3,237 hectare) of habitat for desert tortoise, the western burrowing owl, bighorn sheep and Mojave fringe-toed lizard, all species found on the original site.

Dealing a strong hand

Slow growth in the rooftop sector When taking this lead the USA is following the strategy of building big in the most sun-prone zones. This is the opposite approach Germany took, the solar leader, who last year generated 80 % of its solar ­power on residential roofs. But the deployment of residential installations in the US has been going way slower than expected. Despite the federal tax credit nationwide and solar incentives in basically every ­single state now, 30 states offer loan programmes and 24 states have solar grants, the growth on private roofs is just not gaining momentum, besides some exceptions. “Historically, the numbers have been much lower for residential systems”, writes Mark Bolinger from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in a report in January 2009 when describing investment opportunities for non-residential PV systems. “Unlike the commercial investment tax credit, the residential credit until 2009 had been capped at US$ 2,000 per system,” which did not help much for an installation of at least US$ 18,000. Data from the Interstate ­Renewable Energy Council shows that up until 2002 the same capacity of residential and non-residential systems were installed, but in 2003 non-residential PV took off, each year close to doubling the residential capacity. Starting in 2007 utility companies began to play a role, which was also driven by available Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). Nevertheless, there is no clear preference in policies for either residential or mid-size and large-scale solar power. According to a report by the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) 22 states in 2009 had an official budget for state incentives, 4 of them just starting in 2010. When looking at the incentive expenditures for 2009, in 9 states more money was spent on residential PV, and in 6 states more money on non-residential, which appears in favour of residential PV. But when comparing the ­total amount of funding in 2009 in these 13 states (no more information was available), US$ 188 million were paid out to homeowners and US$ 265 million to commercial solar investors, which reverses the preference in favour of non-residential. Also stimulus ­money was mostly spent on large-scale projects, says Darren

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Photovoltaics

PV in the USA avoided cost rate caps for different types of re­ sources.” This “clears one of the last remaining roadblocks to enacting true, comprehensive FIT programmes in the US,” states the FIT coalition in its press release. “This was exactly what we were looking for,” says Ko. The FIT coalition now wants the­ energy commission to also pre-approve a standard contract across all renewable energies, which becomes a mandate to all utility companies. This way, no matter if small or large-scale installers, all segments can develop on a fair base.

Middle segment is favoured

One of the TEP employees inspecting a solar installation at Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo.

M. Springer from US Senator Bernie Sanders’ office. To help solar electric or water heating systems for re­ sidential and business installations Senator Sanders introduced the “10 million Solar Roof Bill” in the beginning of this year. The clear objective is to utilize roofs of homes and businesses to make use of solar power by taking advantage of fast installation and ­direct usage of produced electricity without losing power in the grid, which can be up to 12 % via transmission lines when coming from a central station.

European feed-in tariffs as example The FIT coalition campaigns for one solution which would also avoid preferential funding by applying a comprehensive feed-in tariff all over the United States to any kind of renewable energy. “We have learnt from countries in Europe, and we want to bring this now to the US,” says Ted Ko, Associated Executive ­Director at the FIT coalition in California. In October the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced a decision on feed-in tariffs in reaction to California’s current policies. Instead of the local utility company setting a price for distributed power FERC recommended to “employ a multi-tiered resource approach for determining avoided costs, which would set different levels of avoided costs and thus different

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The FIT coalition believes the middle segment, solar plants under 20 MW, has the highest potential for fast solar deployment. “Because we can go online within 3 to 18 months, sometimes even including the ­permitting process,” says Ko. The environmental impact is lower, and with many smaller plants the grid reaches sustainability and can better compensate for temporary low performance. But so far Ko has not seen the big growth spurt in the middle segment of the solar market. California, the US leader, clearly ­favours large central stations and does not have a policy for the middle segment, says Ko. When Paul Bonavia, CEO of the Tucson Electric Power (TEP), arrived at TEP a year ago, only 5 MW of solar power were installed, not an impressive number. Now, 150 MW are in the pipeline, mostly in the size of 30 to 40 MW plants. Bonavia, with a lot of experience in wind installations at Xcel Energy says he wants ­Arizona to become a leader when deploying practical renewable energy. His strategy is a blend of residential and utility scale. A largely sought after solar rebate programme in Tucson ran out earlier this year due to funding shortage. Bonavia thinks the rebates were too generous and skewed the market. The energy commission either has to allocate more funds or lower the subsidy level. The TEP plan to improve the solar portfolio is to use several brown fields, such as the area around the water treatment plant, in various locations, instead of just one enormous project. The advantage is, says Bonavia, that the site is already connected to the grid and controversial permitting can be avoided. The Arizona Public Service Company (APS) went even one step further with a pilot project: with utility company owned solar resources on customer rooftops. The same way companies like SunRun or Solarcity offer solar leases with no upfront costs. About 600 kW residential, 400 kW commercial and industrial and 400 kW ground mounted PV will be installed as a community power project in Flagstaff. The customer provides his roof, and buys the electricity and that way neither the APS customer is shocked with high installation costs, nor the utility company has high expenses for land use. The systems will be installed and maintained by third-party solar installers. Eran Mahrer, Director Renewable Energy at the APS calls this the “solarization of the utilities.” Anja Limperis

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Samil power

Advertorial

Company Profile

Inverters, projects and services worldwide Samil Power Co., Ltd. with headquarters in Wuxi, China, is a high-tech oriented manufacturer of gridtied inverters. The company puts emphasis on R&D and leading technology. Samil Power is a top brand of PV power inverters. The portfolio also comprises PV system projects and services worldwide.

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he company was founded by Cui Peter Peiju and employs more than 600 qualified people today. Last year, the company generated a turnover of about € 3 million. In an understated growth prognosis the company expects that the turnover will exceed €  5  million in 2010. The successful expansion of ­Samil ­Power is based on two high-tech R&D centre and the excellent sales teams in China, Europe and Australia. Meanwhile the company has completed the financing plan to enlarge its productivity. And the sales and service system is well done all over the world. Samil Power emphasizes that technological solutions as well as sales strategies are adjusted to different ­markets in the world and their different state policies for photo­voltaics.

A branch in Europe Samil Power has already built up a large PV market share in China. It established a stable cooperation with China Sunergy, Suntech Power, CSI, JETION and so on. Also leading European PV companies like ­Enfinity or IBC Solar belong to Samil Power’s customers. To cooperate closely with these European partners, the company has built a branch in Europe. It is located in Munich, Germany. This fact underlines the high importance of the European markets, above all Germany, Italy and France. Although there will be much more demand in the inverter market in the coming years, the success of photovoltaics will depend on the conditions defined by the governments in countries with established or promising PV markets.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Nevertheless, for the future Europe is not the ­only part of the world in Samil Power’s focus: the company is also on the way to developing prosperous ­Australian and American markets.

The headquarters of Samil Power in Wuxi, China

Inverters and more Samil Power is specialized in producing PV grid-­ connected inverters for domestic use, solar plants and industry sectors worldwide. The company also provides energy system solutions to meet increasing needs of global energy. Its SolarRiver (SR) series inverters from 1.5 to 5 kW are transformerless, which are very popular in the ­European PV market. Its efficiency can reach up to 97.6 %, which is the key element for a good inverter. With its modern design and high cost-effectiveness, SR series inverters have gained its reputation worldwide. Furthermore, it strictly complies with the international certifications or standards, such as CE, VDE, DK5940, RD1663, AS4777, etc. Samil Power not only offers high quality inverters but also other PV system accessories like system monitors (SolarPower Manager), an ambient monitor (SolarEnvi Monitor), the Solar Array Combiner, etc. In short, a new star of the PV inverter industry has risen in China. Visit Samil Power at SNEC 2011 (Feb. 22–24) in Shanghai, China, booth E2-275.

The efficiencies of SolarRiver (SR) series inverters reach up to 97.6 %.

Contact: Samil Power Co., Ltd. Rm 1312, No. 18-1, Wenhui Road Huishan District Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China Postal Code 214174 Phone +86(0)510 83593131 Fax +86(0)510 83593136 E-mail: [email protected] www.samilpower.com

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Photovoltaics

energy Photovoltaic – Athens

Greek market

In Greece, the time has come for large-scale systems in the multi-megawatt range. In the Drama prefecture, a 5 MW park with Conergy modules was already successfully installed.  Photos (2): Conergy

picks up speed

While the Greek economy is just drifting along and the domestic financial market is struggling to survive, the PV sector is continuing its growth path. In the end, the positive situation is also due to a government that has been paving the way for the sector.

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verybody who has met Stelios Psomas knows that the Policy Advisor of the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies (HELAPCO) is rather the modest type. But even Psomas could not hide his enthusiasm during the international exhibition Energy Photovoltaic, which recently took place in the Mediterranean Exhibition Center in Athens for the fifth time. “Only a few months ago, I had expected the newly installed capacities to reach 100 MW in 2010. Meanwhile, I had to revise my estimation upwards to 120 MW and even to 150 MW”, says Psomas.

An enormous boom It’s mostly the legal changes that make Psomas optimistic – in particular, the most recent Decree 3851/2010 that has drastically simplified the realization of solar projects in the country. “The decree has been in effect since June 2010 and has given a strong stimulus to the market and the entire sector”, says Psomas. There are several important points. “But the

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most crucial aspect is that installations with a capacity of up to 1 MW no longer require a production license.” This is a milestone, says Gregory Pozidis, CEO of the project developer Data Energy. “The majority of the installations in Greece are below 1 MW. According to the new decree, the operators of such smaller systems do not have to apply for a license at the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) any longer.” Pozidis still remembers the situation at the beginning of the last year. At that time, the amount of applications waiting for clearance at the RAE had run up to a total of 3.7 GW. The resulting backlog had caused waiting times of two or three years, which led many projects to fail. But also the application for an Environmental Impact Assessment used to be lengthy and complex. “Small systems below 500 kW now require only an official exemption, which is easily obtained and should take no more than 20 days”, says Psomas. Systems with a capacity above 500 kW still require the assessment unless they are installed in industrial areas. Rooftop systems are exempted from

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

the permit as well. To give another example, the ­Decree 3851/2010 has also raised the upper capacity limit for PV systems to 2.2 GW by 2020. For systems with a capacity above 1 MW the decree reduced the permitted timeframe for the licensing procedure to two months.

Many new market participants The improved conditions on the Greek PV market have not gone unnoticed. Quite on the contrary, the Greek market is attracting a lot of new players. One example is the French module manufacturer Tenesol. “We attended the trade show Energy Photovoltaic for the first time this year and are planning to establish a subsidiary in Greece in the near future”, says Engin ­Yaman, General Manager Germany of the French module manufacturer. “The lowering of bureaucratic hurdles has made Greece an attractive market.” Tenesol will most likely base its subsidiary in Athens where the infrastructure is already in place. “But this has not been decided yet. What also speaks in favour of Greece is the fact that systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW have become eligible for an attractive feed-in tariff since June last year. From our previous activities in France, we already enjoy many years of experience in the residential rooftop segment”, adds Yaman. Accordingly, Energy Photovoltaic ’10 triggered a great response. Compared to the number of 170 exhibitors who found their way to Athens in 2009, the

trade show was already able to draw 250 companies to its exhibition halls this year. In fact, the participation numbers almost went beyond its scope making it necessary for the organizers to create additional space in the conference area. “The trade show is growing steadily in size”, confirms Jonathan Pina, Commercial Director of the Spanish component manufacturer PLP Solar. Pina had already attended the event last year. “It’s also the private home owners that are showing a strong interest in solar.” This is not always unproblematic. “You have to make sure to

The international exhibition Energy Photovoltaic in Athens took place for the fifth time this year. Photo: Europressedienst

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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do business and cover all appointments during the weekdays. There are simply too many people during Saturdays or Sundays, which means that the industry representatives get very busy and have almost no time for you.” But also the structure of the exhibitors has changed over the last years, notes Gregory Pozidis. “Companies that used to be active on the market only two years ago have disappeared meanwhile. Many of them were Greek companies. New domestic players have now taken their place but hardly anybody has heard of them before”, says the market expert. One of the reasons for the change has been the lengthy licensing process at the RAE. “This has forced many companies out of business. Suddenly, however, solar is thought of as sexy. And now that the market is running smoothly, everybody tries to jump the band­ wagon and get a piece of the cake. It’s one of the reasons why people that used to be active in plumbing, for example, are now founding PV companies.” And this is something that brings about many problems, as these companies lack the technical training. It’s also the main reason why the Greek banks are cautious with loan requests. “They are not necessarily reluctant with loan approvals for solar projects. But they have noticed the changing market situation and now require evidence of the developer’s expertise in the area of solar.” Experience from previous projects is of course the best way of doing this. Nevertheless, the Greek banks are in principle willing to provide the financing for new projects. Jonathan Pina has even heard “that the PV sector is the only area where the banks currently agree to issue loans at all”.

Market segments continue to grow Needless to say, the boom of the Greek market is showing an effect. “The market has matured as far as to allow for the realization of projects in the multimegawatt range”, says Stelios Psomas. In the past, Greece had mainly been home to systems below 1,000 kW. “This continues to be the case, but the number of large-scale systems in the range of several megawatts is rising”, explains Psomas. One example is the EPC contractor Biosar. The company only just finished a 3 MW system and is about to complete another 5 MW solar park. “Biosar has grown into the largest EPC contractor in Greece”, says Psomas. Moreover, the company recently obtained a loan from ­Piraeus Bank for the realization of a new 10 MW project. “We believe in green business and to this end we have developed banking products, which provide the opportunity and the motivation for our customers”, says Elena Primikiri, Deputy Director of Green Banking Products Division of Piraeus Bank. Kyriakos Agiannidis, Commercial Director of the EPC contractors Positive Energy, confirms the trend. “We currently have a 5 MW solar plant under construction in the Drama prefecture, which is one of several projects we are realizing in the multi-megawatt range”. A positive trend is also noticeable in the residential rooftop segment. After the introduction of a feed-

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

in tariff for systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW at mid-year 2009, the development had been slow at first. “There had been many uncertainties as a result of the financial and economic crisis. In addition, the license requirement through the Local Planning Authority had got in the way of many projects”, says ­Alexander Zachariou, Commercial Manager of the thin-film manufacturer HelioSphera based in Greece. The licensing through the Local Planning Authority previously deterred many investors who did not want to be spied on. This obligation has meanwhile been abolished by the government. “And that’s when it really took off. So far, a number of 260 systems with a capacity between 6 and 8 kW have been installed and applications for another 1,600 systems are waiting for approval”, says Zachariou. After a slow start and some delays, the market is finally picking up speed. “Taking into account newly installed capacities in the range of 150 MW in the current year, I would say that between 200 and 250 MW will be possible in 2011”, says Agiannidis. But more growth should not be expected, he adds. “Our market is growing slowly but steady, and that’s a good thing. A Spanish scenario is something we want to avoid”. Following this path, the Greek PV market is little by little growing into a prime location for solar companies around the world. And Stelios Psomas already knows what’s next. “The latest trend is rooftop systems on industrial halls”. Markus Grunwald Further information: Data Energy: www.dataenergy.gr Helapco: www.helapco.gr HelioSphera: www.heliosphera.com Piraeus Bank: www.piraeusbank.gr PLP Solar: www.plp-spain.com Positive Energy: www.positiveenergy.gr

The Hellenic PV market is well on its way to growing into a key market for the global solar sector.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Photovoltaics

PV in greece

Clearer policies for PV –

the message: Game on!

The Greek government sent a clear signal for the development of the photovoltaics market when it passed law 3851/2010 in June. The initial results are already visible – and hopes are soaring.

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The poster says “We handle our own PV installation fund­ ing.” In other words: give us your roof or your land – we’ll do the rest. 

Photos (3): Alexios Alexander

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he conditions for photovoltaics in Greece have never been better. This was clearly visible at the 5th international Energy Photovoltaic 2010, the biggest solar event in the Balkans, which took place from October 21 to 24. Despite the economic crisis, 230 participants from 15 countries took part in the exhibition and some 25,000 visitors came to ­Piania, close to Athens. “We have 30 % growth compared to 2009,” says Maria Benia, Marketing ­Director at the fair’s organizer Leaderexpo. At the exhibition, SUN & WIND ENERGY spoke with some of the most ­active PV market players in Greece who commented on the current state of the market. HelioSphera is a Greek producer of thin-film micromorph panels. Since its first panels went into production in September 2009, it has ramped up two 30  MW production lines which were completed in April 2010. The company has supplied 15 MW of panels to customers in Europe – primarily in Germany, ­Italy, Slovakia, France, Belgium and the Czech Repub-

lic – but it has also shipped its products to Israel and Japan. Sales will top 25 MW by the end of 2010. Only 8 % of the company’s production is supplied to Greek customers but the company expects this share to ­increase next year as the Greek market grows. ­“Although financing is more difficult to get than it has been in previous years, this could also be considered positive as it protects the market from the explosive growth that lead Spain to a collapse in 2009,” says Alexander Zachariou, Commercial Director of HelioSphera. “Many of the bureaucratic barriers have now been removed and particular market segments, like commercial and residential rooftops, are becoming attractive and easier to develop.” KLT is a well known company in the Greek PV market. It had plenty of visitors during all 4 days of the trade fair. “In the past two years KLT has successfully completed 227 turnkey PV projects in Greece,” says George Kakkos, President of KLT Energy S.A. “The large number of interested investors that visited the

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

exhibition shows that the PV business is going to ­triple in the country in the next three years from its present level.” Positive Energy is part of a group of companies founded by a team of noted Greek entrepreneurs. It is an EPC contractor focused on the effective implementation of PV projects. Its project portfolio today exceeds 20 MW, including projects under development. Through its affiliated company, Gennext S.A., the group’s investment vehicle, it also has a forward-­ looking project pipeline which will be developed over the next three years. “The Greek PV sector will definitely benefit from the recent new legal framework. Feedin tariffs are now crystal-clear and there is less bureaucracy. We expect a healthy growing market for the next 10 years,” says Konstantinos Mavros, CEO of ­Positive Energy. “According to the National Renew­able Energy Action Plan submitted to the EU, the indica­tive target for PV is 1.5 GW by the end of 2014, which guarantees an annual market of 300 to 400 MW.” “Investments in the PV sector may be the safest investing activity, as revenue and annual production is highly predictable in sunny Greece. PV in Greece could be a safe-haven investment for local and foreign capital,” says Michalis Papaeconomou, Managing ­Director of Advartia, an EPC contractor for PV farms in Greece. “So far, our company has invested over € 20 million of foreign funds in PV installations and in the very near future we will invest even larger sums in farms under construction. A Bulgarian branch has just

The Greek manufacturer been opened, and by the end of the year our company ­HelioSphera presented its black will open branches in other countries as well.” thin-film module. Kostal Solar Electric Hellas was founded in March 2010 in Thessaloniki. It is the latest of Kostal’s subsidiaries following others in Spain, France and Italy. The company distributes Piko inverters made by ­Kostal. An ambitious team has made a successful entry to the Greek market and has set its sights high. “It seems that the PV sector is probably one of the few sectors showing dynamic potential during the economic crisis. Wholesaling and installing companies of PV products seem to be growing fast and this has

Photovoltaics

There were few new products at the trade fair. This interesting tracker concept from Thessalo­ niki was a notable exception.

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PV in greece

had an obvious positive impact on our company’s goals. Over the next few years, we expect to continue our steady, strong growth and be one of the most important players in the Greek inverter market,” says Kostas Floros, Commercial Manager of Kostal Solar Electric Hellas. Christos Filandros from Data Venia, the authorized representative in Greece and Cyprus of inverter manufacturer Refusol GmbH, was satisfied as well. “Our participation in this exhibition gave us the opportunity to meet with old and new customers. We are optimistic about the future based on the dynamic of the market,” he says. “Greece is a country that offers great prospects in energy investments,” says Antonis Flogeras, a civil engineer at construction company Procom Energy, which installs PV systems throughout Greece. “Still, everyone wonders about the stability of prices for their income and expenses. As a result, any investment is characterized as a high risk. On the other hand, the current exhibition is an optimistic sign for development in energy. The optimism derives from the fact that companies were able to inform investors about the opportunities that exist in the market and to show the public that energy can be a step toward seeing a more optimistic future.” Krannich Solar Mon E.P.E. is a subsidiary of ­Krannich Solar GmbH & Co KG from Germany. Since 2007, the company has had a branch office in Thessaloniki, and it opened a sales office in 2009 in ­Athens. “At the moment the interest in small roof installations up to 10 kW is rather big. For the first time, it is possible to get a project within 2 or 3 months. In this sector, Krannich Solar has a 20 % market share,” says Alexandros Athanasiou, CEO of Krannich Solar Greece.

Farmers’ “sun rush” With the government’s decision to permit farmers and other land owners to install ground mounted PV farms up to 100 kW in mainland Greece – but not on Crete and other islands non-connected to the grid – getting the right support is essential in the application pro­ cess. Activus is a good example of a company providing just such support. Founded in 2007 by young electrical engineers and green energy enthusiasts, A­ctivus concentrates on turnkey solutions. Their target for 2011 is to install 10 MW. Konstantins Papakostopulos, electrical engineer and Marketing Director at ­Activus, explains: “Three months ago, when the new law allowed farmers to install PV farms, the agricultural community reacted immediately, but some people gave farmers bad information. The people proposed filing applications through these communities, even though they had absolutely no experience in PV. Furthermore, some of them even told the farmers that all of the costs would be covered by the bank when in fact, the ATE bank leasing programme, for instance, only covers 85 % but not 100 % of the costs. This clearly shows that to start an investment, you need to have some knowledge and some funds of your own.” Such misinformation caused a situation where farmers stayed in line outside PPC (Public Power Corporation) offices during the first night to file their applications on time – and now the total number of applications exceeds the cap for farmers all the way out to 2014.

Concerns and criticism A new government brought with it new names for ministries. Meanwhile, few people remember that it was the previous government that initiated the “PV

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

on roofs” programme a year and a half ago. The programme anticipated installation of some 400 MW by the end of 2010, a figure which exceeds currently installed PV capacity in Greece by a factor of three. The government expectations turned out to be overblown. Of course, in May 2009, when the programme was ini­tially put into place, bank loans had to cover 50 % of the installation cost. Now, however, roof owners can have a PV system installed without paying a single euro from their own pockets. During the trade fair, one company which has already installed more than 4 MW spoke of their customers’ concern that legislation will be changed again. Indeed, the 2006 legislation has changed at least 6 times. S&WE spoke to a PV farm owner from Rethimnon, Crete. The private investor had about € 100,000 of his own capital and tried to obtain a loan to build his 80 kW farm in 2008 – at the time, a total investment of about € 500,000. He found just one bank that was ready to offer him a loan. The farm started to produce energy in October 2009. After one year, he is very satisfied with the results: he makes about €  97,000 in gross profit from PPC and receives the maximum feed-in tariff (FIT). “If I had the money,” he said, “I would like to open another 2 or 3 parks. But I am afraid that once I have paid off the bank loans, the government will change the conditions, maybe in the form of some new taxes, to cut my profit.” But there is criticism from international investors as well. While it is a good sign for foreign companies

that legislation is officially translated into English and easy to find at the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (YPEKA) web site, when S&WE spoke with exhibitors from France, they commented: “Well, according to the new law, the doors for new PV farm applications are opened! But what we’re hearing from the market is: Wait, there is priority for old applications, still postponed from 2006.” With investments of € 20 billion, YPEKA claims that it will create 100,000 new jobs in the renewable energy sector by 2020. If these figures are compared to the experiences of other countries, such as Germany and Spain, and adjusted for the Greek 14.95 GW target, the number of new jobs shrinks considerably. All the more so, taking into account that the Greek wind power sector will get half of the RES “pie” by 2020, but the funds will go toward wind farms and transmission service, rather than turbine manufacturing plants. Alexios Alexander Further information: Activus: www.activus.gr Advartia: www.advartia.eu Data Venia: www.datavenia.gr HelioSphera: www.heliosphera.com KLT: www.klt.gr Kostal: www.kostal-solar-electric.com Krannich: www.krannich-solar.com Leaderexpo-Leadertech: www.leaderexpo.gr Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change: www.ypeka.gr Positive Energy: www.positiveenergy.gr Procom: www.pro-com.gr

Photovoltaics

Bulgaria

Powerful prospects Bulgaria is increasingly attracting investors from PV industry. The country offers good conditions – despite the bureaucratic obstacles.

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t is difficult to believe that at the end of 2009 ­Bulgaria only had PV installations with a total ca­ pacity of 6 MW. Because after all, Bulgaria is a good base for solar energy production. Solar radia­ tion per square meter is between 1,450 and 1,600  kWh per year. In addition, Bulgarian legisla­ tion supports feeding solar power into the grid, simi­ larly to Germany with its guaranteed feed-in tariffs. The new energy act has extended the term for purchasing solar power at preferential rates. This ef­ fectively stimulates building more solar energy farms. Solar power from large-scale PV arrays of more than 5 kW will attract compensation of about € 0.37/kWh in Bulgaria for 25 years. Systems of up to 5 kW re­ ceive € 0.40 for each kilowatt hour produced.

New open market structures Since Bulgaria became a member of the European ­Union, its energy market has changed in line with the European directives. This applies particularly to sepa­ rating the functions of grid operator and energy sup­ plier, as well as to setting-up the national regulation agency SKEWR which fixes the feed-in tariffs. Since July 1 2007, the Bulgarian energy market has been open for all consumers. Electricity is distributed by three regional companies, 67 % of which were privat­ ized. Majority shareholders are E.ON AG (north-east Bulgaria), EVN AG (south-east Bulgaria) and CEZ a.s. (west Bulgaria). Moreover, the government has an­ nounced its intention to sell the state share in the

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electricity distribution grids. The transmission grid’s owner is the “National Electricity Company” (NEK EAD) which also operates hydro and pumped storage power plants. The “Electricity Systems Operator” EAD is an NEK EAD subsidiary. It plans, coordinates and operates Bulgaria’s electricity transmission grid, se­ cures interconnection to foreign grids and organizes electricity transmission.

A late starter, but sustained growth It was not until 2006 that the first Bulgarian ­PV sys­ tem went online – with an installed capacity of 27 kW. It is located in the town of Aitos near the Black Sea coast. Further installations followed. Late in 2008, a 106 kW system went into operation near the southwest Bulgarian town of Sandanski. It was the first Bul­ garian PV project implemented by the German com­ pany Sunenergy Europe GmbH. The company special­ izes in project planning and implementation of solar energy systems. By the end of 2008, IBC Solar and its local partner Sunservice were equally able to put their first megawatt solar farm into operation near the capi­tal Sofia. Nobesol Bulgaria, an affiliate of its Spanish parent company, has invested € 8 million in a 2 MW array near the Bulgarian village of Botevo. At the end of 2009, the company started its second project in Bulgaria. The PV plant, which is located near the village of Kukerovo, has a projected total ca­ pacity of 3.5 MW. Further projects are in the pipeline.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

With 2.4 MW total capacity, the Yankovo solar farm near the city of Shumen is the largest PV system in Bulgaria to date. And it will not remain the only one. Several projects with a larger capacity are being planned. 

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Photovoltaics

Bulgaria

Nikola Gazdov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association, is confident that bureaucratic obstacles can be removed both for setting up solar farms as well as small-scale systems.  Photo: BPVA The total capacity of installations planned by Spanish investors in Bulgaria amounts to 35 MW. In mid 2009, the Bulgarian company Solarpro put their “North-East I” solar farm’s first 338 kW onto the grid in Yankovo near Shumen. In February 2010, full

power capacity was connected to the transmission grid. The PV farm‘s total capacity is 2.4 MW. In May this year, EVN Naturkraft EOOD, a subsidiary of the Austrian EVN Group, started up an 836.7 kW capacity solar farm near the Bulgarian village Blatets in the Sliven region. Investment costs were about € 3 ­million. Helios Watt OOD is handling another project. The com­ pany is investing a total of € 25 million in setting up a 5 MW plant near the south Bulgarian village of Stam­ bolovo. Further projects are currently under construc­ tion, such as a 3.6 MW installation by juwi Solar in Drachevo near the port city of Burgas, while ­Sunservice is setting up a 3 MW plant for a Chinese investor in Ihtiman near Sofia. Solarpro is also building two PV plants near Devnya and Malko Tarnovo. There are currently three production facilities for modules in Bulgaria. Energy Solutions has been pro­ ducing polycrystalline modules in Pernik near Sofia since 2006. However, 90 % of the approximately 15  MW produced are exported to western Europe, mostly to Germany. Solarpro AD’s thin-film factory is based near Silistra on the Danube. The production line for thin film modules, based on amorphous sili­ con, has an annual capacity of 18 MW. The third Bul­ garian module factory, BG Solarni paneli OOD, man­ ufactures polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar modules. The production facility, with an annual ca­ pacity of 17 MW, lies in Russe in the north-east of the country. Sun System AD’s module production near Shumen is soon to go into service. The company has

been active in the solar thermal area for some years now and will start its module production with a ­Chinese partner.

Cutting bureaucracy A target group analysis, published by the GermanBulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in June 2010, states that “the current Bulgarian govern­ ment’s energy policy facilitates very good investment and entry opportunities in the Bulgarian energy mar­ ket”. The number of existing ground-mounted PV sys­ tems, with more than 100 kW, bears out this positive development. But there are still administrative prob­ lems related to getting access to the grid. This applies particularly to small-scale systems on detached or multi-dwelling houses and on SMEs’ roofs. According to Nikola Gazdov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Photo­ voltaic Association, the cautious expansion of smallscale solar roof installations is due to bureaucracy with obtaining planning permission. “While in Ger­ many a PV system is installed and accepted by the grid operator within six to eight weeks, it currently takes 50 to 60 weeks in Bulgaria,” explains Nikola Gazdov. “The installation of a 5 kW system costs about € 15,000, with 30 % of the installation costs accounted for by the administrator”. Another problem is that the invoice for the elec­ tricity sold can only be issued to a legal entity or re­ tailer. This means that a private household at present

cannot sell the power it produces to the national grid. However, Nikola Gazdov believes that these compar­ atively minor problems can be solved in the future. For this reason, the trade association has launched the “10,000 solar roofs” project which aims to reduce paperwork and to introduce feed-in tariffs for roof and façade systems. The objective is to enforce the requirements of the 2009/28/EC directive in Bul­garia to facilitate installing photovoltaic systems on roofs and façades. The German-Bulgarian CCI is also endeavouring to support investors in renewable energy. The or­ ganisation has established a power industry expert committee to remove legal and administrative ob­ stacles. The committee’s aim is to submit construc­ tive and fair recommendations about major issues in the energy sector and promote mutual exchange of experience and opinions among the CCI mem­ bers. Presently, 72 Bulgarian as well as foreign compa­ nies and institutions are members of the Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association (BPVA). The association al­ so includes some German companies, such as the Bulgarian branches of Siemens AG, Plain Energy ­GmbH, juwi Solar GmbH, Phoenix Solar AG as well as Goldbeck Solar GmbH. The German offices of First ­Solar GmbH and Sharp Energy Solution Europe are al­ so members. “The Bulgarian trade association strives towards improving legal and administrative regula­ tions in order to obtain secure financing and rapid

Photovoltaics

Bulgaria grid connection for PV systems”, stresses Gazdov. Several private and technical universities in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Russe and Burgas provide at least short courses in further and advanced training in re­ newable energy. The “Central Laboratory of Solar ­Energy and New Energy Sources” (CL SENES) plays a significant role in renewable energy developments in the country. The academy cooperates with other re­ search centers in Europe and manages several EU projects.

Market players pull together

Bulgarian village of Tsaratsovo. With a solar radiation of 1,450 to 1,600 kWh/(m2a), the Balkan state offers good prospects for photovoltaic power generation.  Photo: Frank Stier

144

In 2009, Bulgaria had a gross electricity consumption of 37.4 TWh, with roughly 10% attributed to renew­ able energy. For 2010, the target group analysis pub­ lished by the CCI predicts solar electricity production of 7 GWh. In 2015 it is already expected to be 43 GWh. The PV share in renewable energy production will rise from 0.2 % in 2010 to 1 % in 2015. These forecasts are realistic, as applications for grid connection of more than 2,000 MW of installed PV capacity have al­ ready been submitted to the energy utilities. Accord­ ing to BPVA, about 10 % of these applications will translate into real projects, i.e. the installation of PV systems equalling an installed capacity of 200 MW. “The average write-off period for PV installations in Bulgaria is eight to ten years at current feed-in tar­ iffs”, says the German-Bulgarian electrical engineer Nikolay Anatchkov. However, potential investors are dissatisfied with the annual fixing of feed-in tariffs. They are also worried about the risk that the premium can be reduced by 5 % year by year by the regulator

SCEWR, according to the ordinance on regulation of electricity prices. The investment risk is therefore higher, as there is no protection of vested rights in Bulgaria. Nevertheless, apart from a lengthy permis­ sion procedure, previous PV projects were completed satisfactorily. The Bulgarian trade association and CCI work hand in hand on improving investment and legal security to ensure that both small and large­ scale PV systems are rapidly and reliably connected to the grid. Efforts are also being made to remove EUwide administrative barriers for investments in PV systems within the framework of the PV Legal project funded by the European Commission. Another help­ ful factor is that large utilities, such as EVN Bulgaria EAD and E.ON Bulgaria EAD, are encouraging the im­ plementation of PV projects and strengthening the grid accordingly. The PV market in Bulgaria is directly supported by the regional energy utilities. Many mar­ ket players are striving for a common goal. As a re­ sult, nothing should stand in the way of rapid PV growth.  Rupert Haslinger Further information: Status report by Warsaw Technical University (Status of photo­ voltaics in the European Union 2009 new member states): www.czrea.org/files/pdf_en/studie/PV-NMS-2009.pdf Target group analysis Bulgaria 2010 – photovoltaics and solar ­thermal energy by German-Bulgarian CCI (German only): http://bulgarien.ahk.de/fileadmin/ahk_bulgarien/Dokumente/ ZGA-Bulgarien_2010.pdf Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association: www.bpva.org PV Legal: www.pvlegal.eu

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Wind Energy

Automation

Everything just in time:at GE, the gearboxes arrive just before they are installed. After being tested, the complete generator unit is delivered from the ancillary production. Photos (5): GE

Smooth transition Minimal throughput times, short distances and low storage costs: those who want to be at the forefront of highvolume business in the wind industry cannot afford to do without flow-line production.

146

E

verything is represented in the wind industry, ranging from manufacturing operations reminiscent of the fabrication of Black Forest ­cuckoo clocks to modern flow-line production based on the automotive industry. Not all manufacturers show the same speed of development. Take Siemens for example: while the competition already decided many years ago to organise its ­manufacturing as flow-line production, the global market leader in the offshore business did not develop a corresponding factory layout until last year. On behalf of Siemens, the consultancy company Dürr Consulting planned a global reference work for assembling nacelles. “For this purpose we divided the production process into equal workstations and designed a corresponding conveyor technology,” says Senior Consultant Volker Peindl in explaining the ­cornerstones of their concept. In this factory, the nacelles in the different construction stages move to the individual, stationary

workgroups that are equipped with all the necessary individual components, mass-produced parts and operating materials. Once the work in a specific workgroup has been completed, the nacelles then move on remote-controlled trailers to the next workstation. In order to keep the main assembly line and thus the expensive conveyor technology as short as possible, the number of workstations is limited to eight. “In order to achieve this, work from the final assembly has been transferred to the pre-assembly stage,” says Peindl. This is inspired by the automotive industry, which also integrates pre-assembled modules into the main assembly line on a massive scale. In contrast to the main line, less sophisticated transport technology is needed: an overhead crane carries the pre-assembled modules to the individual work­ stations. “The production process starts with the machine support,” says Peindl. “The trailers are equipped with special devices for add-on pieces in order to facilitate

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

assembly. That is a simple and robust solution with low investment and operating costs.” According to him, a rail solution would have been considerably more expensive. Previously, production at Siemens was carried out according to the so-called “workshop principle”, with the workgroups moving with all components and tools from nacelle to nacelle. This year, Siemens has introduced the flow-line production concept for its 2.3 MW wind turbines for the first time. It is planned to implement the “model factory” concept developed by Dürr in Siemens’ “international production network” – for example in the newly constructed nacelle and rotor blade plant in Shanghai.

Everything is integrated Siemens has started relatively late. A look at the leading manufacturers in the wind industry shows that the use of flow-line production in the wind industry has been around for a while, as is shown by a visit to Siemens’ competitor GE in Salzbergen. At first glance, everything appears to be rather relaxed in the production hall. Ceiling cranes with components purr along to the next workstation. Forklift truck operators steer new material for the colleagues through the gangways. Only the typical rattle of an impact wrench can sometimes be heard resounding throughout the hall. Otherwise it is quieter than one might expect for the assembly line production of ­nacelles. “When there is drilling or filing going on somewhere, my hearing reacts quite sensitively,” says Marco Kreimer, Head of Production at ­Salzbergen. He is passionate about automation, assembly line production, intelligent tools and optimising production processes, and dashes like a whirlwind though the production hall during inspections. This production in turn relies on the punctual delivery of the components, since GE receives all its components

from suppliers. The parts, which are partly preassembled and are tested in advance, undergo a quality check before being assembled together at 12 workstations to form a complete nacelle. The intention is that all components should always be assembled to form a perfect nacelle with a consistent quality. ­Besides cutting costs, this is the declared aim of mass production. It is therefore understandable that Kreimer and his colleagues react rather sensitively when the sound of refinishing work with files and drills disrupts the acoustics. GE dispensed with so-called stand-alone production in 2003. At that time, thousands of parts were still delivered to individual workstations where nacelles were created bit by bit. At that time, the staff

un acteur engagé du déVeloPPement durable

When the azimuth gear, base frame and main rotor shaft are mounted, the assembly con­ tinues further on a rail system.

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Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

147

Wind Energy

Automation “workouts” in order to improve processes or develop new ideas. The production is very much based on the production philosophy at Toyota (House of ­Toyota) with its “change for the better” concept (Kaizen).

36 hours for a nacelle

It takes 36 hours to com­ plete a nacelle at GE.

Intelligent and userfriendly tools and methods form part of the production processes at GE.

148

managed to produce four or five nacelles a week. ­Today there is a modern and, so-to-speak, organic flow-line production that leaves nothing to chance and is subject to dynamic fine-tuning. This is what is meant by process optimisation. Specialist consultants from the Japanese car industry, suppliers and production staff meet four times a year at so-called

The decision to buy in expertise from the automotive industry and to establish the complete production on a new footing has paid off. As a result of rising demand, GE wanted to increase not just the capacity but also the productivity. Today, 15 nacelles for the new 2.5 MW wind turbines are produced each week in Salzbergen and the production for the 1.5 MW turbines is about to start up again. Depending on the number of orders, between 100 and 140 people work in double shifts. And it always goes in just one direction: as soon as a supplier delivers the first components on the incoming goods side of the factory hall – namely the base frame and main rotor shaft – the clock begins to tick. 36 hours later, the door opens on the other side of the long factory hall and releases a new nacelle. Between the beginning and the end, 1,200 individual parts are assembled as part of a process that has been planned down to the very last detail but is nevertheless simple and can be understood by everyone: “At GE, the flow-line production and its workflows run according to a standardised process. This enables us to deliver a consistently high production quality to our customers,” says Kreimer, clarifying the background philosophy. “We achieve this through a clearly defined process that does not permit individual errors, is absolutely transparent and is continually checked using integrated quality management,” he explains. If something is not right or is missing, the complete production is stopped. “Errors happen, but we don’t want them happening twice. For that reason we analyse irregularities immediately so that we can improve things the next time round. This continual improvement pro­ cess also means that changes in the procedure can and must be made,” he adds. Basically it is about using a simple but robust system to iden­ tify and stop deviations from the norm. This principle prevents errors creeping into the entire series that are then not noticed by anybody. “The production stops until the problem is solved. The work only continues when we are sure that our quality goals are not impeded. It is only in this way that we can ensure that the flow-line production runs without errors,” he explains.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Converters for today’s drivetrain concepts? Absolutely.

ABB low voltage wind turbine converters for both full converter and doubly-fed turbines use direct torque control (DTC) to monitor and control generator torque and speed 40,000 times per second. This control provides the foundation for grid code support to ride-through today’s faults, and the flexibility to adapt to whatever comes tomorrow. And with global production and global life cycle services, remote monitoring and flexible options, ABB wind turbine converters help keep turbines running efficiently throughout their life time. Find out more about ABB’s products and services for wind turbines at www.abb.com/windpower.

Wind Energy

Flow-line production is entirely future-oriented.

Automation

Intelligent tools For this purpose a flow-line production system with a main assembly line was developed, which begins with the base frame and main rotor shaft. Next comes the azimuth gear, before the process moves by rail from one working sequence to the next. Just like a fishbone, the ancillary lines deliver just at the right time. When, for example, the gearbox sits on the motor support, somebody grabs a hose and fills the necessary gear oil via a central pressure line. Previously, barrels were rolled into the hall for this purpose. After the test run, the generator unit is added from the left. There is another test and then it continues further. A workstation has been specially set up for refinishing work, where the nacelle concerned can be parked. The process is logical and well thought out. Each working sequence is laid out on the factory floor and each workstation has its own assembly trolley, which remains only there. It is packed by staff equipped with intelligent scanners that have all the component information for the currently running series. The scan-

150

ners know exactly which components belong to which order. If the worker picks up a wrong component that, for example, does not belong to a series being produced for Turkey, he or she will be informed via the scanner display. That even works when components are still missing for the order. The complete data is transmitted automatically to the stock management system. If a component is coming to a predefined end, the supplier concerned is automatically informed by email and replenishes the stocks. Everything is, after all, just in time. “The gears arrive just a few hours before they are installed. The process is so transparently organised that in the event that something happens, it is clear why something was not delivered,” according to Kreimer. The workers at the workstations cannot forget any components because all elements have to be mounted on the ergonom­ ically designed and user-friendly assembly trolley. ­Otherwise nothing happens. Instead of, for example, counting cylinders for a working process in a box, a trolley is provided on which precisely the required amount hang on supports where everybody can see them. If one is missing, it will of course be immediately seen. The entire flow-line production runs according to this principle and has divided the work into new and fewer working steps in order to produce a nacelle. Since 2003, the number of individual working steps has decreased continually and this sets free synergies: “For example, we can buy better and more userfriendly tools because overall much fewer are required than before. That increases productivity and efficiency,” says Kreimer, pointing out one advantage – for example when tightening the numerous nuts on the base frame or the rotor hub. Here there are intelligent tools that store each turning moment, number and sequence of screwing processes, which are easy to use and which count as well. If a nut has been forgotten, the user of the screwdriver will be informed acoustically. In order to adjust the production in accordance with the number of orders, a two-pronged approach has been adopted: firstly, a working week of between 30 and 45 hours has been agreed upon and, secondly, the sequences can be increased from 12 to 15 workstations. Increasing the number of working steps by three keeps the processes flowing but slows the tempo. In order to measure the productivity, each production worker checks into his workstation. There is a precise time allowance for each sequence that determines when the work must be concluded. However, it is nothing like the famous film ‘Modern Times’, directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin. It is not about record-breaking work. The processes allow enough time to vary the tempo, which means that no one has to feel guilty if they have a break.

Workers are involved Nevertheless, taking this step was not easy for the workers. A machine fitter remains a machine fitter and knows what he can do. “The workforce is now

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Photos credits : Cali/Iconotec/Photononstop

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Wind Energy

Automation finished but are instead always subject to dynamic changes, for example in the regular workouts with automation specialists, workers and suppliers,” explains Kreimer.

2,000 remotely monitored wind turbines

This is not a red ghost, but a spraying robot covered in protective covers. Of course, nobody is in the spray booth during the paint spraying – here measurement work is being carried out. 

Photo: Jörn Iken

very positive about the concept. That is because they are involved in the process and can bring their core skills to bear, particularly when it comes to redesigning processes,” says Kreimer. That is why all of them have always been actively involved in the work. They have a say, are involved in determining the correct, functional design of the assembly stations and are supposed to rotate at regular intervals within the working sequences. In order to optimise the processes, three workers from the production always form a team. They control and analyse the processes and, together with their colleagues, implement new ideas for the flow-line production. That is the organic part, for which they leave the flow-line production for one year. Every four months, one of them transfers from the production to the KPO (Kaizen Promotion Office) and vice versa. “The processes are in principle never

This cycle is closed at another point. In the Customer Support Centre in Salzbergen, staff are currently remotely monitoring 2,000 wind turbines located in Europe and Asia. Here the error messages and status reports from the wind turbines are recorded and technicians and customers are provided with telephone support around the clock. From November, replacement parts for all of Europe can also be ordered here at one central point. An important task is provided by the statistics department. It calculates not just the availabilities, but also systematically evaluates all reports, maintenance work and downtimes. For the new 2.5 MW series, there is a weekly evaluation: “Our wind turbines are continually monitored and tested. In particular we provide continual evaluation for the new 2.5 MW generation of wind turbines: “This means we know which wind turbines are running and can incorporate this knowledge directly into the design, production and work with suppliers,” explains ­Christian Becke from the Support Centre.

Partially automated blade production at Nordex Change of location: Rostock, GVZ business park. This is where the German turbine manufacturer Nordex has set up its rotor blade production plant. The fact that it is possible to incorporate the nacelle assembly within a flow-line production concept has already been demonstrated by GE and Siemens. What is the situation, however, with rotor blades that are up to 65 m long? Can these be produced on an assembly line?

Nordex Rostock Plant Manager Dr. Rolf Bütje: “Workshop-style production will continue to pre­ vail in rotor blade production. However, flow-line production for the end processing of the blades is conceivable.”  Photo: Jörn Iken

152

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Wind Energy

Automation Plant Manager Rolf Bütje was initially sceptical: “The mere size of things in the wind energy industry rather speaks against automation.” However, when you walk through his factory it becomes clear that even the rotor blade production can be automated in partial steps, even if there is no chance of flow-line production for the time being. A rotor blade is mostly made of glass fibre-­ reinforced composite. This consists of so-called ‘glass rovings’, which are fabrics made of glass fibre. Together with prefabricated upper or lower flanges, the glass rovings are placed by hand into the upper and lower shells of a shell form, are sealed above and evacuated. Forced by the vacuum, epoxy resin permeates into the glass rovings within two to three hours until ­everything is completely impregnated. At around 70 °C, the blade halves then cure, which can take up to six hours. After sticking two webs in the lower shell, the two shell halves are slotted together and bonded. Nordex is currently optimising its rotor blade production in terms of the production technology. This

also includes the automation of individual process stages. In addition to the fully automated paint shop, the automatic production of the flanges is the most important innovation. Nordex began operating its self-developed plant at the beginning of 2009. After cutting glass fibre fabric from a roll, the machine lays it up with a high accuracy. “Automated cutting and laying up the glass fibre layers like this in the main flange is an absolute ‘must’ in modern rotor blade production,” underlines Bütje. This automation leads to 70 % staff savings and – even more important – substantially reduces the process time. The carriage that lays up the glass fibre layers moves quicker than the standard, hand-operated carriage. Since the rolls with the glass fibre material are no longer drawn by hand, the use of larger rolls with lengths up to 1,000 m considerably reduces the process time because the rolls are replaced less frequently. Bütje identifies further stages that are automated in the Nordex factory: “We’ll soon be applying the drill pattern automatically to the blade root,” for

Cars showing the way?

Flow production at Porsche in Stuttgart, Germany.  Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa

154

Are the wind and automotive industries in any way comparable in terms of production? “The assembly processes in the automotive industry are aimed at high volume production in combination with high variance,” explains Michael Lickefett, Head of Plant ­Design and Production Optimisation at the German Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA). For wind power, high volumes apply to a limited extent but high variance definitely does not apply – it is clear that wind turbines are produced on a different basis. But that is not so decisive, says Lickefett. Specific challenges remain the same in all flow-line production systems, irrespective of what is produced. In particular, plant designers are faced with the problem of ensuring that individual components arrive in the right sequence at the right time and at the right assembly area. This is something that the automotive industry has focussed particular attention on; after all, a car consists of around 10,000 individual parts. The wind industry can also learn from the ‘mixed model’ assembly lines utilised by the vehicle manufacturers. Here various models are produced on one assembly line, for example the BMW 3, 5 and 7 series. “The prerequisite for this, of course, is that there is a platform strategy and components are standardised across the various models,” emphasises Lickefett. Mixed lines also place high demands on the pro­ cess controlling: “A specific sequence must be maintained and has to be agreed upon with the logistics.”

Since as far back as the 1970s, suppliers have increasingly begun supplying vehicle manufacturers not just with individual components but complete assemblies. As a consequence, the development work has also shifted along the supply chain. However, that is not always beneficial, says Lickefett: ­“Although system suppliers reduce the complexity of the ­assembling, they increase the dependence on ­suppliers. If an assembly is missing, the line comes to a standstill.” The decisive aspect, however, that has advanced automotive production to the forefront of modern factory organisation is the consistent focus on added value. The radical elimination of waste distinguishes Toyota, for example, from its competitors. “Their production process almost only contains components for which the customer is prepared to pay.” This has its origins in the shortages that Toyota experienced after the war. The need to focus on only creating added ­value has become part of the corporate culture over the years. Conclusion? The bottom line, emphasises ­Lickefett, is that it is certainly worthwhile taking a look at the automotive industry, even if its degree of automation will not be reached in the wind industry. Platform strategies, partial standardisation, ­focussing on added value, system suppliers and continual ­improvements involving the workforce – these are all key elements that can be transferred to the wind ­industry. However, Lickefett finds one shortcoming with both car and wind turbine builders: “Energy ­efficiency plays far too small a role in production.” He can see the first signs in the automotive industry but it has not yet made much of an impression in the wind industry.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

which there are two possibilities, he continues. “We could have opted for the traditional way using NC machining or for robots.” In the end we decided to use a six-axis robot. The most important thing is that it can take on considerably more tasks. For example, in addition to drilling and milling, it screws in the stud bolts and their respective barrel nuts. This is work that would otherwise have to be completed by a technician at a height of up to three metres using a 15 kg impact wrench. The increased efficiency through using the robot is immediately apparent.

Showpiece blade spraying The automation technology showpiece at Rostock is without doubt the blade paint spraying. The new, airconditioned spray booth began operation at the beginning of 2010. It is equipped with a roll ceiling so that each blade can be inserted from above. The blade is then suspended in the room, supported by a flange in the root area. Two pairs of robots are then deployed: the first pair cleans the blade while the second pair sprays it with paint in two stages. While the robots are still spraying, an infrared portal begins moving and dries the previously painted sections until they are dust dry. The overhead crane then moves the blade to a cooling frame where it dries off completely. The time saved is enormous, says Bütje: “The blade remains four hours in the spray booth. Previously it took up to around 26 hours to complete the

paint spraying with a lot of manual work in extreme positions.” What are the prospects for further automation? “The potential for automation is exhausted for the time being. With the current rotor blade design, I can’t imagine flow-line production as with the nacelles.” But that is not absolutely necessary anyway because: “The wind industry must first of all get the most out of the existing processes. For example, the automotive industry optimised its work paths in the 1990s. We haven’t reached that stage yet.” Jörn Iken, Torsten Thomas

International Trade Fair for the Use of Renewable Energy Sources

17 20 March 2011 Husum Look ahead, think ahead. www.new-energy.de

At Nordex, the upper and lower flanges of the rotor blades are produced automatically; the cutting device for the rovings can be clearly seen at the front.  Photo: Jörn Iken

mall wind The biggest s in Europe! turbine show

Wind Energy

Cranes

At the limits

The Terex Demag CC 9800 has been set up for large wind turbines and can even lift the whole nacelle or rotor star of an Enercon E-126 in one go. 

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Photo: Terex Demag

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Cranes whose lifting power was celebrated as sensational 20 years ago are now rather more like toothpicks. There are obviously a lot fewer boundaries on the way up than previously thought.

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ithout new ideas and cranes to do the ­hoisting there would be no progress in the wind power sector. This is not just the case for the installation of ever-larger wind farms or new hub heights. Additional orders are being generated for crane manufacturers by an increase in automa­ tion. Not only overhead gantries for modern assembly lines are required here but also solutions for quick transportation during manufacturing, unloading or in storage. This sector is served by the Danish manufacturer Liftra, for example. The company has special­ ised in manufacturing rubber tyred gantry (RTG) ­cranes and hoisting equipment for components. RTGs have long been a standard for handling containers. Liftra has a whole range of RTGs on offer with lifting capacities of up to 200 tons, which can effectively and quickly lift tower segments, nacelles and hubs vertically upwards and transport them. For installing wind farms the Danes have additionally developed lifting tools so that rotor blades, gearboxes, hubs and complete rotor stars can be lifted up without being damaged. The crane business in the wind power sector is also booming for offshore applications. Not only large units on jack-up platforms or heavy load cranes and specialised vehicles for handling and transportation in the assembly halls are in demand. Each wind turbine also has its own auxiliary crane at its base for hoisting spare parts, tools and materials. Considering the numbers involved here, this is a lucrative business. The Danish offshore crane manufacturer Acta A/S has full order books, for example, and is supplying over 175 cranes for the British offshore wind farm London Array. Manufacturers such as ­Vestas and REpower have additionally started including small cranes in their offshore nacelles in order to simplify repair work or the replacing of components.

Powerful, mobile and flexible In the onshore sector it is not only the more powerful units which are in demand, but also mobile units which are not complicated to set up and take down again. To save costs, cranes should get to the construction site with as little effort and heavy goods transportation as possible. There are several options to choose from here. Common standard solutions are mobile cranes, telescopic cranes on wheels or crawler cranes. Liebherr aims to present a new exceptional unit soon: the LR 11350. The crane has a rated lifting power of 3,000 tons and a lifting height of over 200 m, making it the largest conventional mobile crane in the world. Mobile telescopic cranes with additional lattice mast tops to reach the required heights are also pop-

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

ular. “Purely lattice mast cranes on caterpillar tracks have the advantage that they have stronger booms and thus more lifting power. A disadvantage is that such cranes require a lot of space, as the whole lattice mast must first be laid out in front of the crane and assembled. The crane and its equipment also require the use of several trucks. Wheeled cranes can themselves be driven with their basic equipment, however. The trend is thus clearly towards mobile telescopic cranes with flexible lattice mast tops,” explains Wolfgang Beringer, The trend is towards mobile cranes which can Marketing Manager at Liebherr. move from place to place themselves and which The Liebherr LTM 11.200 is such a can be used flexibly with the help of extension telescopic crane, for example. In the ba- equipment.  Photos (2): Manitowoc sic version, the crane with a rated lifting power of 1,200 tons can still lift 76 tons to a height of 100 m. A lattice mast top that lengthens the telescopic arm en­ ables greater heights to be reached and can lift weights of over 100 tons. For a series installation of large wind farms Liebherr tends to recommend using new crawler cranes with a lattice mast, which can lift heavy hubs to great heights and are well suited to such installation work. “There are specially developed narrow gauge cranes for narrow pathways such as the LTR 11200. These have four supports which can additionally be extended so that the crane does not tip over during operation. They can turn through 360° and can be ­driven even when completely equipped. A crane can thus drive to the next turbine after the current one has been installed. Mobile cranes with a lattice mast boom are not so stable, however,“ explains Beringer. At large wind farms it is not unusual to have several different types The Manitowoc GTK 1100 is extended verof crane in operation in order to enable tically. The main crane itself lies above the series construction. In this case the extension.  work is split up into only lifting tower segments or nacelles and rotor stars. Without wanting to limit himself to a particular figure in metres, Beringer still sees a large potential for increases in height performance and maximum lifting power. “Crane-building is driving forward wind power, power plant construction and petrochemicals. New steels and statics methods are making quite a bit more physically possible now. Developments and

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Wind Energy

Cranes hubs at new heights must remain affordable for ­installers and crane hirers, however,” he warns.

Extension equipment for growing hub heights

The Liebherr MTC 78000 offshore crane can take a lot on its hook. The specially con­structed crane weighs a massive 1,420 tons. 

Photo: Liebherr

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Installation specialists such as Christian Arnold from Global Energy Services know from experience that no project is like any other. The company has been constructing wind farms all around the world for the past 20 years. “The circumstances or ground characteristics are always different. Each project must therefore be played through exactly in advance to

decide what will be required to finish a wind farm on time. For cranes the decisive criteria is what they can lift to what maximum height. ­Narrow-gauge crawler cranes with a lattice mast have a clear advantage here, but steep climbs or slopes on the site make their use difficult,” he says. Arnold also sees the trend moving towards powerful but still flexible equipment. “There are promising developments, especially in the field of telescopic cranes. Mobility and the question of how much it costs to do the lifting both play an important role here.” Other suppliers have also targeted such desires. The US American manufacturer Manitowoc has put some of its own ideas for cranes into practice. The GTK 1100 has caused quite a stir. On this crane the telescopic arm can extend over 80 m vertically upwards. It is extended vertically with four steel cross-struts and does not require counterweights. The crane itself is at the end of the telescopic unit, and from this platform it can reach hub heights of over 140 m. The crane parts can be transported on four low-loaders and set up in approx. six hours using an auxiliary crane. It can then lift almost 100 tons to a height of 120 m. That Manitowoc is keeping an eye on flexibility for crane hirers in other developments too, can also be seen on the GMK 7450 with a rated lifting power of 450 tons. The rubber-wheeled mobile crane with a telescopic arm can easily be fitted with an extension unit so that it can be used for wind turbine installation. The lattice mast top enables heavier loads to be lifted to well over 100 m. In the USA at least, the Manitowoc 1600 crawler crane with a rated lifting power of 400 tons has become established as a purely installation crane for wind farms. “Over 85 % of all the delivered lattice mast cranes are being used in the wind power sector,” is the message from the company headquarters. So that crane hirers can remain flexible and can keep up with the growing hub heights, there is a new extension unit here too; the 18 m long lattice mast top increases the maximum load by 44 % compared to the basic crane and can thus lift 110 tons to a height of 110 m. In the lead so far has been the US manufacturer Terex Demag. The CC 9800 with a rated lifting power of 1,600 tons is one of the most powerful cranes ever developed, and it can even lift the nacelle of an Enercon E-126 in one go. The lattice mast crane is still able to carry 360 tons up at a height of 144 m. It is thus specially adapted to the requirements of the wind power industry. Apart from this crawler crane variant, Terex has also extended its range among the so-called ‘all-terrain cranes’. The AC 1000 rests on nine axles and is considered to be the most powerful road-going crane in the world, and is able to be transported along with its extensions. The additional equipment has been designed in such a way that it can be transported on conventional articulated trucks and no approvals for heavy goods transportation are required. The crane can reach a maximum height of 163 m.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Not much tolerance offshore The offshore division of Liebherr is doing good business in equipping jack-up platforms. The company from Baden-Württemberg has developed one of the largest swivelling offshore cranes, the MTC 78000, of which four have been sold so far. The company says that contracts have not yet been closed for a further two cranes. While two cranes with a rated lifting power of 2,000 tons are destined for work on oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, two have been designed for erecting offshore wind farms. In order to maximise the hub heights the “wind power versions” have a boom of 102 m, with which hub heights of over 100 m can be reached. Normally the boom is 87 m long. With the counterweights out at 74 m the crane can still manage 530 tons. Such monster cranes require special engineering, however. Thus, only two per year can be manufactured; “The turret ring alone has a dia­ meter of nine metres and is complicated to manufacture,” explains Wolfgang Pfister, Marketing Manager of the Offshore Department at Liebherr. The construction of the lifting equipment is a particular challenge. The steel cables, the crane hook and the shackle are extremely heavy and very susceptible to the wind. “The lifting work must be precisely planned and calculated before it can take place at all. This means that it must be clear before the construction work starts what the crane must manage under which conditions. The work is dependent on the wind and the waves here too,” says Pfister. Ole Rathjens from the Construction Department at Neuenfelder Maschinenfabrik (NMF) also sees the lifting of components with lifting gear as problematic. Among other products, NMF has special cranes for offshore use and heavy-lift cranes for 300 tons and above for cargo ships on offer. There have been several enquiries about offshore cranes for wind energy but so far no firm orders. “There are many construction ships on the drawing board, but hardly any actually being built, because the concepts are being reconsidered,” says Rathjens. “The lifting gear weighs a minimum of 20 tons, plus the bolts for securing the components and the crane cables several hundred metres long up at great heights. It’s all very susceptible to the wind. The tolerance is simultaneously very low, for example when trying to safely hook up steel foundations. A successful hook-up is thus often a matter of luck and can take some time. It must therefore already be clear in the offer phase of a deal exactly what work will await a crane,” explains Rathjens.

Vestas and REpower install small cranes in the nacelles of their offshore wind turbines in order to simplify repair work or the replacing of components. Photo: Palfinger

Torsten Thomas Further information: Acta A/S: www.acta.dk Global Energy Services: www.ges-deutschland.de Liebherr: www.liebherr.com Liftra: www.liftra.com Manitowoc: www.manitowoc.com Neuenfelder Maschinenfabrik: www.nmf-kran.de Terex Demag: www.terex.com

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Wind Energy

manufacturer New hope: after a two-year testing ­phase, Gamesa has launched the G128-4.5 MW onto the market. It has more than twice as much power as the largest wind turbine previously offered by Gamesa. Photo: Gamesa

Global ambitions In view of the weakness of its home market, the Spanish market leader is looking to do business overseas. New products are set to help Gamesa get going again.

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ver the years, Gamesa has produced thousands of wind turbines with a total ca­ pacity of 18 GW. For a long time, the largest market was Spain. A few years ago, however, ­Gamesa started vigorously expanding its export ­activities and erected its own factories in North America, India and China. The project business is being expanded as well, and is already playing an important role. By the end of 2009, Gamesa had al­ ready installed 146 wind farms with a total capacity of more than 3.5 GW. In addition to that, around 2,000 members of the service staff take care of hundreds of wind farms with an over­all capacity of 12 GW. In 2008, Gamesa achieved a turnover of al­ most € 4 billion and ranked third once again behind Vestas and GE Energy. But the golden years are over for now. Competi­ tion has intensified on all the markets and the home market is especially weak. Gamesa can no longer ­rely on Spain because the market volume there has shrunk considerably this year. On top of that, Vestas already sold almost as much as Gamesa in Spain last year and is now competing with the matador for mar­ ket leadership. On the world market, even greater

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shifts have become apparent. In 2009, the Chinese manufacturers Sinovel and Goldwind as well as the German manufacturer Enercon overtook Gamesa. The company’s market share shrank from 12 % to just un­ der 7 %; the turnover declined to € 3.2 billion. And this year, things do not look any better. The investors are holding back and the share price has dropped to its lowest level since 2001.

Five new product lines Gamesa has now started a campaign to turn the tide. On 8th October, the company presented its “Business Plan 2011-2013” in London and announced a prod­ uct offensive. Over the next three years, € 750 million will be invested in the expansion of production in or­ der to be able to launch five new product lines in good time. It is planned to increase sales from 3.2 GW (2009) to almost 4 GW by 2013. The service business is also to be expanded substantially. It is envisaged that the volume will double from 12 GW to 24 GW by 2013. At the same time, the company wants to be­ come one of the leading wind farm developers and to install a capacity of 700 MW annually. In the USA and China, the production capacity will be increased con­ siderably. For the employees in Spain, hard times are ahead since the production capacity there will be cut from 2.2 GW to 1 GW. This can hardly be avoided be­ cause already today Gamesa achieves about 90 % of its turnover outside Spain, as the company’s Chair­ man Jorge Calvet said in London.

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New products will help Gamesa find new custom­ ers. The well-tried 2 MW turbine (series G80 to G90) has been on the market for years without any ­changes; therefore, it is time to offer something new. The five newly announced product lines have not been clearly defined yet. It is considered certain that the new 4.5  MW turbine G128 will be followed by a second one with an even greater rotor diameter. Furthermore, two offshore turbines are being developed. All the new developments serve the ambitious goal of set­ ting a new standard in energy production costs. This is the overall target of the entire business plan.

Offshore headquarters in London On 25th October, Gamesa surprisingly appeared be­ fore the public for a second time and announced that it would concentrate its future offshore activities in the United Kingdom. The new headquarters of the off­ shore division will be in London. Furthermore, an off­ shore technology centre and a rotor blade factory will be established. For these purposes, Gamesa will ­provide funds of € 150 million by 2014. “The United Kingdom’s resolute decision to enact an ambitious offshore plan, along with the country’s support for foreign investment and the availability of large ports” had been the decisive criteria for this choice of loca­ tion, explained Jorge Calvet. Since the originally envisaged cooperation with the German Bard Group did not come into being, Gamesa has now formed an alliance with the US com­ pany Newport News Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of the Northrop Grumman Corporation. The company is the largest shipbuilder in the USA and will help Gamesa get off the ground in the offshore business. The first product to emerge from this cooperation will be the wind turbine G11X with a capacity of 5 MW. Two pro­ totypes will be erected at the end of 2012. Further­ more, it is planned to erect the first G14X two years later, a turbine designed to conquer the offshore mar­ ket with its capacity of 6 to 7 MW.

Iberdrola as a strong partner Gamesa does not want to earn money only as a man­ ufacturer of wind turbines, however, but also as a project developer and wind farm operator. In this con­ text, the relationship with the utility Iberdrola de­ serves attention. The world’s largest operator of wind farms is Gamesa’s largest shareholder and its largest customer at the same time. Iberdrola owns almost a sixth (15.4 %) of the shares. In June 2008, Gamesa concluded a multi-billion supply contract with ­Iberdrola and agreed on the delivery of wind turbines with a total capacity of 4,500 MW. This enormous vol­ ume is distributed over the years 2010 to 2012. In 2009, Iberdrola achieved a turnover of € 10.8 billion; € 1.6 billion of that came from wind power. With such a strong partner at one’s side, there is not much that can go wrong, but there is an exit clause. Iberdrola can terminate the contract if ­Gamesa is acquired by, or merges with, another company.

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This clause acts as a deterrent against any prospec­ tive buyers because high losses threaten if Gamesa loses its most important customer. Gamesa is more closely integrated with its largest customer than any other wind turbine manufacturer. Therefore, it is crucial for both companies to delimit their activities in order to avoid getting in each ­other’s way. For this reason, Gamesa and Iberdrola not only concluded the aforementioned supply contract al­ ready two years ago, but they also regulated their strategic cooperation with regard to project develop­ ment and wind farm operation at the same time. Un­ til June 2011, the two companies will conduct their wind farm businesses independently of each other. After that, Iberdrola has two options: either they will acquire the wind farm business from Gamesa for a cash payment, or the wind farm businesses will be united in a joint venture, in which Iberdrola will hold 75 % and Gamesa 25 % of the shares. Both options would result in Gamesa losing control of its European wind farm business. In the business plan, however, Gamesa does not mention this agreement. The company insists that it will expand its wind farm activities to 700 MW and thus secure for itself an important sales channel. It can, however, be expected that Gamesa will focus on its most important branch of business, the produc­ tion of wind turbines, in the coming years. Apart from the development of new products, this includes the relocation of production according to international market developments (see table). The sales of wind turbines in Europe will shrink considerably, from about 2,000 MW today to 800 MW. In turn, the sales in North and South America as well as in India and China will increase substantially. This means that the company is facing a radical change, since there is hardly any wind turbine manufacturer that has con­ centrated production in its home country as much as Gamesa. No fewer than 23 of Gamesa’s 30 factories are located in Spain. Shutting down factories costs money, as does the establishment of new factories overseas and the de­ velopment of new product lines. The entry into the offshore business will be expensive, too. But money is the least of Gamesa’s problems, since an enor­ mous credit line is available to the company. Hence, there will certainly be a lot of news about Gamesa over the next three years. The previously rather dis­ creet company, which had entrenched itself in its home market for many years, is now opening up and taking on the challenges of the world market. Detlef Koenemann

Gamesa business plan Markets

Sales 2009 [MW]

Sales 2013e [MW]

North America

479

South America

93

> 500

479

> 1,000

16

> 800

China India

> 800

Europe and RoW

2,078

> 800

Total

3,145

> 3,900

A look back at 2009 and a preview of 2013: Gamesa wants to increase its sales from 3,145 MW to more than 3,900 MW. The European business will reduce considerably whereas the sales in America, India and China will increase. 

Source: Gamesa business plan 2011-2013

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Wind Energy

Poland

Plenty of

catching up to do The enormous potential of Polish wind energy remains untapped, despite a high feed-in tariff. The government and most of the regions remain committed to coal and promote renewables only half-heartedly. Wind farm in Zagórze near Wolin in the Szczecin Lagoon. In late September, the total installed wind energy capacity in Poland was just under 1,100 MW.  Photo: PWEA

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ind turbines can easily cover 10 percent of Poland’s electricity demand”, believes ­Janusz ­Gajowiecki of the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA). It would take wind turbines totalling a capacity of 12,000 MW to achieve this goal. Initially this seems somewhat optimistic: because PWEA reports that wind turbines with a capacity of about 1,100 MW were rotating between the Oder in the West and Belarus and the Ukraine in the East in late September. They only supply about 0.7 % of ­the total electricity production although Poland offers many good locations. The best places are situated on the Baltic coast. From the island of Usedom to Hel peninsula, the wind blows at speeds of 5 to 6 m/s.

Wind turbines can also be operated viably in the country’s interior, such as the Polish North-East at the Lithuanian and Belarus border, in the Greater ­Poland (Wielkopolskie) and Masowia (Mazowieckie) areas, as well as on the slopes of the Carpathian Mountains. Foreign investors are also fully aware of this fact. In mid-April 2009, RWE Innogy set up their first wind power generators in the Suwalki region in the North-East. Some 18 2.3 MW turbines supply roughly 80 million kWh of power per year.

Government plans first nuclear power plant “The government is not interested in promoting wind power”, thinks Gajowiecki. The reasons are historical. Every Polish government to date has backed domestic coal. Nothing suggests that this is going to change. Quite the contrary: instead of supporting the generation of power from wind, water and bioenergy, the government plans to build a nuclear power ­station – the first in Poland.

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But there were some positive attempts to change the status quo in the past. The Polish wind era started in 1991 – on the Pomeranian (Pomorskie) coastline: in Swarzewo near Hel peninsula, a 95 kW turbine was set up and a 150 kW turbine in Lisewo. In Western Pomerania (Zachodniopomorskie), near the Baltic coast, the first wind farms supplied power ten years later: six 850 kW turbines in Barzowice and nine 2 MW turbines in Cisowo. In 2002, 15 wind ­power generators in Wolin followed, with a capacity of 3 MW each. The government also supported renewables: a quota system has been in place since 2001. Energy groups must obtain a part of the electricity sold from renewable energy sources. This quota rises year on year – currently it is 7.5 %. This does not mean that energy utilities, such as the state-controlled energy giant PGE (Polska Grupa Energetyczna), invest in green power. They can pay a penalty instead. How­ ever, the quota system had little success: in 2005, wind turbines with a capacity of only about 60 MW fed electricity to the grid. The next steps followed in 2005: that year, the Polish government presented its strategy for the development of renewable energy until 2020. As an intermediate target, it intended to install some 2,000 MW of wind power by 2010. Poland has only reached half of this self-imposed target. The government at the time waived setting specific targets for 2020. Since 2005, the Polish Energy Act provides for a purchasing and compensation obligation for green power. The feed-in rates for energy from sun, wind, hydro power and biomass are the same. The amount comprises an average electricity price which the energy companies have to pay in the electricity market, as well as an extra charge. In 2009, operators of renewable energy sources obtained 4.64 zloty (just ­below €  0.12) for feeding in one kWh. This sum is composed of an extra charge of 2.67 zloty and the ­average electricity market price of 1.97 zloty/kWh.

A bureaucratic nightmare “But money is not everything”, claims Gajowiecki. There are lots of obstacles. In Poland there is no obligation to connect renewable energy to the grid. The grid is completely outdated and frequently cannot cope with oscillating power quantities at all. “Poland will have to invest in power grids and modern substations to reach the renewable energy quota. This is not enough, however”, said Gajowiecki. He went on to say that obtaining permission to install a wind ­turbine is often a bureaucratic nightmare. Moreover, setting up a wind turbine is strictly forbidden in a ­Natura 2000 area. He also sees shortcomings in the educational system. He says that there is plenty of information on nuclear fusion, but not on wind energy. All the same, Gajowiecki hopes that the situation is gradually changing for the better. On the one hand because the Polish government is preparing a legislative proposal to promote renewable energy. On the other hand, because Poland is an EU member and the

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

EU gives clear guidelines. In March 2009, the EU stipulated in the “directive to promote the use of energy from renewable sources” that at least a fifth of the energy consumption has to be covered by renewable energy sources EU-wide by 2020. However, not every EU member state has to commit itself in the same way. Poland is expected to cover 15  % of its energy demand from renewables which would be double the percentage in 2005. At that time renewables – primarily hydro power plants and energy from biomass – made up 7.2 % of the energy mix. To reach its 20 % target, the EU forces its member states to proceed systematically and prepare a national action plan. By the end of 2009, every state had to assess how it intended to reach the specified targets. By late June 2010, 27 national action plans were to have been submitted to the EU Commission. The first measures should have been adopted by the end of 2010. However, the Polish government still has not completed its action plan. Gajowiecki sees his theory borne out that the government takes little interest in renewables. It also annoys him that the draft action plan contains many mistakes and discrepancies. Moreover, it underrates the possibilities of wind power and overrates those of biomass. No mention is made of the fact that the power grid is outdated. Yet Poland is not the only country which is still deliberating on the future path to take for renew­ ables. There are also no action plans from Belgium, Estonia and Hungary.

Offshore farms still a vision of the future It would be crucial for wind activist Gajowiecki for the Polish government to commit itself to renewables. Then offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea would stand a chance. There are repeated reports that foreign investors intended to set up large wind farms off the Baltic Sea coast. Even PGE is involved. Poland’s largest energy group plans to install offshore wind farms in the range of 1,000 MW for € 3.5 billion by 2020. Today any such projects are still up in the air, because planning and building law precludes wind farms in sea areas. Ralph Ahrens

www.PolishWindEnergy.com Polish Wind Energy Competence Center

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Bioenergy

Wood fuel in Developing Countries

Cooking on a fixed-installation rocket stove requires new habits of Kenyan women. However, they save fuel and reduce the amount of smoke they are forced to breathe in.  Photo: GTZ

Cooking on  a closed fire

Traditional cooking on a smoky three-stone hearth  Photos (5): Lisa Feldmann

In rural areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America, wood is the most widespread raw material used to generate heat for cooking and heating. However, this use of biomass in such regions is generally viewed as being harmful to the climate, the environment and human health. Now the situation should be improved by the introduction of more efficient stoves to replace open fires.

I

n global terms, a third of humanity heats and cooks using bioenergy. In some African countries almost 90 % of the population uses biomass as a source of energy, according to the statistics of the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ). ­European advocates of bioenergy can only dream of such figures. However, the high proportion of bio­ mass in developing countries cannot be compared to the efficient use of biomass as a renewable energy source in industrial countries. This is because large quantities of wood are burned in traditional stoves and campfire-style hearths that are inefficient and

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generate high emissions. In other words, the users of firewood as traditional biomass now face the chal­ lenge of finding ways of using their biomass resource more efficiently. Indeed, all the arguments used in support of bio­ mass in Europe – a climate-friendly, CO2-neutral ­energy supply – are reversed in the rural regions of developing countries. Here, the combustion of wood on traditional three-stone hearths causes high CO2 emissions and health-damaging fumes. Projects in­ stituted by GTZ and the German Federal Ministry for Development and Economic Cooperation show how

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

technologically simple solutions can modernise the energy supply and thus improve people’s quality of life.

A simple and cheap route to greater efficiency Since 80 to 90 % of private energy consumption in the household is accounted for by cooking, one focus of the projects is on introducing more efficient cook­ ing hearths. A few years ago GTZ developed the HERA programme for poverty-oriented basic energy ser­ vices. As part of this programme GTZ, together with its partners, is conducting numerous projects in ­Africa, Asia and Latin America. The cooking stoves programme is intended to further promote the use of wood by introducing more efficient cooking stoves. Firstly, the projects perform development work by adapting the stoves to the needs of the target group. Secondly, they support manufacturers in the coun­ tries themselves in terms of training and marketing strategy. Moreover, HERA and the EU energy initiative Partnership Dialogue Facility educate users in the countries about the relevance of biomass as an ener­ gy source. Many players are not aware of the econom­ ic importance of this renewable energy source. Projects relating to clean cooking energy are con­ cerned with several issues. To date, cooking has mostly been conducted on open fires in three-stone campfire hearths. Since these require a very large amount of fuel due to inefficient combustion pro­ cesses, they need to be replaced by other methods. In this way it is hoped that forest clearance can ulti­ mately be curbed and the high CO2 emissions re­ duced. The new stoves create less smoke, which has a positive effect on the health of the women. Accord­ ing to studies by GTZ every year 1.5 million people, mostly women and children, die from causes associ­ ated with inefficient use of biomass. However, bio­ mass also brings advantages. It is a renewable ener­ gy source, it is available and usable without further

Cooking with wood – efficient stove models Rocket stove - Made of clay or metal - Fixed installation with a chimney, or portable - Allows firewood savings of between 40 and 60 % for households; the models for canteens can even save up to around 80 %. - In the special combustion chamber of the stove the wood burns more completely because the temperature is higher there and the proportion of wood to air is regulated. This means that less firewood needs to be used to generate the same amount of heat. Moreover, the heat loss in the clay or metal casing is lower. This special cooking stove principle was developed by Larry Winiarska at the Aprovecho Institute in Oregon, USA.

UPESI or Mandaleo - A simple, cheap stove made of clay - Burns firewood - Allows firewood savings of 40 % for households

Kenyan Ceramic Jiko - Burns charcoal - Fuel-saving potential of 30 to 40 %

processing and is also cheaper than gas, electricity or paraffin. In most regions wood is the daily, usual and traditional cooking fuel. So it is easier to gear solu­ tions to the habits of the population than to introduce totally new techniques and processes. As Anna ­Ingwe, GTZ Project Manager in Kenya, says, “Solar cooking is not practically acceptable due to the socio-cultural settings in Kenya.” Some projects are in fact aimed at introducing the use of alternative energy sources (solar power,

Rocket stoves made of metal for canteens such as Marys Meals School Blantyre in Malawi.

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

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Bioenergy

The simple and cheap stoves made of clay are always portable and are mainly used in rural areas, where there is no room for fixed stoves like in a kitchen.

Wood fuel in Developing Countries

stoves powered by vegetable oil or gas). However, this approach is technically more complex and often too expensive, says Lisa Feldmann working for the GTZ-run HERA programme. Ingwe admits that finding substitutes for wood as an energy source is the bet­ ter ecological option in many cases. But in practice this is not always feasible; the initial investment costs for biogas and liquefied petroleum gas are too high. Ingwe says, “For cooking with biogas one has to own a number of cows. This is not a frequent situation.” Families are able to afford a more efficient woodfired stove without any financial assistance. This is a precondition for long-term success and widespread, effective introduction. Ingwe explains that no stoves are subsidised or provided free of charge in the ­Kenyan project. Every participant has always bought his/her own stove. Depending on the model and the region, the costs are between € 1 and € 15. Christoph Messinger, GTZ Project Manager in ­Malawi, South-East Africa, does not see wood fuel ­itself as the problem, but rather the way and quan­tity in which wood is traditionally used. It is this that ­creates the aforementioned negative consequences of wood burning. As there are more efficient possi­ bilities (see box on page 165) that enable wood ­savings of 40 to 60 % and thus savings of between 1 and 2 tons of CO2 annually, the GTZ, the Programme for Basic Energy and Conservation in Southern Africa (Probec) and the Dutch-German partnership ­Energising Development (EnDev) are continuing this path. A further scaling-up is still needed however.

Rocket stove & Co. now close to breakthrough In Kenya some 1.1 million new stoves were installed between January 2006 and June 2010. Two common models there are the Jiko Kisasa and the rocket stove. “In Kenya the stove activities are fully commercial­ ised. The main task of the project is to build capacity for those who are involved to undertake stove activi­ ties as a business. Various training courses in areas

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such as production skills and entrepreneurship skills are provided to enable the stove dealers to offer good products but also to benefit financially”, says Ingwe. In Malawi stoves have been distributed for vari­ ous applications. The rural population in villages mostly uses portable clay stoves for cooking. In the houses of employees of the agricultural industry, for instance, the fixed rocket stoves are a more suitable option. Canteen kitchens are served by larger-scale portable and fixed rocket stoves. Depending on the stove type, potential wood savings of between 39 and 90 % are possible in comparison to an open fire in three-stone hearths. Some of the potential savings can also be achieved by educating the users, for in­ stance in how to prepare their firewood. The firewood in rocket stoves should be only two to three fingers in width, meaning the pieces of wood must be split more finely than for the three-stone hearth. “In the meantime, local players have taken over further promotion of the technologies, so that no ex­ ternal project funding needs to be pumped into the development process”, says Messinger. However, the “acid test” of the scheme is ­whether the user once again decides to buy one of these effi­ cient stoves when the first model eventually wears out or breaks. This issue is now being studied in ­Malawi. Currently, some of the households are ­deciding to ­return to a traditional three-stone hearth. This is ­because the new rocket stoves require the women to change their old habits and to adjust to the new tech­ nology. To give one example, the firewood has to be replenished every three to five minutes. Due to the in­ efficient heat generation, cooking on the traditional hearths takes longer and so one has time for other ac­ tivities in the meantime. The new clay or metal stoves require the person engaged in cooking to stay at the stove all the time. Moreover, the new stoves make a smaller contribution to heating and ­illuminating the living space. So the long-term ­decision for such a stove depends on what is more important to the ­family and whether it is prepared to switch to alternative technologies for heating and lighting, such as an ­additional stove and solar l­anterns. Over the last five years EnDev has already ­distributed 1 million energy-saving stoves. At the end of September 2010 the numerous initiatives for more efficient cooking stoves received a fresh boost from the political quarter: the UN Foundation set up a ­“Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves”. In the coming ten years the goal is to provide 100 million house­ holds in developing countries with clean cooking en­ ergy. This is an ambitious target, says Messinger, which will promote the further development of the technologies as well as production and distribution on a more massive scale. According to GTZ, the cur­ rent distribution rate in Africa is less than 10 % ­despite the successful local projects. Ingwe stresses that the time has come to move to the next level, where resources are clustered to bring in more ­players, thus enabling this service to reach more ­people in developing countries. Katharina Ertmer

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Biofuels in china

Bioenergy

Cars instead of bikes –



but climate-friendly, please

In China, the trend towards the car and the transformation into a modern industrialized nation is unstoppable. In order to prevent the country from suffocating in the smog of progress, new paths have to be taken in energy policy as well. The government considers biofuels as a cornerstone.

In the former land of the millions of cyclists the streets are now mainly dominated by traffic jams and exhaust fumes.  Photo: dpa

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

A

t the turn of the millennium, China experi­ enced a boom in the production of biofuels. Diesel and petrol were to be substituted. In 2005, the country was the third largest producer. In response to the boom, however, the Chinese govern­ ment passed new laws and changed its support poli­ cy because the increasing cultivation of energy crops had a negative impact on food production. It led to a shortage of agricultural land and thus raised the ­prices of cereals. Furthermore, the energetic sustain­ a­bility was questionable because a large part of the used area had to be artificially irrigated. Therefore, the support for biofuels was reduced and additional laws were passed to limit the use of agricultural land for energy crops. By 2006, the government had developed a frame­ work that ascribes an important role to bioenergy in general and to biofuels in particular. According to this framework, the consumption will rise to approxi­ mately 10 million tons of bioethanol and about 2 mil­ lion tons of biodiesel by 2020. This means that 15 % of the fuel will come from bioenergy. But achieving the target of the plan could be dif­ ficult because the framework does not envisage the use of current food cultivation areas for energy crops. This means that new land has to be developed. Addi­ tionally, the government reserves the right to have a say in the policies of the companies. The aim is to prevent excesses like those that have occurred in palm oil production in the countries of south-east Asia.

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Bioenergy

Biofuels in China Good reasons The advance of the automobile in China is one of the main reasons why the country wishes to invest in bio­ fuels despite the lack of acreage and despite the fact that conditions are not as good as in the countries fur­ ther south. In 2009 alone, China produced around 13.8 million cars and was thus ahead of Japan (about 8 million), the USA (about 5.7 million) and Germany (about 5.2 million). For 2010, the production is esti­ mated to reach 17 million. At the beginning of the mil­ lennium, a mere two million cars were produced. In the years to come, more and more Chinese will buy a car. Dong Yang, Executive Vice President and Secre­ tary of the China Automobile Association, says: “In recent years, China’s macro-economy has grown rap­ idly and living standards have steadily improved, but relative to China’s large population the number of people with cars is still quit low. Therefore, China’s huge potential for cars has become a major driving force for the rapid growth of the automotive industry. This industry has contributed to economic develop­ ment, employment and state taxes, and China has become a car-owning society. But conflicts between the automobile industry and the environment have deepened; therefore, it is necessary to make a wise plan that can solve the contradictions.” Electric cars are the favoured solution, but biofu­ el is the second option – which is also relevant for planes as these cannot be powered by electricity. In May, the aircraft manufacturer Boeing and Air China started a pilot project for aviation fuel in China. In Oc­ tober, Boeing announced that the first test flights with the Chinese biofuel would already be conducted in 2011. The biofuel to be used is based on jatropha. It is expected to be supplied by the Chinese oil com­ pany PetroChina Co., which grows jatropha in south­ ern China for aviation use. Some energy crops not only help reduce CO2 emis­ sions, but are also suitable as pioneer plants or catch crops on areas designated as new plantations. In this way, they do not compete with food production, but prepare the soil for new cultivation or protect it from the increasingly frequent disastrous landslides. For years already, China has pursued large-scale replanting of deserts or dried up land, for example in Takla Makan/ Korla in the west Chinese province of Xinjiang, but also around Beijing in the province of Hebei and in Inner Mongolia. Only the issue of sustainable cultivation without too much input of energy remains unsolved.

Sources In China, bioethanol is produced from cereals, sugar cane, cassava and sweet sorghum. The producers of biodiesel use waste cooking oil und oily plants. In 2009, China’s ethanol capacity amounted to approxi­ mately 2.2 million tons in the provinces Heilongjiang, Jilin, Henan, Anhui, Guangxi and Chongqing alone. The largest producers of (grain) ethanol are Jin Yu Inc. in the north-eastern province of Heilongjiang, Jilin ­Fuel Alcohol Co. Ltd. in north-east China, Anhui BBCA

168

Biochemical Co. Ltd. in the south-east and Henan TianguanGroup Co in the east. Around 80 % of the to­ tal biofuel production is based on cereal crops. Guangxi China Oil & Foodstuffs Corporation in the south of China produces ethanol from cassava (100,000 t/a), and since April 2010, the ZTE Energy Company Limited has produced ethanol from sweet sorghum in Inner Mongolia with an annual capacity of about 100,000 tons. Biodiesel production, like the demand for diesel fuel, has nearly doubled since 2005. At the beginning of 2009, China had a produc­ tion capacity of 2.1 million t/a. In total, there are 26 biodiesel producers in China at present. Six of them have a capacity of about 100,000 t/a each, including the companies Gushan Environmental Energy Limited with its headquarters in Hong Kong and Wuxi ­Huahong Wire Product Technology Development Co., Ltd, in the eastern province of Jiangsu.

Support Government support for grain-based ethanol, the most widespread biofuel, was reduced from US$ 29 per barrel in 2005 to $ 25.70 per barrel in 2006 and then to $ 22.70 per barrel in 2007. In 2008, the direct support for the production of bioethanol from cereals was completely terminated. In turn, the government has started a whole series of selected projects in the field of biodiesel (waste oil) and non-grain ethanol. Furthermore, the National Development and Reform Commission has introduced a tax relief scheme in ­order to create incentives for companies to invest in non-grain and non-feedstock biofuel. Another form of support is the fact that the price for fuel has been adjusted to that of biofuels, so that biofuel users do not have to pay extra for the bio-prod­ uct. Biofuel is also exempt from consumption tax. In general, however, the Chinese government is reluc­ tant to support the end consumer or the product itself. They say the risk is too high that windfall profits would spoil the effect of the support. Therefore, the govern­ ment focuses on the usual investment incentives such as cheap credits, tax relief, assistance with land acqui­ sition and settlement, and the funding of research.

Challenges The greatest difficulties for biofuel production arise from the limited availability of land for non food cul­ tivation. New land that has so far not been agricultur­ ally used at all is also rarely developed because the investors worry about the profitability of such projects. The reason for these reservations is the un­ certainty of the predictions of oil price development. In spite of all this, the chances are quite high that biofuel production in China will increase in the long­ er term. China badly needs the biofuels to cover its fu­ ture demand because it does not have any substan­ tial oil reserves. Furthermore, the government has clearly committed itself to biofuels. The 15 % target has been clearly stated. Sven Tetzlaff

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

International FAIRS

International

Fairs

Glass Performance Days India January 11 – 12, 2011 Mumbai, India The 2nd edition of GPD India will focus on innovations in architectural and solar glass technologies, with a special review of the role of glass in renewable energy production. The conference is organized parallelly with Glasspex India concentrating on glass production, processing and products. Contact: Glaston, Tampere, Finland. Phone: +358/10/500-6268, [email protected], www.gpd.fi

Solar Industry Summit India January 13, 2011 Mumbai, India At the 1st Solar Industry Summit India speakers from politics, trade associations as well as the solar industry and its suppliers will give an overview of applications and production of PV systems in India. The subject of production technology is of particular importance. From factory design to process optimization, the conference will take on all aspects of the solar production. Contact: Solarpraxis, Berlin, Germany. Phone: +49/30/726296-304, [email protected], www.solarpraxis.de

Wind Power Romania January 18 – 19, 2011 Bucharest, Romania The Wind Power Romania conference will feature about 20 speakers from manufacturing companies and politics. It wants to provide a platform for industry stakeholders to shape the Romanian wind market and encourage its growth. Subjects among others will be securing project finance, grid connection and legislative framework. Contact: Green Power Conferences, London, UK. Phone: +44/207/099-0600, [email protected], www.greenpowerconferences.com

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

World Future Energy Summit January 17 – 20, 2011 Abu Dhabi, UAE World Future Energy Summit has evolved as one of the world’s foremost meetings for the renewable energy and environment industry. Participants will be international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to find practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy security and climate change challenges. Contact: Reed Exhibitions, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Phone: +971/2/444-6113, [email protected], www.worldfutureenergysummit.com

Inverter and PV System Technology Forum January 24 – 25, 2011 Berlin, Germany The 1st Inverter and PV System Technology Forum will take a close look at the interaction between all the electrical components

Review

of the PV system. With the topics inverter, power optimizer and PV generator, planning and grid integration, system operation and monitoring, it offers an overview of the optimization potential of a PV plant. Contact: Solarpraxis, Berlin, Germany. Phone: +49/30/726296-304, [email protected], www.solarpraxis.de

Klimahouse January 27 – 30, 2011 Bolzano, Italy The Klimahouse event is among the leading gatherings in Europe for energy-efficient and sustainable construction. About 400 companies will present innovative technologies and materials for saving energy in the building sector, while in the specialized conference and the guided tours of ­ClimateHouses, integrated approaches to solutions and applied energy conservation concepts will be presented. Contact: Fiera Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy. Phone: +39/0471/516111, [email protected], www.klimahouse.it

international informative

independent SUN & WIND ENERGY, the international trade magazine, offers you the opportunity to recruit

Professionals in Renewable Energies with your job advertisement from all over the world. Your job advertisement will also appear online at www.sunwindenergy.com for 3 months – free of charge! Please send your complete request to Ms Nannette Nopto, Phone: 0049/521/595-591, e-mail: [email protected]

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Directory

> Directory Directory Biomass / Biogas Austria SOLARFOCUS GmbH Forschung, Entwicklung, Produktion und Handel von Solaranlagen, Biomasseheizung, Speichertechnik und Photovoltaik A-4451 St. Ulrich/Steyr, Werkstr. 1 Tel. +43/7252/50002-0 www.solarfocus.at, [email protected]

Germany LIPP GmbH Plant Construction + Environmental Technology D-73497 Tannhausen, Industriestr. 36 Tel. +49/7964/9003-0, Fax 9003-27 www.lipp-system.de, [email protected] Wodtke GmbH Heating with Wood Pellets D-72070 Tübingen, Rittweg 55-57 Tel. +49/7071/7003-0, Fax 7003-50 www.wodtke.com, [email protected]

USA Edwards Vacuum Provide Vacuum, abatement and local support for solar cell manufacturers One Highwood Drive, Suite 101 Tewksbury, MA - 01876 Tel. +1/800 848 9800, Fax +1/866 484 5218 www.edwardsvacuum.com, [email protected]

pellets – heating systems Austria Biotech Energietechnik GMBH Pellet and wood chips heating facilities, feeding systems and autom. feeding systems for pellet stoves A-5101 Bergheim, Furtmühlstr. 32 Tel. +43/662/454072-0, Fax 454072-50 www.pelletsword.com, [email protected]

Co-generation plants Germany MDE Dezentrale Energiesysteme GmbH D-86165 Augsburg, Dasinger Str. 11 Tel. +49/821/7480-0, Fax 7480-119 www.mde-online.com, [email protected]

Photovoltaics Austria Fronius International GmbH Fronius IG – grid-tied inverters for pv-systems. Offers great flexibility in configuration and easy instalation. A-4600 Wels-Thalheim, Günter-Fronius-Str. 1 Tel. +43/72/42241268, Fax 241224 www.fronius.com MAGE SunFIXINGS GmbH Producer and seller of Solar Mounting Systems for PV modules and solar thermal collectors A-9111 Haimburg, Industriepark Ost 2-3 Tel. +43/4232/27299-0, Fax -510 www.sunfixings.com, [email protected]

170

Canada

Targray Technology International Inc a leading worldwide supplier of silicon, wafers, cells and cutting-edge raw materials to the PV industry H9J3Z4, Kirkland, Quebec, 18105 Transcanadienne Tel. 001/514/695-8095, Fax 001/514/695-0593 www.targray.com, [email protected]

CHINA KEPT INDUSTRY CO., LTD Design and Manufacture the Solar PV Mounting System, Tracker & Components for Roof, Ground & Huge Solar Power Plant No. 586 Qianhu Road, Wuxi, China Tel. +86//510/82829779, FAx 82799063 www.intelliware.com.cn, [email protected] SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD Sungrow offers a wide range of high-quality inverter products with competitive prices No. 2, New & High Tech Zonet RC-230088 Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China Tel. +86/551/5327834, Fax 5327858 www.sungrowpower.com, [email protected] Sunowe AUSTRIAN SUBSIDIARY: Zhejiang Sunflower Light Energy Science & Technology Co., Ltd. Subsidiary Europe Leading Manufacturer of PV Cells and Modules A-1040 Vienna, Prinz-Eugen-Str. 70/2/1.4a Tel.: +43/1/5054850, Fax: +43/1/5054860 www.sunowe.com, [email protected] Sunlink PV Co., Ltd Manufacturer of Solar Modules between 5 to 210 W charge controller, solar housing systems RC-2156000 Jiangsu, Wangxi Industrial Zone Tel. +86/512/58262253, Fax 58262258 www.sunlink-pv.cn, [email protected] Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd. is a leading, vertically integrated PV module manufacturer. Certifications: CE, IAO9001 IEC 61215, Safety Class II Tel. +86/312/8929801 [email protected] www.yinglisolar.com

FRANCE Free Energy s.a.s. Thin Film (Amorphis Silicon) Cells and Panels ­Manufacturer F-62302 Lens Cedex, Erve Leon Droux BP 66 Tel. +33/3/21793060, Fax 21436588 www.freeenergyeurope.com [email protected] IBC SOLAR S.A.S. Savoie Technolac 18, allee du lac Saint Andre F-73370 Le Bourget du Lac Tel. +33/479/654246, Fax 654248 www.ibc-solar.fr, [email protected] Q-CELLS INTERNATIONAL FRANCE SAS Q-Cells product portfolio ranges from solar cells, crystalline and CIGS modules to turnkey photovoltaic systems. F- 69791 Saint Priest cedex (Lyon), 333, cours du Troisième Millénaire www.q-cells.com

Germany AMB Apparate + Maschinenbau GmbH AMB is the expert in wafer handling & automation technology. The highly developed systems transport thinnest wafers efficiently through several process stages in the production of solar wafers and cells D-86462 Langweid, Gottlieb-Daimler-Str. 4 Tel. +49/8230/70099-0, Fax -99 www.amb-automation.de, [email protected]

AS Solar We are a specialty wholesaler offering competitive prices in the branch of solar technology. D-30453 Hannover, Am Tönniesberg 4a Tel. +49/511/4755780, Fax -11 www.as-solar.com, [email protected] AXITEC GmbH High quality photovoltaic modules Made in Germany In the market since 2001. Pioneer in 10 years product warranty and plus tolerances. D-71034 Böblingen, Otto-Lilienthal-Straße 5 Tel. +49/7031/6288-5186, Fax +49/7031/6289-5187 www.axitecsolar.com, [email protected] AZUR SOLAR GmbH Your competent partner for customer-orientated photovoltaic solutions. All components from one source. D-88239 Wangen, Im Alpenblick 30 Tel. +49/7528/92080, Fax 920829 www.azur-solar.com, [email protected] BOSCH Solar Energy AG D-99099 Erfurt, Wilhelm-Wolff-Str. 23 Tel. +49/361/2195-0, Fax 2195-1133 www.ersol.de, [email protected] Canadian Solar Deutschland GmbH Manufacturer of ingots, wafers, cells, solar modules and custom-designed solar power application (eg. BIPV) D-80339 München, Landsberger Str. 94 Tel. +49/89/5199689-0, Fax 5199689-11 www.canadiansolar.com Donauer Solartechnik Vertriebs GmbH System Integrator of Photovolaic and Solar Thermal Systems D-82205 Gilching, Zeppelinstr. 10 Tel. +49/8105/7725-0, Fax 7725-100 [email protected] energiebau solarstromsysteme gmbh D-50829 Köln, Heinrich-Rohlmann-Str. 17 Tel. +49/221/98966-0, Fax 98966-11 www.energiebau.de, [email protected] Gebr. Schmid GmbH + Co. Process equipment and turnkey lines for the production of wafer, cells, modules and thin film application. D-72250 Freudenstadt, Robert-Bosch-Str. 32-34 Tel. +49/7441/538-0, Fax. 538-121 www.schmid-group.com, [email protected]

Maschinenbau GEROLD GmbH & Co. KG Front- & backened automation: integrated conveying & handling systems, autom. module assembly & finishing D-41334 Nettetal, Herrenpfad-Sued 44 Tel. +49/2157/817-0, Fax 817-100 www.gerold-mb.de, [email protected] GSS Gebäude-Solarsysteme GmbH Manufacturers of high-quality pv-modules in glass-glass and glass-foil types and customized solar modules from small up to large pv-power D-07554 Korbußen, Wiesenring 2 Tel. +49/36602/90490, Fax 904949 www.zre-ot.de, [email protected] HABDANK PV-Montagesysteme GmbH Complete solutions for groundmounted PV-systems. Planning, production and mounting from one source D-73037 Göppingen, Heinrich-Landerer-Str.66 Tel. +49/7161/97817-200, Fax -299 www.habdank-pv.com, [email protected] HaWi Energietechnik AG HaWi is a leading company in the planning and distribution of solar power systems. D-84307 Eggenfelden, Im Gewerbepark 10 Tel. +49/8721/7817-0, Fax -100 www.hawi-energy.com, [email protected] Hennecke Systems GmbH Since 1999 we are specialised in innovative measurement technologies and sorting systems for wafers. D-53909 Zülpich, Aachener Str. 100 Tel. +49/2252/940801, Fax 940898 www.hennecke-systems.de, [email protected] Heraeus – Thin Film Materials Division Heraeus TMD supplies the complete package of sputtering targets for various types of solar cells. D-63450 Hanau, Wilhelm-Rohn-Str. 25 Tel. +49/6181/35-2229, Fax 35-2220 www.heraeus-targets.com, [email protected]

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

IBC SOLAR AG ... since 1982! Wholesaler of PV Systems and Components in all power ranges, Investment Projects, Large Scale Projects for farming or industrial Areas, Advisory and Engineering Services, Supervision, Monitoring, Training, Work Shops and more D-96225 Bad Staffelstein Tel. +49/9573/92240, Fax 9224111 www.ibc-solar.com, [email protected] Ingeteam GmbH Single-phase and three-phase inverters for gridconnected and off-grid PV plants. D-80336 München, Herzog-Heinrich-Str. 10 Tel. +49/89/9965380 www.ingeteam.com, [email protected] IXYS Semiconductor GmbH Monokristalline Solarzellen D-68623 Lampertheim, Edisonstr. 15 Tel. +49/6206/503-0, Fax 503742 [email protected] Krannich Solar GmbH & Co. KG System provider for pv installers D-71263 Weil der Stadt, Heimsheimer Str. 65/1 Tel. +49/711/3042-0, Fax -222 www.krannich-solar.com [email protected] KYOCERA FINECERAMICS GMBH Marketing und Sales of high-performance poly crystalline photovoltaic modules D-73730 Esslingen, Fritz-Mueller-Str. 27 Tel. +49/711/93934999, Fax 93934950 www.kyocerasolar.de, [email protected] K2 Systems GmbH Mounting systems for the solar technology – The safest mountings for the roofs of the world D-71229 Leonberg, Riedwiesenstr. 13-17 Tel. +49/7152/3560-0, Fax. -179 www.k2-systems.de, [email protected] L-Energie GmbH Photovoltaik vom Profi D-38855 Danstedt, Hinter dem Vorwerk 113 Tel. +49/39458/3691, Fax 65061 e-Mail: [email protected] MAGE SOLAR GMBH D-88214 Regensburg, An der Bleicherei 15 Tel. +49/751/56017-0, Fax +49/751/56017-10 www.magesolar.de, [email protected] Mola Solar Systems GmbH project developer, supplier of photovoltaics, solar thermal systems and windenergy D-47051 Duisburg, Stapeltor 8 Tel. +49/203/759998-0, Fax -11 www.mola-solar-systems.com, [email protected] Mounting Systems GmbH Manufacturer of mounting systems and components for Photovoltaic and SolarThermal D-15834 Rangsdorf, Mittenwalder Str. 9a Tel. +49/33708/529-0, Fax 529-199 www.mounting-systems.de MSTE SOLAR GmbH Manufacturer of MPT-charge-controllers 12-48V/4-30A and battery-controllers Specialized energy solutions for pv-systems with grid connection and off grid applications D-88682 Salem, In Oberwiesen 16 Tel. +49/7553/9180150, Fax 9180159 www.mste-solar.de, [email protected] MWZ Group GmbH M+W Group's solutions range from Poly Silicon plants, through production of ingots, wafers, cells and modules, to setting up power plants - in a PV Park or even with alternative solar-based technologies such as Concentrated Solar Power D-70499 Stuttgart, Lotterbergstr. 30 Tel. +49/711/8804-1900, Fax 8804-1393 www.mwgroup.net, [email protected] Nau GmbH Umwelt- und Energietechnik D-85368 Moosburg, Naustr. 1 Tel. +49/8762/920, Fax 3470 www.nau-gmbh.de, [email protected] Phaesun GmbH The Off-Grid Specialists. Phaesun is the leading system integrator for Off-Grid solar systems D-87700 Memmingen, Luitpoldstrasse 28 Tel. +49/8331/90420, Fax 9964212 www.phaesun.com, [email protected]

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Phocos AG Charge Controllers DC Lighting & Refrigeration Microhydro Turbines & Fuel Cells D-89077 Ulm, Magirus-Deutz-Str. 12 Tel. +49/731/9380688-0, Fax 9380688-50 www.phocos.com, [email protected] Phoenix Solar AG Components and complete pv-systems D-85254 Sulzemoos, Hirschbergstr. 8 Tel. +49/8135/938-000, Fax 938-179 www.phoenixsolar.de [email protected] PV Crystalox Solar GmbH D-99099 Erfurt, Wilhelm-Wolff-Str. 25 Tel. +49/361/6008510, Fax 6008511 www.pvcrystalox.com, [email protected] Q-CELLS SE Q-Cells product portfolio ranges from solar cells, crystalline and CIGS modules to turnkey photovoltaic systems. D-06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Sonnenallee 17-21 Tel. +49(0)3494 66 99-0, Fax +49(0)3494 66 99-199 www.q-cells.com RefuSol GmbH REFUSOL solar inverters with top effiency over 98% in the range from 4 to 1300 kW D-72555 Metzingen, Uracher Str. 91 Tel. 0049/7123/969-102, Fax -140 www.refusol.com, [email protected] Renusol GmbH Solar Mounting Systems D-51063 Köln, Piccoloministrasse 2 Tel. +49/221/788707-0, Fax -99 www.renusol.com, [email protected] Robert Bürkle GmbH Lamination Technology Coating Technology Back End Technology D-72250 Freudenstadt, Stuttgarter Straße 123 Tel. +49/7441/58 307 www.buerkle-gmbh.de, [email protected]

ROBUST HABICHT & HEUSER GmbH & Co. KG Cutting Machines for Tedlar, EVA and many more Winding Machines for Tedlar, EVA and many more Friction Winding Shafts D-42899 Remscheid, Garschager Heide 41 Tel. +49/2191/56118-0, Fax -75 www.robust.de, [email protected] SANYO Component Europe GmbH Manufacturer of HIT Modules (mono crystalline silicon wafer surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers) D-81829 München, Stahlgruberring 4 www.sanyo-component.com [email protected] Schletter GmbH D-83527 Haag, Alustr. 1 Tel. +49/8072/9191-200, Fax 9191-9200 www.solar.schletter.de, [email protected] SCHOTT Solar AG develops, manufactures and markets crystalline solar wafers, solar cells, solar power modules and a-Si thin film modules. D-55122 Mainz, Hattenbergstraße 10 Tel. +49/6131/66-14099, Fax +49/6131/66-14105 www.schottsolar.com, solar.sales@schottsolar skytron energy GmbH Complete PV Monitoring Solutions for utility-scale power plants including an intelligent control software D-12489 Berlin, Ernst-Augustin-Straße 12 Tel. +49/30/6883159-0, Fax +49/30/6883159-99 www.skytron-energy.com, [email protected] SMA Solar Technology AG D-34266 Niestetal, Sonnenallee 1 Tel. +49/561/95220, Fax 9522100 www.SMA.de SOLAR23 GmbH D-88451 Dettingen (Iller), Im Stellwinkel 1 Tel. +49/700/23232300, Fax 23232301 www.solar23.com, [email protected] Solar-Fabrik Aktiengesellschaft für Produktion und Vertrieb von solartechnischen Produkten D-79111 Freiburg, Munzinger Str. 10 Tel. +49/761/4000-0, Fax 4000-199 www.solar-fabrik.de

SOLARC Innovative Solarprodukte GmbH Customized solar systems from very small up to large PV power, including electronics development D-13355 Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25 Tel. +49/30/46307-165, Fax 46307-167 www.solarc.de, [email protected] Solarfun Power Solarfun Power (Nasdaq: SOLF) is a leading manufacturer of photovoltaic cells and modules. We bring the best value to our customers byoffering the latest advances in solar technology and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions D-85737 Ismaning, Oskar Messter Straße 13 Tel. +49/89/21 75 667-30, [email protected] Solarstocc AG Photovoltaic system provider with emphasis on smaller installations for residential buildings D-87471 Durach, Karlsberger Str. 3 Tel. +49/831/540214-0, Fax 540214-5 www.solarstocc.com, [email protected] SOLARWATT AG is a manufacturer of high quality crystalline solar modules and supplier of photovoltaic systems D-01109 Dresden, Maria-Reiche-Str. 2a Tel. +49/351/8895-0, Fax 8895-111 www. solarwatt.de, [email protected] SolarWorld AG SolarWorld® construction kits SolarWorld Energy Roof® Solar Power Plants SolarWorld® Modules D-53175 Bonn, Martin-Luther-King-Str. 24 Tel. +49/228/55920-0, Fax 55920-99 www.solarworld.de, [email protected] SOLON SE Manufacturer of high-quality pv-modules, large scale power plants D-12489 Berlin, Am Studio 16 Tel. +49/30/81879-0, Fax 81879-9999 www.solon.com, [email protected] SOLUTRONIC AG Manufacturer of On-Grid Inverters (2,5 kW–36 kW) and Equipment D-73257 Koengen, Kuefer Str. 18 Tel. +49/7024/96128-0, Fax -50 www.solutronic.de, [email protected] Sovello AG One of the largest and most advanced solar module manufacturers in the world. Leading in sustainability thanks to the use of STRING RIBBON wafers. D-06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Sonnenallee 14-30 Tel. +49/3494/6664-0, www.sovello.com Sunways AG Photovoltaic Technology Manufacturer of solar cells and solar inverters D-78467 Konstanz, Macairestr. 3-5 +49/7531/99677-0, Fax 99677-444 www.sunways.de, [email protected] Steca Elektronik GmbH Solarladeregler 3A–140A, Energiesparlampen, Inselwechselrichter, solarthermische Regler D-87700 Memmingen, Mammostr. 1 Tel. +49/8331, 8558-0, Fax 8558-12 www.stecasolar.com, [email protected] Wagner & Co Solartechnik GmbH Solaranlagen für WW und Heizung PV-Systeme für Netzeinspeisung & Inselbetrieb Pelletheiztechnik D-35091 Cölbe, Zimmermannstr. 12 Tel. +49/6421/8007-0, Fax 8007-22 www.wagner-solar.com, [email protected] Würth Solar CIS module manufacturer, who offers technically mature individual system solutions for photovoltaic energy D-74523 Schwäbisch Hall, Alfred-Leikam-Str. 25 Tel.: +49/791/94600-0 Fax: 94600-119 www.we-online.com, [email protected] W&Z Befestigungssysteme D-97241 Schweinfurt, Landwehrstraße 44 Tel. 0049/9721/47610-0, Fax -25 www.wz-befestigungssysteme.de,[email protected]

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Directory GREAT BRITAIN Hi-Bond Tapes Ltd. High Performance Tapes for frame bonding, junction box mounting cell fixing and conductive tapes UK-NN17 5TS, Corby, Northamptonshire 1, Crucible Road Phoenix Parkway Tel. 0044/1536/260022, Fax 0044/1536/260044 www.hi-bondtapes.com, [email protected] SOLFEX energy sytems Turnkey supply and distribution of modules, inverters, mounting systems & auxiliary equipment Energy Arena, Units 3-5 Charnley Fold Industrial Estate, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire UK, PR5 6PS Tel. +44/1772/312847 www.solfex.co.uk, [email protected]

GREECE Enerbank S.A. GR-15237 Filothei, Athens, Louki Akrita 39 PHO: +30 210 682 4252 PHO: +30 694 472 1415 FAX: +30 210 683 3658 [email protected] IBC SOLAR A.E. GR-15125 Marousi - Athens Halepa 1 & Egialias Tel. +30/210/6801724, Fax 6801723 [email protected] LEADEREXPO-LEADERTECH 5th International Exhibition on on Photovoltaics & R.E.S. GR-21-24 October, Athens 15124 Maroussi, Athens, 43, Dionyssoy Str. Tel. 0030/210/6141164, Fax 0030/210/8024267 www.leaderexpo.gr, [email protected]

INDIA KOTAK URJA PRIVATE LTD Manufacturer of TUV, IEC 61215 IEC 61730 (safety class II) and CE certified PV Modules. ISO 9001/14000 IND-560 058 Bangalore, 10th Cross, 4th Phase, 378 Peenya Industrial Area Tel. +91/80/28363330, Fax +91/80/28362347 www.kotakurja.com, [email protected] XL Telecom & Energy Ltd. Manufacturer of solar modules from 70 to 280 Wp IND-500026 Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh C2, Pooja Plaza, Vikrampuri Tel. +91/40/27775500, Fax 27883344 www.xltelenergy.com, [email protected]

IRAN KARANDISHAN Solar Engineering Company Apt. 4, No.96, Ebnesina Street, Yousef Abad Ave. IR-14346-53633 Tehran Tel. +98/21/8806/4101-8806/3458, Fax 8806-4431 www.karandishan.com, [email protected] SOLAR HORAND (Afshar Electronic IND) Offering solar energy solutions, Supplier of photovoltaic systems, Advisory and Engineering Services No.48, Shahid Naderi Str, Saadi Ave IR-11365-3686, Tehran Phone : +989123715457, Fax : +98 (21) 66727391 www.horand.com, [email protected]

ireland Coolpower Products Ltd Energy and Micro-Generator Manager Controls losses to grid from 50% to 0%. Smart grid applications also. Suitable for 1 kW to 20 kW output IRL-Blarney, Cork, Gaia House Tel. +353/1/4048780 www.coolpower.ie, [email protected]

italy Elettronica Santerno Leader in the production of inverters for industrial automation, renewable energies and hybrid drive I-40026 Imola (BO), Strada Statale Selice 47 Tel. +39/0542/489711, Fax 489722 www.elettronicasanterno.com, sales@ elettronicasanterno.it

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ISTAR SOLAR SRL Italian manufacturer of PV modules, lamps, components and complete systems I-85050 Tito (PZ), Area Industriale Tito Scalo Tel. +39/0971/485157, Fax 651970 www.istarsolar.com, [email protected] Q-CELLS INTERNATIONAL ITALIA S.R.L Q-Cells product portfolio ranges from solar cells, crystalline and CIGS modules to turnkey photovoltaic systems. I-00195 Roma, Via G. Nicotera, 29 Tel. +39 (0)6 32296 5, Fax +39 (0)6 32296 503 www.q-cells.com SOCO s.n.c. Project and produce special solar panel for cellular/satellite phone mobile computing, special applications I-20041 Agrate-MI, Via San Paolo 25 Tel. +39/039/650635, Fax 650959 www.soco.it, [email protected] Solar Refeel Solar plants development: site analysis, environmental check, authorizations process, planning and management I-20123 Milan, Via Edmondo De Amicis, 19 Tel. +39/2/87399750, Fax. 8739769 www.refeel.eu, [email protected] Soluzione Solare Solarimeter, Digital Solarimeter Temperature probes Instruments for testing PV systems IT-36100 Vicenza, Via R. Berica 621 Tel. +39/0444310538, Fax +39/04441830563 www.soluzionesolare.it, [email protected] SUNERG SOLAR Srl Producer PV MODULES / SOLAR THERNAL COLLECTORS and complete systems distribution from 1978. I-06012, Cittá di Castello (PG), via D.Donini 51 Tel. +39/075/854327, Fax +39/075/8648105 www.sunergsolar.com, [email protected]

JAPAN SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Overseas Sales & Marketing Headquarters Conctact for Japan and all other countries in Asia & Oceania Tel. +81/6/6994/7359, Fax -3183 www.sanyo.co.jp/clean/solar/hit_e/index_e.html [email protected]

KENYA SolarElectro Co. Ltd. SolarCompact 59,- Panel+Battery+Cc+ affordable+efficient+durable++German Patentamt Registration + Devl EAK-00200 Nairobi, Jevanjee Gardens, Moi Avenue Tel. +254/723/200200, Fax 300300 www.solarelectro.com [email protected]

MALAYSIA IBC SOLAR Teknik SDN BHD A901, 9th Floor, Block A, Kelana Squarc No.17, Jalan SS 7/26, Kelana Jaya MY - 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel. +603/563261-70, Fax -72 [email protected]

NETHERLANDS IBC SOLAR B.V. NL-6436 CV Amstenrade, Kloosterberg 3 Tel. +31/464/424747, Fax 425490 www.ibc-solar.nl, [email protected]

NOrway REC SOLAR REC Solar is one of the fastest growing cell and ­module manufacturers and part of the REC Group which is uniquely positioned as one of the most i­ ntegrated companies in the solar industry NO-1337 Sandrika, Kjorboveien 29 Tel. +47/6757/4450, Fax +47/6757/4499 www.recgroup.com, [email protected]

Spain IBC Solar-Fotovoltaica IBC, S.A. Parque Tecnologico Edificio Wellness 1 Avda. Juan de la Cierva 27 E-46980 Valencia (Paterna) Tel. +34/961/366-528, Fax -529 www.ibc-solar.es, [email protected]

Zytech Solar Zytech is a Spanish Group with subsidiarycompanies worldwide manufacturing: PV modules, CPV, BIPV, Off Grid PV Systems, Small Wind Turbines, Solar Street Lights and Solar Hybrid Vehicles. And own manufacturing plant. E-50196 La Muela (Zaragoza) Pol. Ind. Centrovia, Rio de Janeiro, 12 Tel. +34/976/141819, Fax +34/976/141818 www.zytech.es, [email protected]

SWITZERLAND Meyer Burger AG We are a global leading technology corporation, which develops, produces and sells systems to process crystalline materials CH-3600 Thun, Allmendstr. 86 Tel. +41/33/439/0505, Fax 0510 www.meyerburger.ch, [email protected] Meyer Burger Automation GmbH We develop solutions for Automation and Robotic Systems for the solar industry. Sales Office: Meyer Burger AG Thun Offices: D-40764 Langenfeld, Elisabeth-Selbert-Str. 19b CH-3600 Thun, Allmendnstr. 86 Tel.: +41/33/4390505, Fax: 0510 www.meyerburger.ch, [email protected] Meyer Burger Services GmbH Meyer Burger Services GmbH provides the best and professional local Service and Customer Support for all Meyer Burger Technology and Partner Products to our customers. D-06112 Halle, Thüringer Strasse 30 Tel.: +49/345/1229720, Fax: 1229799 www.meyerburger.ch, [email protected] Meyer Burger Technology Ltd Meyer Burger Technology Ltd is a leading and globally active technology group for innovative systems and processes from solar silicon to solar modules. The equipment, competences and technologies of the different companies within the group are used in the solar industry (photovoltaics). CH-6340 Baar, Grabenstrasse 25 Tel. +41 (0)41 761 80 00 Fax +41 (0)41 763 08 08 [email protected], www.meyerburger.ch SES Société d’Energie Solaire SA Concept et production de modules photovoltaiques “standard” et “sur mesure” en intégration d’architecture CH-1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Route de Saint-Julien 129 Tel. +41/22/8841484, Fax 8841480 www.societe-energie-solaire.com [email protected] Sputnik Engineering AG CH-2502 Biel, Höheweg 85 Tel. +41/32/3465600, Fax 3465609 www.solarmax.com, [email protected]

USA Edwards Vacuum Provide Vacuum, abatement and local support for solar cell manufacturers One Highwood Drive, Suite 101, Tewksbury, MA - 01876 Tel. +1/800 848 9800, Fax +1/866 484 5218 www.edwardsvacuum.com, [email protected] Morningstar Corporation The World’s Leading Solar Controllers and Inverters 8 Pheasant Run Newtown, PA 18940 Tel. +1/215-321-4457, Fax 4458 www.morningstarcorp.com [email protected] Q-CELLS INTERNATIONAL USA CORP. Q-Cells product portfolio ranges from solar cells, crystalline and CIGS modules to turnkey photovoltaic systems. US-94010, Burlingname California, 345 Lorton Avenue, Suite 103 Tel. +1/650 343 3154, Fax +1/650 342 1027 www.q-cells.com SANYO Energy (U.S.A.) Corporation Tel. +1/469/362/5600, Fax 5698 www.us.sanyo.com/industrial/solar [email protected]

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

pv – BIPV USA Guardian Industries Corp. Guardian's EcoGuard Solar Glass Solutions Program can meet the needs of solar system manufacturers and developers across the globe. US-48326, Auburn Hills, 2300 Harmon Road, Michigan Tel. +1/734/654/1111, Fax +1/734/654/4750 www.guardian.com, [email protected]

pv – international project developers Germany Gehrlicher Solar AG System Integrator for photovoltaics Distributor for all PV-components Producer of mounting systems/cabling D-85609 Dornbach, Max-Planck-Str. 3 Tel. +49/89/420792-0, Fax +49/89/4207928540 www.gehrlicher.com, [email protected] Q-CELLS SE As one of the largest system integrators, Q-Cells offers turnkey solutions. We plan, build and maintain largescale solar power plants and roof-mounted systems worldwide. D-06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Sonnenallee 17-21 Tel. +49(0)3494 66 99-0, Fax +49(0)3494 66 99-199 www.q-cells.com SunEnergy Europe GmbH Turn-key project management firm for roof and open spaces as well as wholesaler of quality PV components. D-20355 Hamburg, Fuhlentwiete 10 Tel. +49/40/520/143/0, Fax -200 www.sunergy.eu, [email protected]

pv – inverters Australia Selectronic Australia Pty Ltd Designer and manufacturer of high quality interactive inverter chargers Off Grid, Grid Support, Grid Backup 2kW-20kW Chirnside Park VIC 3116, Suite 5, 20 Fletcher Rd Tel. +61/3/9727/6600, Fax +61/3/9727/6601 www.selectronic.com.au, [email protected]

DENMARK Danfoss Solar Inverters A/S DK-6300, Graasten, Ulsnaes 1 Tel. +45/7488/1300, Fax +45/7488/1301 www.danfoss.com/solar, [email protected]

Germany Dorfmüller Solaranlagen GmbH Manufacturer of Solar Inverters (DMI) D-71394 Kernen, Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 15 Tel, 0049/7151/94905-0, Fax -40 www.dorfmueller-solaranlagen.de,[email protected]

ITALY LAYER ELECTRONICS S.R.L. Manufacturer of Solar and Wind Grid Connected Inverters, Wind Generators 300 W to 20 kW, Charge Regulators I-91100 Trapani, S.P. km 5,3 C/da S. Cusumano Tel. +39/0923/562794, Fax 567880 www.layer.it, [email protected]

USA Satcon Technology Corporation Satcon delivers the world's most advanced and proven utility scale solar PV solutions. US-02210, Boston, MA, 27 Drydock Ave Tel. 001/617/8972400 www.satcon.com, [email protected]

pv – modules Germany MHH Solartechnik GmbH Qualified provider of photovoltaic systems and components from sales to service D-72074 Tübingen, Welzenwiler Str. 5 Tel. +49/7071/989870, Fax 9898710 www.mhh-solartechnik.de, [email protected]

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

SCHOTT Solar AG develops, manufactures and markets crystalline solar wafers, solar cells, solar power modules and a-Si thin film modules. D-55122 Mainz, Hattenbergstraße 10 Tel. 0049/6131/66-14099, Fax 0049/6131/66-14105 www.schottsolar.com, [email protected]

JORDAn Philadelphia Solar Clean Renewable Energy Solution The FIRST Photovoltaic Modules Producer in JORDAN JO-11814, Amman, Airport St.-Al Qastal Industr.Area Tel. +962/6/471/6601, Fax +962/6/471/6602 www.philadelphia-solar.com, [email protected]

PV– Modules – Thin film modules Hongkong Du Pont Apollo Limited A wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont the company specializes in siliconbased thin film Pv modules Hong Kong Science Park State, Units 501-509 West Wing Lakeside 1, No. 8 Science Park West Avenue Tel. +852/3664/3000, Fax +852/2210/5071 www.apollo.dupont.com, [email protected]

pv – Crystalline modules Austria KIOTO Photovoltaics GmbH Since 2004 we produce high efficient pv-modules on the worlds most modern production unit in Austria A-9300, Sankt Veit/Glan,Solarstrasse 1,Industriepark Tel. 0043/4212283000 www.kioto.com, [email protected]

pv – mounting systems BELGIUM Sadef NV B-8830 Gits, Bruggesteenweg 60 Tel.: +32/51/261211, Fax +32/51/261300 www.sadef.be, [email protected]

Germany HABDANK PV-Montagesysteme GmbH Complete solutions for groundmounted PV-systems. Planning, production and mounting from one source D-73037 Göppingen, Heinrich-Landerer-Str.66 Tel. +49/7161/97817-200, Fax -299 www.habdank-pv.com, [email protected] KNUBIX GmbH Flatroof mounting system for PV modules on industrial buildings without roof penetration D-88285 Bodnegg, Birkenstrasse 4 Tel. +49/7520/9667050, Fax +49/7520/9667055 www.knubix.com, [email protected] Wagener & Simon WASI GmbH & Co. KG WASI SOLAR produces and supplies installation systems and solutions for solar-/photovoltaic systems on all common roofs or roof shapes D-42289 Wuppertal, Emil-Wagener-Str.1 Tel.0049/202/2632-178, Fax -377 www.wasi.de, [email protected]

GREAT BRITAIN Hi-Bond Tapes Ltd. High Performance Tapes for frame bonding, junction box mounting cell fixing and conductive tapes UK-NN17 5TS, Corby, Northamptonshire 1, Crucible Road Phoenix Parkway Tel. 0044/1536/260022, Fax 0044/1536/260044 www.hi-bondtapes.com, [email protected]

PV – Silicon, ingots, wafers and cells Canada Targray Technology International Inc a leading worldwide supplier of silicon, wafers, cells and cutting-edge raw materials to the PV industry H9J3Z4, Kirkland, Quebec, 18105 Transcanadienne Tel. 001/514/695-8095, Fax 001/514/695-0593 www.targray.com, [email protected]

pv – solarglass USA Guardian Industries Corp. Guardian's EcoGuard Solar Glass Solutions Program can meet the needs of solar system manufacturers and developers across the globe. US-48326, Auburn Hills, 2300 Harmon Road, Michigan Tel. +1/734/654/1111, Fax +1/734/654/4750 www.guardian.com, [email protected]

pv – suppliers Canada Targray Technology International Inc a leading worldwide supplier of silicon, wafers, cells and cutting-edge raw materials to the PV industry H9J3Z4, Kirkland, Quebec, 18105 Transcanadienne Tel. 001/514/695-8095, Fax 001/514/695-0593 www.targray.com, [email protected]

China Beijing Kingreach Electric Co., Ltd. Design and manufacture of PV pump systems, solar advertising light box and solar signage. CN-100083, Beijing, No. 1 Beishatan, Chaoyang District, Tel. +86/010/64883373, Fax +86/010/64844658, www.nkingreach.com, [email protected] Yingkou Jinchen Machinery Co., Ltd. Automatic Line of Solar PV Module Laminator, Turn-key solution for Solar PV-Module Production Line CN-115000, Yingkou city, Liaoning Province Ying-Gai Toll Gate, Laobian Dist., Tel. 0086/417/2901616, Fax 0086/417/2901516 www.jinchensolar.com, [email protected]

Germany TAMPONCOLOR TC-Druckmaschinen GmbH Manufacturer of Advanced High Speed Metallization Lines D-63263 Neu-Isenburg, Hans-Boeckler-Str. 8 Tel. +49/6102/7954-0, Fax +49/6102/7954-99 www.tamponcolor.de, [email protected]

USA Envirotronics Leader in the manufacture of Enviromental Test Chambers for Solar, PV and Wind industries. Experts in testing applications and requirements. USA 49508, Grand Rapids, MI 3881 N. Greenbrooke Dr SE Tel. +1/800/368/4768, Fax 616/554/5021 www.envirotronics.com, [email protected] Guardian Industries Corp. Guardian's EcoGuard Solar Glass Solutions Program can meet the needs of solar system manufacturers and developers across the globe. US-48326, Auburn Hills, 2300 Harmon Road, Michigan Tel. +1/734/654/1111, Fax +1/734/654/4750 www.guardian.com, [email protected]

pv – tracking systems Spain AFFIRMA Energineering and Technology Manufacturers of Solar Tracker and wholesaler of PV Systems, thermal modules and engineering services E - 28007 Madrid, Avda. del Mediterráneo, 92°D Tel. +34/91/7885767, Fax 7885701 www.affirmasolar.com, [email protected]

USA US Digital Single & Dual Axis Tracking Sensors for CSP, CPV and PV Applications Custom Solutions Available US-98684, Vancouver, WA, 1400 NE 136th Avenue Tel. 001/360/260/2468, Fax -2469 www.usdigital.com, [email protected]

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Directory pv – wire + cable GErmany HELUKABEL GmbH Cable & Accessories for photovoltaic installations and for Wind Turbines D-71282 Hemmingen, Dieselstr. 8-12 Tel. +49/7150/9209-0, Fax +49/7150/81786 www.helukabel.de, [email protected] Molex Deutschland GmbH Junction Box for solar applications 69190 Walldorf, Otto-Hahn-Str. 1b Tel. +49/6227/3091-0, Fax -8100 www.molex.com

Solar thermal systems Austria MAGE SunFIXINGS GmbH Producer and seller of Solar Mounting Systems for PV modules and solar thermal collectors A-9111 Haimburg, Industriepark Ost 2-3 Tel. +43/4232/27299-0, Fax -510 www.sunfixings.com, [email protected] SunWin Energy Systems GmbH Production of OEM solar collectors A-4061 Pasching, Industriestrasse 5 Tel. +43/7229/51444, Fax +43/7229/51444-100 www.sunwin-energy.com, [email protected] SUN MASTER Energiesysteme GmbH Producer of solar collectors A-4653 Eberstalzell, Solarstr. 7, Gewerbepark A Tel: +43/7241/28125-0, Fax -300 www.sun-master.at, [email protected] Technische Alternative Elektron. Steuerungsgeräte GmbH Solar-, Heizungs- und Wintergartenregler A-3872 Amaliendorf, Langestr. 124 Tel. +43/2862/53635, Fax 536357 www.ta.co.at, [email protected] TiSUN® Development + production of solar-collectors (in-roof, on-roof, facade-integrated, free-setting up), storage tanks, solar-boiler, solar fittings A-6306 Söll Tel. +43/5333/201-0, Fax 201-100 www.tisun.com, [email protected]

BELGIUM ZEN Renewables production Solar Thermal collectors distribution PV systems distribution Heat pumps BE-2300 Turnhout, Visbeekstraat 9A Tel. +32/14/404282, Fax +32/14/404282 www.zenrenewables.be, [email protected]

China CIB Solar LDT Keymark certified Manufacturer of U tube and heat pipe collector, evacuated tubes. 758kWh/m²/a energy gain RC-065201 Yanjia, sanhe Ousen Industry Park, No. 10 Yanchang Road Tel. +86/10/61592294/ext 616 Fax +86/316/3316992 www.cibsolar.com, [email protected] (Skype ID: cib_solar)

GErmany Alanod-Solar GmbH & Co. KG sunselect® (copperstrip), mirotherm® and mirosol® (aluminiumstrip) with a selective PVD-absorptive layer. MIRO-SUN® for weatherproof solar applications. D-58256 Ennepetal, Egerstr. 12 Tel. +49/2333/986-500, Fax 986-525 www.alanod-solar.com, [email protected] AQUASOL Solartechnik GmbH Großflächenkollektoren bis 17 m2 D-89231 Neu-Ulm/Burlafingen, Dr.-Carl-Schwenk-Str. 20 Tel. +49/731/3608933, Fax 3608934 www.aquasol-solartechnik.de [email protected]

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AS Solar We are a specialty wholesaler offering competitive prices in the branch of solar technology. D-30453 Hannover, Am Tönniesberg 4a Tel. +49/511/4755780, Fax -11 www.as-solar.com, [email protected] BlueTec GmbH & Co. KG our highly selective surfaces on copper + aluminium substrat: eta plus a new generation of absorber coating D-34388 Trendelburg, Rittergut Zur Abgunst 8 Tel. +49/5675/7213-0, Fax -29 www.bluetec.eu, [email protected] CitrinSolar GmbH Energie- und Umwelttechnik D-85368 Moosburg, Böhmerwaldstr. 32 Tel. +49/8761/3340-0, Fax 334040 www.citrinsolar.com, [email protected] Consolar GmbH Solarsysteme für WW und Heizung, Schicht-Speicher D-60489 Frankfurt/M., Strubbergstr. 70 Tel. +49/69/6199-1130, Fax 6199-1128 www.consolar.de,[email protected] esaa – Innovative Solartechnik – GmbH Produktgruppe SONJA® Hersteller für selbst-optimierende Solar- und Heizungsregelungen D-75417 Mühlacker, Haldenstr. 42 Tel. +49/7041/84545, Fax 84546 www.esaa.de, [email protected] FIX Maschinenbau GmbH Laser welding systems, assembly lines and semi-automated assembly equipment D-71404 Korb, Daimlerstr. 23 Tel. +49/7151/300-05, Fax 3596-7 www.fix-utz.de, [email protected] Flagsol Project Development and Construction of Large Scale Solar Thermal Power Plants D-45128 Essen, Hohenzollernstr. 24 Tel. +49/201/818-5200, Fax -5208 www.flagsol.de, [email protected] FRAGOL SCHMIERSTOFF GMBH + CO. KG Solarflüssigkeiten, Wärmeträger D-45481 Mülheim, Solinger Str. 16 Tel. +49/208/30002-74, Fax 30002-33 www.fragol.de, [email protected] GRAMMER Solar GmbH Ihr Projektpartner beim Bauen mit der Sonne D-92224 Amberg, Oskar-von-Miller-Str. 8 Tel. +49/9621/30857-0, Fax 30857-10 www.grammer-solar.de, [email protected] KBB Kollektorbau GmbH Flat plate collectors and full surface absorbers (copper and aluminium) D-12439 Berlin, Bruno-Bürgel-Weg 142-144 Tel. +49/30/6781789-10, Fax 6781789-55 www.kbb-solar.com, [email protected] Mola Solar Systems GmbH project developer, supplier of photovoltaics, solar thermal systems and windenergy D-47051 Duisburg, Stapeltor 8 Tel. +49/203/759998-0, Fax -11 www.mola-solar-systems.com, [email protected] OVENTROP GmbH & Co. KG Valves, controls and systems Solar Thermal Energy D-59939 Olsberg, Paul-Oventrop-Straße 1 Tel. +49/2962/82-0, Fax -400 www.oventrop.de, [email protected] PROZEDA GmbH Elektronische Regelungen für Thermie, Heizung, PV, Lüftung D-91330 Eggolsheim, In der Büg 5 Tel. +49/9191/6166-0, Fax 6166-22 www.prozeda.de, [email protected] Reimann und Kahl GbR Serpentine bending for solar thermal absorber and other basic products for solar thermal sector D-37339 Teistungen, Am Dämmig 8 Tel. +49/36071/91710, Fax 91711 www.reimann-kahl.de, [email protected]

RESOL – Elektronische Regelungen GmbH Controllers for solar thermal systems / Regelungen für thermische Solaranlagen D-45527 Hattingen, Heiskampstraße 10 Tel. +49/2324/9648-0 www.resol.de Ritter Energie- und Umwelttechnik GmbH Development & production of evacuated tube collectors D-72135 Dettenhausen, Kuchenäcker 1 Tel. +49/7157/5359-0, Fax 5359-20 www.rittersolar.de, info@rittersolar. SCHOTT Solar AG The company develops, manufactures and markets highly efficient receivers, a key component for Concentrated Solar Power plants with parabolic trough technology D-55122 Mainz, Hattenbergstraße 10 Tel. +49/6131/66-14099, Fax +49/6131/66-14105 www.schottsolar.com, solar.sales@schottsolar SolarDust GmbH & Co. KG D-57290 Neunkirchen, Mühlenbergstraße 14 Tel. +49/2735/760132 / 760131 Fax +49/2735/619277 www.solardust.eu, [email protected] SOLAR-RIPP Solarabsorber heating systems for pools D-53484 Sinzig, P.O. Box 1362 Tel. +49/2642/981481, Fax 981482 www.solarripp.com, [email protected] Solimpeks Solar GmbH D-81671 München, Grafinger Straße 24 Tel. +49/89/30703321, Fax +49/89/30703369 www.solimpeks.de, [email protected] SOREL GmbH Mikroelektronik Manufacturer of Solar and Heating Controllers and Pump Groups with integrated TDC-Controller D-45549 Sprockhövel, Jahnstr. 36 Tel. +49/2339/6024, Fax 6025 www.sorel.de, [email protected] Steca Elektronik GmbH Solar charge controller 3A-140A, Energy-saving lights, Inverter, Solar controller D-87700 Memmingen, Mammostr. 1 Tel. +49/8331/8558-0, Fax 8558-132 www.stecasolar.com, [email protected] TYFOROP Chemie GmbH Heat-Transfer Fluids D-20537 Hamburg, Anton-Rée-Weg 7 Tel. +49/40/209497-0, Fax 209497-20 www.tyfo.de, [email protected] Wagner & Co Solartechnik GmbH Solaranlagen für WW und Heizung PV-Systeme für Netzeinspeisung & Inselbetrieb Pelletheiztechnik D-35091 Cölbe, Zimmermannstr. 12 Tel. +49/6421/8007-0, Fax 8007-22 www.wagner-solar.com, [email protected] WATER WAY Engineering GmbH Pipework systems for solar installations with flexible stainless steel or copper tubes / collector connectors D-47441 Moers, Baerler Str. 100 Tel. +49/2481/88320-0, Fax 88320-20 www.waterwaygmbh.de, [email protected]

Great Britain SOLFEX energy sytems Turnkey supply and distribution of solar thermal collectors & components to Industry Energy Arena, Units 3-5 Charnley Fold Industrial Estate, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire UK, PR5 6PS Tel. +44/1772/312847, www.solfex.co.uk, [email protected]

GREECE CALPAK-CICERO HELLAS SA Producer of flat plate collectors, vacuum tube collectors, hot water tanks and complete solar thermal systems GR-11743 Athens, Sygrou Avenue 9 Tel. +30/210/9247250, Fax 9231616 www.calpak.gr, [email protected] Charmeg Manufacturer of Solar Thermal and Heating ­Controllers 27 Kotronos str.; GR-12241 Aegaleo – Athen Tel. +30/210/5693111, Fax 5693093 www.charmeg.gr, [email protected]

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

HELIONAL Manufacturer of complete solar thermal systems and components GR-57013 Thessaloniki Oreokastro Industrial Park, P.O.Box 89 Tel. +30/2310/783691,Fax 783498 www.helional.com, [email protected] NOBEL XILINAKIS D. & Co. Solar & electric water heating systems industry GR-13671 Athens, 23, Nerantzoula St., Aharnes Tel. + Fax +30/210/2404051 www.nobel.gr, [email protected] Sigma , A. and G. Samouil sa Flat solar thermal collectors Hot water storage tanks Solar water heaters ( solar systems) GR-38334 Volos, 112 Athinon Avenue Tel. +30-242-1066551, Fax. 1060091 www.sigma-sa.com,[email protected] SOLE S.A. Solar Water Heaters and Collectors Manufacturers GR-13671 Acharnal - Athens Lefktron Str. and Lalkon Agonon Str. Tel. +30/210/2389500, Fax 2389502 www.eurostar-solar.com, [email protected]

hungary Klima Aruhaz Kft. Wholesaler for Solar Solutions Advisory and Engineering Services System Provider for Installers H-1131 Budapest, Reitter Ferenc u. 132 Tel. +36/1666/7001, Fax 7012 www.klima.hu, [email protected]

INDIA Sudarshan Saur Shakti Pvt Ltd Leading manufacturer of flat plate & evacuated tube collector based solar water heating systems & collectors. In the field since 1989, having all advanced manufacturing facilities like ultrasonic bonding, black chrome selective coating, seam welding, puffing etc. IND-431005 Aurangabad, Maharashtra State, 5, Tarak Colony, Opp. Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Beed by pass Tel. +91/240/2376609, Fax 2376610 www.sudarshansaur.com, [email protected]

IRAN KARANDISHAN Solar Engineering Company Apt. 4, No.96, Ebnesina Street, Yousef Abad Ave. IR-14346-53633 Tehran Tel. +98/21/8806-4101-8806/3458, Fax 8806-4431 www.karandishan.com, [email protected]

ISRAEL CHROMAGEN, Solar Water Solutions Solar Thermal Systems and Solutions Domestic and Commercial Applications Under Highest Quality Standards. Distributed in 35 Countries IL-36588 Sha’ar Ha’amakim, Kibbutz Tel. +972/4/9538805, Fax. 9538872 www.chromagen.com, [email protected] DAGAN MACHINE ENGINEERING Manufacture of machines for complete absorber production line. Tube punching and customized machines IL-53211 Givatayim, 20, K.Joseph st. Tel. +972/544/324418 www.dagan-machine.com

italy Almeco SPA Highly reflective surfaces for solar concentrator s­ystems and selective surfaces on copper and ­aluminium substrate for absorbers manufacturing I-20098 San Giullano Milanese Via della Liberazione, 15 Tel. +39/02/9889631, Fax 98896399 www.almeco.it, [email protected] CMG Solari di Giannelli Mario PATENTED special solar thermal system with condensation heat transfering. Manufacturer of absorbers, flat plate collectors and complete systems. I-73040, Melissano (LE), Via Monte Rosa 14 Tel. 0039/0833581428, Fax 0039/0833581428 www.cmgsolari.it, [email protected]

CORDIVARI Production of solar panels, water heater tanks and integrated thermal solar systems I-64020 Morro D’Oro (TE), Zona Ind. Pagliare Tel. +39/085/80401, Fax 8041418 www.cordivari.it, [email protected] KLOBEN SUD S.R.L. Italian Manufacturer of Vacuum Solar Collector I-84061 Ogliastro Cilento (SA), Localita’ Terzerie Tel. +39/0974/844131, Fax 833821 www.ktsolar.com, [email protected]

POLAND HEWALEX Flat plate, vacuum tube collectors and solar systems production PL-43-512 Bestwinka, Witosa 14a Tel. 0048/32/214-1710, Fax 0048/32/214-5004 www.hewalex.pl, [email protected] WATT Manufacturer of solar systems PL-41-940 Piekary Slaskie, ul. Podmiejska 45 Tel. +48/32/28766-80, Fax 28766-84 www.kolektory.pl, www.watt.pl, [email protected]

SLOvENIA SELTRON d.o.o. Manufacturer of heating controllers Hersteller von Heizungsreglern SLO-2345 Bistrica ob Dravi, Ruska cesta 96 Tel. +386/2/671/9600, Fax +386/2/671/9666 www.seltron.eu, [email protected]

Spain AFFIRMA Energineering and Technology Manufacturers of Solar Tracker and wholesaler of PV Systems, thermal modules and engineering services E-28007 Madrid, Avda. del Mediterráneo, 92°D Tel. +34/91/7885767, Fax 7885701 www.affirmasolar.com, [email protected] SONDER REGULACIÓN S.A. E-08191 Rubi, Avda. La Llana, 93; P.I. La Llana Tel. +34/935884211, Fax 4994 www.sonder.es

C O M P A N Y D I R E C T O R Y SUN & WIND ENERGY y included online entr denergy.com in w n I would like you to enter our company in the directory of www.su My Entry: SUN & WIND ENERGY. I will get the entry in one category for only € 150. It includes eight lines with each 36 characters: one line for the company name, up to three lines for the company description and four lines for the address. Each additional line costs € 25. If the entry is to be highlighted with a coloured background, this costs an additional € 60. The order is valid for six issues of SUN & WIND ENERGY. If I order supplementary entries, e.g. for international subsidiaries or different categories, I will get the following discounts: 2 to 5 entries: 10% discount, 6 or more entries: 20% discount All orders are invoiced in Euros. The order is automatically extended for further six issues if no written cancellation is received by BVA – Bielefelder Verlag. ❑ I would like my entry to be highlighted with a coloured background. ❑ I would like to subscribe SUN & WIND ENERGY with 50% discount for directory-clients (€ 51 instead of € 102 plus shipping costs) Our company should be listed in the following categories: ❑ Bioenergy ❑ Biofuels ❑ Biogas ❑ Pellets ❑ Production ❑ Heating systems ❑ Co-generation Plants ❑ Financing Institutions ❑ Photovoltaics ❑ BIPV ❑ International project developers ❑ Inverters ❑ Modules ❑ Crystalline modules ❑ Thin-film modules ❑ Mounting systems

Company name:_______________________________________________ Description: _ _______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Address (Country, Zip-Code_ ____________________________________________ City, State, Street): _____________________________________________ Phone, Fax: ___________________________________________________ E-mail, Web: _ __________________________________________

❑ Silicon, ingots, wafers and cells ❑ Solar glass ❑ Suppliers ❑ Tracking systems ❑ Wholesalers ❑ Wire + cable ❑ Solar Thermal Systems ❑ Absorbers ❑ Coatings ❑ Control units ❑ Flat plate collectors ❑ International project developers ❑ Pool heating ❑ Pre-insulated pipe systems ❑ Solar cooling ❑ Solar glass ❑ Solar liquids ❑ Solar tanks and boilers

Date: ___________________________________ Signature: _______________________________ VAT ID number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (for EU-companies)

✃

❑ Thermosiphon ❑ Vacuum tubes ❑ Vacuum tube collectors ❑ Wholesalers ❑ Wind Energy ❑ Banks & Insurance companies ❑ Engineering offices ❑ International project developers ❑ Measurement technology ❑ Offshore ❑ Operation management ❑ Research & Development ❑ Service & Maintenance ❑ Suppliers ❑ Turbine manufacturers ❑ General ❑ Simulation software

Please send your order to:

BVA – Bielefelder Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, SUN & WIND ENERGY, Sandra Rambow, Advertising Department, Ravensberger Str. 10F, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, phone +49/521/595529, fax +49/521/595556, e-mail [email protected], www.sunwindenergy.com

Directory Termicol Energía Solar Manufacturer of absorbers and flat plate collectors E -41703, Dos Hermanas, Sevilla Pol. Ind. La Isla; Rio Viejo, 39 Tel. +34/95/4930545, Fax +34/95/4930563 www.termicol.es, [email protected]

Switzerland AMK Collectra AG Swiss manufacturer of high performance vaccum tube collectors OPC15, DRC10, OWR12 Project planning solar cooling CH- 9475 Sevelen,Bahnweg Nord 16 Tel.: +41/71/750 17 17, Fax: 17 18 www.amk-solac.com, [email protected] Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH Antifrogen-Heat Transfer Fluids for Solar Thermal Systems D-84504 Burgkirchen, Werk Gendorf Tel. +49/8679/7-2272, Fax +49/8679/7-5085 www.antifrogen.com OSTACO AG OSTACO AG produces under the Brand TACONOVA quality valves and systems for balancing, regulating, mixing, venting, underfloor and solar heating systems CH-8902 Urdorf, Steinackerstr. 6 Tel. +41/447355555, Fax 447355502 www.taconova.com, [email protected] SunLaser Consulting GmbH Manufacturing of turnkey laser welding equipment for thermal solar absorbers, absorber manufacturing lines CH-9248 Bichwil, Obere Torackerstr. 14 Tel. +41/71/9502780, Fax 2782 www.sunlaser.ch, [email protected]

TURKEY Baymak A.S - Baxi Group Maunfacturer of laser welded solar thermal forced draft systems, Solar thermo-siphon water heaters, Storage tanks, Biomass/Oil/Gas Boilers and Expansion tanks. Exporting over 50 countries. Orhanli Beldesi Orta Mahalle Akdeniz Caddesi No: 7 TR-34959 Istanbul Tel. +90/216/581/65/09, Fax 3041964 www.baymak.com.tr, [email protected] Ezinc Metal San. tic. A.S. Manufacturer of Solar Collectors, Thermosiphon Solar Water Heaters, Storage Tanks, Boilers and r­elated accessories for Solar Thermal Systems. TR-38070 Kayseri, 1. O.S.B. 23. Cad. No: 31 Tel. +90/352/3211776, Fax 3211325 www.ezinc.com.tr, [email protected] OURASET SOLAR OURASET is a manufacturer of solar thermal systems, solar panels and solar tanks recognized in over 20 countries Tansug Makina Ltd. Adana-Ceyhan Yolu 10. KM TR-01340 Incirlik Adana Tel. +90/322346/4900, Fax -5008 www.ouraset.com, [email protected] Solimpeks – Solar Energy Systems Co. TR-42300 Karatay Konya, Konsan San. Hilal Sokak No:20 Tel. +90/3324440602, Fax 608 www.solimpeks.com, [email protected]

sts – coatings USA Guardian Industries Corp. Guardian's EcoGuard Solar Glass Solutions Program can meet the needs of solar system manufacturers and developers across the globe. US-48326, Auburn Hills, 2300 Harmon Road, Michigan Tel. +1/734/654/1111, Fax +1/734/654/4750 www.guardian.com, [email protected]

USA Guardian Industries Corp. Guardian's EcoGuard Solar Glass Solutions Program can meet the needs of solar system manufacturers and developers across the globe. US-48326, Auburn Hills, 2300 Harmon Road, Michigan Tel. +1/734/654/1111, Fax +1/734/654/4750 www.guardian.com, [email protected]

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sts – pool heating usa Aquatherm Industries, Inc. Largest U.S. manufacturer of polymer solar pool heating collectors. Aquatherm manufactures the solar pool heating industry`s most trusted brands, including the latest breakthrough in solar pool heating, Ecolite 1940 Rutgers University Blvd. USA, 08701, Lakewood, New Jersey Tel. +1/7329059002, Fax 7329059899 www.livegreenswimwarm.com, [email protected]

sts – solarglass USA Guardian Industries Corp. Guardian's EcoGuard Solar Glass Solutions Program can meet the needs of solar system manufacturers and developers across the globe. US-48326, Auburn Hills, 2300 Harmon Road, Michigan Tel. +1/734/654/1111, Fax +1/734/654/4750 www.guardian.com, [email protected]

sts – vacuum tube collectors CHINA Apricus Solar Co., Ltd. Tube Solar Thermal Manufacturer CN-210061, Nanjing, 19 Pu Si Road, Pukou Zone Tel. +86/25/58649133, Fax +86/25/58648103 www.apricus.com, [email protected]

Wind energy AUSTRALIA GE Wind Energy Australia Level 5, 379 Collins Street AUS-Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Tel. +61/3/96147444, Fax 96147555 [email protected]

BELGIUM TURBOWINDS nv/sa Manufactoring, design, concept, assembly, sales, service and licences of wind turbines of 20 to 650 kW. More than 700 machines above 200 kW in operation worldwide. B-1050 Brussels, 14 rue de Praetere Tel. +32/11480680, Fax 11480689 www.turbowinds.com, [email protected]

canada GE Wind Energy 555 Boul. Frederick Philipps, 3rd. Floor H4M 2X4 Montreal-Quebec CANADA Tel. +1/905/858/5110, Fax 858/5390

CHINA GE Wind Energy China 6/F West Wing, Hanwei Plaza No. 7 Guang Hua Road, Chaoyang District Beijing 100004, China Tel. +86/10/65611166-294, Fax 65611536 SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO., LTD Sungrow offers a wude range of high-quality inverter products wuth competitive prices No. 2, New & High Tech Zone RC-230088 Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China Tel. +86/551/5327834, Fax 5327858 www.sungrowpower.com, [email protected]

DENMARK GE Wind Energy Denmark Niels Jernes Vej 10 DK-9220 Aalborg Tel. +45/96354207, Fax 96354206 [email protected] KenTec Denmark ApS Wind research and proj. development Consulting and advising Inst. of meteorological equip. DK-8800 Viborg, Rosenstein 12 Tel. +45/8663/8139, Fax +45/8663/7323 www.kentec.dk, [email protected]

France ABO Wind SARL Planning and turnkey construction of wind farms, structured financing, operational management F-31500 Toulouse, 2 rue du Libre Echange Tel. +33/534311676, Fax 534316376 www.abo-wind.fr, [email protected] GE Wind Energy France Immeuble Le Bayard Part-Dieu 3, Place Renaudel F-69003 Lyon Cedex Tel. +33/437/483500, Fax 483501 [email protected]

Germany ABO Wind AG Planning and turnkey construction of wind farms and biogas projects, structured financing, operational management D-65195 Wiesbaden, Unter den Eichen 7 Tel. +49/611/26765-0, Fax 26765-99 www.abo-wind.com, [email protected] AMMONIT Ges. für Messtechnik mbH Quality Data Logger and measurement systems for wind energy predictions and climatic research D-10997 Berlin, Wrangelstr. 100 Tel. +49/30/6003188-0, Fax 6003188-10 www.ammonit.de, [email protected] CUBE Engineering GmbH Management Consulting, Wind Site Assessment, Project Planning and Management, Environmental Assessment, Electrical Grid Assessment, Energy Systems Design D-34119 Kassel, Breitscheidstr. 6 Tel. +49/561/288573-0, Fax 288573-19 [email protected] Deublin GmbH Your specialist for wind power station’s high pressure hydraulic rotating unions D-65719 Hofheim-Wallau, Nassaustr. 10 Tel. +49/6122/8002-0, Fax 15888 www.deublin.de, [email protected] EMD Deutschland GbR WindPRO/energyPRO-software and courses. WindPROsoftware for design and planning of wind farm projects. D-34119 Kassel, Breitscheidstr. 6 Tel. +49/561/310596-0, Fax 310596-9 www.emd.dk, [email protected] EOL energy –online.de GmbH Data and Services for Wind Energy Projects, online shop D-34119 Kassel, Breitscheidstraße 6 Tel. +49/ 561 / 288 573-70 Fax: -71 www.energie-online.de, [email protected] ESM Energie- u. Schwingungstech. Mitsch GmbH Gear- and generator bearings, vibration tilger Standard equipm. for wind power plants up to 5 MW D-64668 Rimbach, Auf der Rut 5 Tel. +49/6253/9885-0, Fax 9885-50 www.esm-gmbh.de, [email protected] Gamesa Energie Deutschland GmbH D-26122 Oldenburg, Staulinie 14-17 Tel. +49/441/925400, Fax 92540325 www.gamesacorp.com, [email protected] GE Wind Energy GmbH Manufacturer/Sales Wind turbines from 900 kW to 3.6 MW D-48499 Salzbergen, Holsterfeld 16 Tel. +49/5971/980-0, Fax 980-1999 www.gewindenergy.com [email protected] KGW Schweriner Maschinen- u. Anlagenbau GmbH Manufacturer of steel-tube towers for wind turbines D-19055 Schwerin, Wismarsche Str. 380 Tel. +49/385/5731-0, Fax 565126 www.kgw-schwerin.de, [email protected] Lenord, Bauer & Co. GmbH We offer control + sensor solutions for any customized applications, eg. rotor blade and azimut adjustment D-46145 Oberhausen, Dohlenstraße 32 Tel. 0049/208/9963-0, Fax 0049/676/292 www.lenord.de, [email protected]

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

Mola Solar Systems GmbH project developer, supplier of photovoltaics, solar thermal systems and windenergy D-47051 Duisburg, Stapeltor 8 Tel. +49/203/759998-0, Fax -11 www.mola-solar-systems.com, [email protected] μ-sen GmbH μ-sen offers certified Condition Monitoring Systems (CMS) for early fault detection on the main components (main bearing, gearbox, generator) in the drive train of wind turbines D-07407 Rudolstadt, Weimarische Str. 10 Tel. +49/3672/3186-101, Fax, 3186-200 www.my-sen.de, [email protected] Nordex AG D-22848 Norderstedt, Bornbach 2 Tel. +49/40/50098100, Fax 50098101 www.nordex.de, [email protected] Phaesun GmbH The Off-Grid Specialists. Phaesun is the leading system integrator for Off-Grid solar systems. D-87700 Memmingen, Luitpoldstrasse 28 Tel. +49/8331/90420, Fax 9964212 www.phaesun.com, [email protected] REpower Systems AG Headquarter & International Sales D-22297 Hamburg, Überseering 10/Oval Office Tel. +49/40/555090-3048, Fax 3999 www.repower.de,[email protected] National Sales: D-25813 Husum, Rödemis Hallig Tel. +49/4841/6628000, Fax 6628200 www.repower.de, [email protected] James Walker Deutschland GmbH Der Spezialist für geschlitzte Wellendichtungen D-22767 Hamburg, Mörkenstr. 7 Tel. +49/40/3860810, Fax 3893230 www.jameswalker.de WeserWind GmbH Offshore Construction Georgsmarienhütte Fertigung von Offshore-Fundament-Gründungsstrukturen sowie Komponentenlieferung für die Windenergieanlagenindustrie D-27572 Bremerhaven, Am Lunedeich 158 Tel. +49/471/902626-0, Fax 902626-11 www.weserwind.de, [email protected] wilmers Messtechnik GmbH Data Loggers, complete wind measuring systems, measuring masts D-22089 Hamburg, Hammer Steindamm 35 Tel. +49/40/756608-98, Fax 756608-99 www.wilmers.com, [email protected] WINDTEST Grevenbroich GmbH Consulting- and Measuring Institut for WEC D-41517 Grevenbroich, Frimmersdorfer Str. 73 Tel. +49/2181/2278-0, Fax 2278-11 www.windtest-nrw.de, [email protected] Windwärts Energie GmbH Project development company for renewable energies in Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Turkey and in South America D-30449 Hannover, Plaza de Rosalia 1 Tel. +49/511/123573-0, Fax123573-19 www.windwaerts.de, [email protected] WKA-Service-Fehmarn GmbH Surface and fibre reinforced technology Service for rotorblades and towers, platforms Technical survey of rotorblades and towers D-23769 Fehmarn, Johannisberg 4 Tel. +49/4371/864190, Fax 8641970 www.wka-service-fehmarn.de [email protected] WKN Windkraft Nord AG Development, Construction, Financing D-25813 Husum, Otto-Hahn-Str. 12-16 Tel. +49/4841/8944232, Fax 8944225 www.wkn-ag.de, [email protected]

GREAT BRITAIN GE Wind Energy UK Prince Consort House 27-29; Albert Embankment GB-London SE1 7TJ Tel. +44/207/7932800, Fax8203401 e-mail: [email protected]

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010

INDIA GE Wind Energy India Third Floor, A1 Golden Enclave Corporate Towers; Airport Road Bangalore 560017 Tel. +91/80/5263496, Fax 5203860

ITALY GE Wind Energy Italy Via Felice Matteucci, 2 I-50127 Florence Tel. +39/055/4233333, Fax 055/4232963

JAPAN GE Wind Energy Japan 35 Kowa Bldg. 1-14-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku; J-Tokyo 107-8453 Tel. +81/3/3588-5175, Fax 3589-3372 [email protected]

South KOREA GE Wind Energy Korea 18th, Mirae-Wa-Saram Bldg 942-1, Daechi-dong, Kangnam-ku ROK-Seol 135-280 Tel. +82/2/5280083, Fax 5610430 [email protected]

singapore GE Wind Energy Asia 240 Tanjong Pagar Road, GE Tower 88540 Singapore Tel. +65/6326/3492, Fax 3522

SPAIN ABO Wind España SA Planning and turnkey construction of wind farms, structured financing E-46002 Valencia, Embajador Vich 3, 3 Q Tel. +34/902198937, Fax 902198938 www.abo-wind.es, [email protected] GE Wind Energy Spain (Sales Office) Juan Bravo 3C, 8° Planta E-28006 Madrid Tel. +34/91/5870500, Fax 5870665 Ingeteam Power Converters, Electric Generators, Pitch Control Systems, Integrated Wind Farm Management Systems. Avda. Ciudad de la Innovacion, 13 E-Sarriguren ( Navarra) Tel. +34/948/288000, Fax +34/948/288000 www.ingeteam.com, [email protected]

USA GE Wind Energy USA 13000 Jameson Road USA-Tehachapi, CA 93561 Tel. +1/661/8236700, Fax 8227880 [email protected]

wind energy – measurement technology Germany Ammonit Gesellschaft für Messtechnik mbH High quality data loggers, first class sensors & measurement systems D-10997 Berlin, Wrangelstrasse 100 Tel. +49/30/6003188-0, Fax -10 www.ammonit.com, [email protected] Meßsysteme Bergelt Special Rotor-Balancing Measurement Equipment, Vibration & Imbalance Measurement, Development, Consulting D-01069 Dresden, Huebnerstraße 15 Tel. +49/351/4728892 www.aerobalancer.de, [email protected] SeaCom GmbH Development, manufacture & sale of MDSWind® (certified Condition Monitoring System for wind power stations) D-44653 Herne, Heerstr. 66 Tel. +49/2325/922-514, Fax -519 www.seacom24.com, [email protected]

Wind Energy – Research & Development USA Envirotronics Leader in the manufacture of Enviromental. Test Chambers for Solar, PV and Wind industries Experts in testing applications and requirements. USA 49508, Grand Rapids, MI 3881 N. Greenbrooke Dr SE Tel. +1/800/368/4768, Fax 616/554/5021 www.envirotronics.com, [email protected]

wind energy – suppliers BELGIUM Armacell Benelux S.A. ArmaFORM PET core foams offer a unique density/strength ratio, recycability & high temperature resistance. B-4890 Thimister-Clermont State, Rue des Trois Entités, 9 Tel. +32/87325070, Fax 87325071 www.armacell-core-foams.com, [email protected]

DENMARK ZYVAX / GRANUDAN Denmark Release agents, 100% non-solvent waterbased slipcoats for production of blades, nacelles & spinners D-3660 Stenloese, Knud Bro Alle 4 Tel. +45/44843756, Fax +45/44843755 www.granudan.com, [email protected]

Germany Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH Connectors, Cable Assemblies & System Solutions for Wind Power and other Applications D-74080 Heilbronn, August-Haeusser-Str.10 Tel. +49/7131/929-0, Fax +49/7131/929-486 www.amphenol.de, [email protected] HELUKABEL GmbH Cable & Accessories for photovoltaic installations and for Wind Turbines D-71282 Hemmingen, Dieselstr. 8-12 Tel. +49/7150/9209-0, Fax +49/7150/81786 www.helukabel.de, [email protected]

wind energy – turbine manufacturers Germany SINOI GmbH Leading independent manufacturer of rotor blades and moulds with product range up to 5.0 MW. Reliable partner in the transfer of state of the art technology. 99734 Nordhausen, Kohnsteinbrücke 10 Tel. +49/36331/90300, Fax +49/36331/90333 www.sinoi.de, [email protected]

ITALY LAYER ELECTRONICS S.R.L. Manufacturer of Solar and Wind Grid Connected Inverters, Wind Generators 300 W to 20 kW, Charge Regulators I-91100 Trapani, S.P. km 5,3 C/da S. Cusumano Tel. +39/0923/562794, Fax 567880 www.layer.it, [email protected]

general SPAIN LKN Sistemas, s.l. Producers: Solar thermal collectors since 1970 Producers: Solar thermal systems and solutions. Solar thermal projects with biomass, geothermal, et E-08520 Les Franqueses (Barcelona) P.I. Congost c/o mas Pojol, 1 Tel. +34/938402933, Fax 938402942 www.lknsistemas.com

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Preview

Issue 1/2011 will be published on January 5th

IMPRINT

Wafer manufacturing

Publishing company: BVA Bielefelder Verlag GmbH & Co. KG Richard Kaselowsky Niederwall 53 33602 Bielefeld, Germany

Wafer manufacturing is a very early link in the process chain of the PV industry. Even the processes used to manufacture the slices of silicon have a bearing on the cost and quality of the cells and modules that follow. S&WE has taken a look at current developments, from ingots to the wafers ready for processing.

Photo: dpa

Freelance authors: In Germany: Joachim Berner, Johannes Bernreuter, Martin Frey, Claudia Hilgers, Jörn Iken, Jens-Peter Meyer, Anke Müller, Ina Röpcke, Torsten Thomas In India: Jaideep N. Malaviya In China: Sven Tetzlaff, Zhengua Weng In the USA: Lisa Cohn, Reid Smith, Anja Limperis

Photo: Steca

Solar Thermal

Can they be improved upon? S&WE spoke with manufacturers about their current products and in the next issue we provide an overview of the controller market and its ­latest developments.

Publishing Manager: Lutz Bandte Editors: Dr. Volker Buddensiek (responsible), Eva Augsten, Tanja Ellinghaus, Katharina Ertmer, Silke Funke, Katharina Garus, Bodo Höche, Désirée Mäueler, Ralf Ossenbrink, Stefan Trojek, Volker Uphoff, Constanze Grohmann (office) Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 38, E-mail: [email protected]

Photovoltaics Where do controllers stand?

Publisher: Prof. Dr. Bernhard von Schubert

Wind Energy

Turbines and their components are getting increasingly large and ungainly. Clever logistics solutions are needed to get around tight corners, clear low overpasses, and navigate narrow roads.

Sales & Marketing: Ulrich Fillies (Manager), Uta Haffert Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 88, Fax: +49/5 21/59 55 07 E-mail: [email protected] Layout: Bernd Schulte zur Wißen, Virginie Béclu, Stefanie Herken, DSV Deutscher Sportverlag GmbH, Cologne, Germany Print: Dierichs Druck + Media GmbH & Co. KG, Frankfurter Str. 168, 34121 Kassel, Germany SUN & WIND ENERGY is an independent journal published monthly. Subscription costs € 108 per year plus shipping costs (printed edition), € 51 (e-paper). Period of cancellation: six weeks before the end of the respective suscription period. Otherwise the suscription will automatically be extended by another year. Material in this publication may not be reproduced, reprinted or stored in any form without the publisher’s written permission.

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Photo: Katharina Ertmer

Bioenergy

Wood chip production Bioenergy and forestry converge when wood is used to produce energy. Pellet manufacturers increasingly want to chip whole tree trunks of waste wood themselves in their processing plants. Operators of short-rotation plantations have to chip their harvests. In the next issue, you’ll read about which chipping machines are used for which purposes.

Advertising sales Italy: Quaini Pubblicità, Julia Reiter Phone: +39/02/39216180; Fax: + 39/02/39217082 E-mail: [email protected] Advertising sales China: Sven Tetzlaff Phone: +86/1 37 77 47 62 58, Fax: +86/5 71/87 04 42 10, E-mail: [email protected]

Heavy loads

Photo: Nordex

Advertising: International contact: Yvonne Müller, Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 75 E-mail: [email protected] Katharina Müller, Phone +49/5 21/59 55 81 E-mail: [email protected] Sylvia Hölzer, Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 90 E-mail: [email protected] Nannette Nopto: Phone +49/5 21/59 55 91 E-mail: [email protected] German contact: Christine Michalsky, Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 25 E-mail: [email protected] Christiane Diekmann, Phone: +49/5 21/59 55 47 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +49/5 21/59 55 56

Translation: Translationes (Berlin), Jeremy Heighway (Leipzig), Mark Wigfall (Bad Harzburg), Timothy Hanes (Erlangen), Übersetzungsbüro Hartmann (Chemnitz) Websites: www.sunwindenergy.com www.sunwindenergy.asia

Sun & Wind Energy 12/2010