It was announced after the bell today that LDK Solar (LDK) will be the solar module supplier for the largest rooftop solar installation in Benelux which is an economic union between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. LDK will supply 18K solar modules which will be installed on the Balta Group’s (manufacturer of carpets, rugs and flooring) rooftop factory in Belgium and provide a peak capacity of 4.2MW. Efinity will be doing the install.
“We are … Read the rest
Suntech just announced that they will start shipping a larger solar power system suitable for utility-sized projects later on in the year. The system, called Reliathon, will be available starting next year, and can be used for projects greater than 10 MW in scope.
By reducing the number of bolts and the amount of wiring required for the Reliathon system, Suntech has managed to reduce its installation costs by 10%. Two years from now, the … Read the rest
Ascent Solar just announced that they have achieved a new manufacturing milestone: 14% cell efficiency for the CIGS-on-plastic-substrate cells produced at Ascent’s Fab1 plant in Littleton, Colorado. The 14% efficiency was measured by NREL, and Ascent also says it has been able to achieve 11.7% efficiency in tests of its monolithically integrated CIGS modules from the same plant.
In a company press release, Dr. Farhad Mogahadam, President & CEO for Ascent Solar, commented on … Read the rest
It seems solar company Daystar (DSTI) can’t do anything right these days and the company remains in disarray. A couple weeks ago, the stock got a pop to around the buck level on news it would merge operations with EPOD solar. It appeared for a bit that the stock would get out of the cellar, but the rally stalled out and this morning any optimism was squashed with the announcement of the EPOD agreement … Read the rest
Solarfun just announced that it has signed a supply contract with Meridian Neue Energien GmbH. Under the contract, Solarfun will provide Meridian with 5MW of solar PV modules, which are expected to be connected to the grid by December of this year.
In a press release, Henry Bolz, Managing Director of Meridian Neue Energien, explained why his company chose Solarfun:
“European, and in particular German, companies active in the PV market insist on
extremely high … Read the rest
Ormat just announced that its Israeli subsidiary has started a new joint venture with Israeli energy company Sunday Energy. Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to develop, construct and operate 36MW of Israeli solar PV systems.
The project is expected to cost $195 million in capital, financed by 80% Non-Recourse project finance debt. However, once the solar systems are completed,a long-term purchase agreement with Israel Electric Corporation Ltd is already lined up, … Read the rest
There were a few upgrades and downgrades of green stocks today, particularly in the solar space that I wanted to run through tonight.
Macquarie made a few calls in the solar space worth mentioning:
Yingli Green Energy (YGE) was upgraded from Neutral to Outperform. Shares finished up more than 5% and bounced off the 50 day moving average.
Sunpower (SPWRA) was upgraded from Underperform to Neutral. Shares finished up nearly 7% today and are nearing … Read the rest
Pacific Gas and Electric Company just announced that it will be adding 290MW of solar energy through contract with Agua Caliente, a subsidiary of NextLight Renewable Energy, LLC. P G & E has been steadily adding solar power from independent developers as of late-this brings the total up to 830 MW.
The Agua Caliente project, to be located in Yuma County, Arizona, will provide electricity for more than 100,000 households in Northern and Central California, … Read the rest
Suntech just announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work with Pakistan’s Alternative Energy Development Board to bring solar energy to Pakistan. Per the MOU, Suntech will work with both the public sector and private sector to make solar energy available across Pakistan. Projects include working with AEDB’s Rural Electrification Program to provide solar electricity to rural areas, developing Solar Power Pumping Systems with the cooperation of the AEDB and the … Read the rest
After the bell today Canadian Solar (CSIQ) raised guidance for the 3rd quarter and the full year 2009 based on unaudited financial results and a “high level of interest at the Hamburg trade show and subsequent purchase orders”. The company now expects 3rd quarter revenues of $210 – 215 million and shipments of 101 – 103MW which compares to previous estimates of 90 – 100MW of shipments. They are also raising their full year guidance … Read the rest