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Clean Tech, Utilities & Power Conference Today at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.
May 13th, 2013
Canadian Solar to Attend Deutsche Bank Securities 2013 dbAccess Clean Tech, Utilities & Power Conference
GUELPH, Ontario.
Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world’s largest solar power companies, today is scheduled to attend the Clean Tech, Utilities & Power Conference today at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.
During the conference Michael G. Potter, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Ed Job, Director of Investor Relations will be available to meet with institutional investors.
About Canadian Solar
Founded in 2001 in Ontario, Canada, Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ) is one of the world’s largest and foremost solar power companies. As a leading vertically integrated provider of solar modules, specialized solar products and solar power plants with operations in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Asia, Canadian Solar has delivered more than 4GW of premium quality solar modules to customers in over 50 countries. Canadian Solar is committed to improve the environment and dedicated to provide advanced solar energy products, solutions and services to enable sustainable development around the world.
For more information, please visit www.canadiansolar.com.
SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc.
Employee Recognized for Eliminating One Million Tons of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
May 12th, 2013
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Energy Department this week announced that Dr. Josh Silverman, Director of the Office of Sustainability Support, has been selected as a finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal from the Partnership for Public Service. Silverman was selected for his dedication to reducing the Department’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Silverman is being recognized for identifying gaps in air pollution controls at Department facilities where he initiated steps to prevent the discharge of one of the world’s most potent greenhouse gases, sulfur hexafluoride. These steps include conducting effective maintenance and repairs to reduce leaks, and deploying technologies to capture and reuse these gases.
“The Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals recognize federal employees who stand out for their exceptional dedication and creativity, and for daring greatly in order to help their fellow Americans. These nominees have earned our thanks and congratulations for their contributions to our Nation,” said Acting Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman. “Dr. Silverman’s dedication to public service helped halt the release of one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions since 2009, improving air quality and achieving environmental benefits.”
Dr. Silverman joined the Department in 2000, after completing his Doctorate in history and policy at Carnegie Mellon University. A native of Pittsburgh, he lives in Washington, DC’s Capitol Hill neighborhood with his wife and two daughters.
The Partnership for Public Service is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to revitalize the federal government by inspiring a new generation to serve by transforming the way government works.
Solar Energy Delivering Jobs and Drinking Water with Clean Renewable Energy
May 12th, 2013
May , 2013 – Solar Energy Jobs in Sacramento California
SolarCity® Corporation (Nasdaq: SCTY), a leading provider of clean energy, and the City of Sacramento this week announced the completion of two solar installations to power the city’s E.A. Fairbairn Water Treatment Plant on the American River and the Sacramento River Water Treatment Plant on the Sacramento River. SolarCity financed, installed and will maintain the solar systems at no cost to the City, with the City paying less for the renewable power generated by the solar systems than the current utility rates. With these new solar systems, the City of Sacramento will deliver the critical commodity of clean drinking water to thousands of residents using clean, solar energy.
“Sacramento is a leader in creating green jobs and reducing our carbon footprint,” said Mayor Kevin Johnson.
This public-private partnership adds more solar energy to our city portfolio, reducing operating costs for ratepayers, making great progress toward the goals in our award-winning Climate Action Plan and creating jobs in our region’s renewable energy industry. We are very proud of this project and all those involved.
The two new systems will generate an estimated 2.2 million kilowatt hours) of solar electricity annually, which is roughly equivalent to the amount needed to power 200 average American homes. The systems will also offset more than 78 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) over their lifetime, equivalent to planting 42,360 trees. SolarCity custom designed the ground-mount panel installations for these two facilities by factoring in the water tank weight constraints. City officials can track the two installations’ energy production and consumption around the clock with SolarCity’s proprietary PowerGuide™ monitoring service, which is fully integrated with the city’s own centralized monitoring system.
“The City of Sacramento’s continuing commitment to renewable energy has played a key role in helping the state of California maintain its leadership as the top solar energy producer in the nation,” said Dennis Cox, SolarCity’s regional vice president in the Central Valley. “SolarCity’s Sacramento operations center currently employs more than 150 people locally, due in part to the City of Sacramento’s environmental and economic stewardship.”
The two water treatment plants’ solar systems, totaling 1.5 megawatts, boost the City of Sacramento’s total solar capacity by 80 percent. SolarCity previously installed solar power at four other key municipal sites: the City Hall, the Police Department, the Meadowview Service Center and the South Corporation Yard.
About SolarCity
SolarCity® (NASDAQ: SCTY) provides clean energy. The company has disrupted the century-old energy industry by providing renewable electricity directly to homeowners, businesses and government organizations for less than they spend on utility bills. SolarCity gives customers control of their energy costs to protect them from rising rates. The company offers solar power, energy efficiency and electric vehicle services, and makes clean energy easy by taking care of everything from design and permitting to monitoring and maintenance. SolarCity currently serves 14 states and signs a new customer every five minutes. Visit the company online at www.solarcity.com and follow the company on Facebook & Twitter.
SolarCity to Install Solar on up to 6,500 Homes in Project at Navy, Marine Corps Bases in Hawai’i
May 11th, 2013
MILILANI, HI, May 8, 2013
Construction has started on the first phase of a massive solar project by Forest City Military Communities and SolarCity® (Nasdaq: SCTY) to provide solar electricity to 6,500 military family residences at Ohana Military Communities (OMC), which serves Navy Region Hawaii and Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The latest SolarStrong™ project is scoped for a planned 24 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity, which would make it the largest SolarCity has undertaken to date.
SolarCity and Forest City have finished installing the first 700 kilowatts of solar capacity at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and will soon initiate the first installations on Navy Region Hawaii. Representatives from Forest City and SolarCity will join in a traditional Hawaiian blessing today to celebrate the initiation of the project. SolarStrong, SolarCity’s five-year plan to build more than $1 billion in solar energy projects for U.S. military housing communities, is expected to create up to 300 MW of solar generation capacity that could provide energy to as many as 120,000 military housing units.
Primarily financed by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the new project at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Navy Region Hawaii is expected to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on the imported oil it uses to produce the majority of its electricity. The projects will help the state make a significant advance toward its ambitious Clean Energy Initiative goal to use 70% clean energy, including 40% renewable energy, by 2030. The project will also help the Department of Defense, currently the largest energy consumer in the United States, make additional progress toward its goal to have 25% of its energy requirements met by renewable energy by 2025.
Forest City is a leading developer and manager of distinctive and diversified real estate projects, with properties in 26 states and the District of Columbia. The company currently manages military family housing units in eight states from Hawaii to South Carolina for the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force under the Armed Forces’ Public-Private Venture (PPV) Privatized Family Housing program.
“Our partnership with SolarCity on this renewable energy initiative is a strong positive for the military and for the environment. Sustainability is a corporate core value at Forest City,” said Thomas Henneberry, president of Forest City Military Communities.
This is our first involvement with the SolarStrong project and we’re hopeful to find opportunities to expand it to other portions of our portfolio.
“Top Navy leaders support these initiatives because we are stronger, safer and less vulnerable when we embrace renewable energy and support sustainability — in all of our communities,” said Rear Admiral Frank Ponds, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii.
We need to diversify our energy resources, and we need to build strong partnerships. For example, through the joint energy security initiative here in Hawaii we have a strong commitment to solar energy as well as other promising alternative and renewable energy sources and solutions. We are moving forward together at every opportunity to promote sustainability and security. This is the right thing to do for the Navy, for Hawaii and for the nation — not only now, but also for generations to come.
“This project not only benefits our military ohana, it reduces our energy costs which directly affect how our tax payer’s dollar is spent. Additionally, it reduces our reliance on foreign oil, and helps contribute to Hawaii’s goal to generate 40% clean energy from locally generated renewables by 2030,” said Col. Brian Annichiarico, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
“Project by project, our SolarStrong initiative is assisting the Department of Defense’s impressive effort to change the way our nation’s military consumes energy,” said SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive. “The road to the Department’s goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025 is being paved, in part, with solar panels by sustainable developers such as Forest City.”
“We are pleased to be able to help finance the most recent and largest planned SolarStrong project so far,” said Jonathan Plowe, head of New Energy & Infrastructure Solutions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. “Bank of America Merrill Lynch remains a leader in financing solar power, and is proud to work with SolarCity, Forest City and the U.S. military to promote the use of clean, renewable energy and create jobs for Americans, including veterans and military family members.”
In addition to SolarStrong, SolarCity is pursuing a veteran hiring initiative as part of its Workforce Development program. The company has hired more than 100 veterans this year in various positions within the company including IT, sales, managerial, administration, design and installation. The company has collaborated on hiring processes by partnering with several veteran programs across the country, including Veteran Affairs national offices, JPMorgan Chase & Co’s ‘100,000 Jobs Mission,’ Swords to Plowshares, The California National Guard, The California Conservation Corps and Veterans Green Jobs.
In addition to the Navy Region Hawaii and Marine Corps Base Hawaii projects announced today, there are additional SolarStrong projects underway at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range in Texas, Hickam Community Housing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Los Angeles Air Force Base, and Peterson and Schriever Air Force Bases in Colorado. Each project was financed in part by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
About Forest City Military Communities Hawaii
Forest City Military Communities in Hawaii is now managing over 6,700 homes for Navy and Marine families. A majority of the homes will be demolished and built anew or fully renovated, resulting in a development budget exceeding $1.7 billion, excluding reserves. As part of its Public-Private Venture (PPV) partnership with the Department of the Navy, FCMC Hawaii is rebuilding approximately half of the total inventory of 6,788 military family housing units across 36 neighborhoods on Oahu and Kauai. In addition to all planning, financing, construction and renovations, Forest City also provides ongoing leasing, operations and maintenance for the properties and residential communities.
About Forest City
Forest City Enterprises, Inc. is an NYSE-listed national real estate company with $10.6 billion in total assets. The company is principally engaged in the ownership, development, management and acquisition of commercial and residential real estate and land throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.forestcity.net.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations and governments with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. We serve approximately 53 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 5,500 retail banking offices and approximately 16,300 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 30 million active users. Bank of America is among the world’s leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in more than 40 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“Investment Banking Affiliates”), including, in the United States, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, which is a registered broker-dealer and a member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, locally registered entities. Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured * May Lose Value * Are Not Bank Guaranteed.
This release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements regarding the expected project size and impact on state and military clean energy goals. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward looking statements. You should read the section entitled “Risk Factors” in SolarCity’s annual report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and identifies certain of these and additional risks and uncertainties. SolarCity does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
About SolarCity
SolarCity® (NASDAQ: SCTY) provides clean energy. The company has disrupted the century-old energy industry by providing renewable electricity directly to homeowners, businesses and government organizations for less than they spend on utility bills. SolarCity gives customers control of their energy costs to protect them from rising rates. The company offers solar power, energy efficiency and electric vehicle services, and makes clean energy easy by taking care of everything from design and permitting to monitoring and maintenance. SolarCity currently serves 14 states and signs a new customer every five minutes. Visit the company online at www.solarcity.com and follow the company on Facebook & Twitter.
New Residential Solar Hot Water Monitoring System
May 8th, 2013
McLean, VA.
Solar thermal technology developer Sunnovations Inc. recently launched its Ohm residential solar hot water monitoring system. Ohm is the first system that can measure both solar and backup energy inputs as well as hot water energy usage, allowing solar hot water system owners to make smarter use of their solar-heated water.
The Ohm system is designed to provide homeowners with web-enabled monitoring for unprecedented insight into their solar thermal system’s performance. Ohm is available for pre-order on Sunnovations’ website at a cost the company estimates to be less than half of the retail cost of systems with comparable features.
“Homeowners have not had a cost-effective way to monitor performance of their solar hot water system,” stated Sunnovations Chief Executive Officer Matt Carlson.
They simply have had to take a leap of faith that their system is working as designed. With Ohm’s easy installation and applicability to most solar hot water system types, we believe this product is a game changer for the residential solar water heating category.
The current technology paradigm in solar hot water monitoring is to measure the flow rate in the “solar loop” and extrapolate that rate into a measurement of solar energy put into the hot water tank. This approach is both inexact – it provides only an indirect measurement of energy input – and expensive, as flow meters are costly and time consuming to install. The Ohm system eliminates the flow meter and instead uses a patent-pending in- tank sensor to directly measure the energy in the hot water tank.
Ohm will also soon be available through leading solar hot water installers throughout North America. Dave Hollister, CEO of Sundance Power Systems, a leading alternative energy firm based in Weaverville, NC, said:
Solar thermal has been waiting for a monitoring system like Ohm, and Sundance is excited to start recommending it to our customers. We see tremendous potential for this product.
Independent accuracy validation on the Ohm system is being conducted by solar industry testing leader TÜV Rheinland in Tempe, AZ. Preliminary test results indicate a system accuracy of greater than 98% with a full report to be issued soon.
About Sunnovations The company’s stated mission is that “solar-powered hot water should be an obvious, affordable alternative for all American homes and businesses.” The Ohm system and all of the Sunnovations’ products are designed to further that mission by making solar water heating less expensive, easier to install and more reliable.
Interested homeowners can see a live demo of the Ohm Dashboard at www.sunnovations.com/ohm.
Qualified firms interested in distribution opportunities for the Ohm system can contact Sunnovations at http://www.sunnovations.com//forms/installer.
Land Mitigation Deal for Ivanpah Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Project
May 7th, 2013
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California Energy Commission (Energy Commission) and the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS) owners have finalized a landmark agreement to purchase 7,000 acres of land under the state’s Advanced Mitigation Program (AMP) to satisfy the solar project’s land mitigation requirements. Ivanpah is the first renewable energy project to participate in the AMP since its inception in 2010.
“Getting meaningful wildlife conservation on the ground while meeting our state and national renewable energy goals is mission-critical for our department and for the people of California,” said CDFW Chief Deputy Director Kevin Hunting.
The Advanced Mitigation Program is an innovative approach to achieving these vital goals and is a shining example of what can be accomplished when government, industry and conservation partners work together.
The AMP, established by Senate Bill 34, allows solar developers to coordinate directly with the state agencies to more efficiently purchase high-value conservation lands as mitigation for large-scale renewable energy projects.
The AMP represents another effort by CDFW and other state agencies to streamline the permitting process in order to achieve Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.’s aggressive goal of 33 percent renewable energy for the state by 2020.
“This agreement is yet another achievement in meeting California’s clean energy goals,” said Energy Commissioner Karen Douglas.
The AMP offers a valuable tool to effectively balance our state’s need for clean, renewable energy with our continued commitment to protect sensitive and endangered species.
“Working through the State’s Advanced Mitigation Program has proven to be an effective alternative for satisfying the Ivanpah project’s mitigation land requirements,” said Marc Sydnor, director of environmental affairs for BrightSource Energy.
We’ve also been able to achieve a project goal of ensuring that the land purchased is used for the highest possible purpose – to protect our state’s natural legacy.
The AMP authorizes CDFW, in consultation with the Energy Commission, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to design and implement advanced mitigation actions, including the purchase of land and conservation easements to protect, restore and enhance the habitat of California Endangered Species Act-listed plants and animals. The land purchased as part of the program is pooled and can then be applied to qualifying renewable energy projects.
Through the AMP, energy developers have access to suitable, high-value conservations lands to satisfy their project’s mitigation requirements. The AMP provides a more efficient process for purchasing large plots and increases the amount of quality conservation land available for habitat protection.
“Ivanpah is one of the crown jewels in NRG’s solar portfolio, our single largest solar project and the world’s largest solar thermal plant once completed,” said Tom Doyle, president of NRG Solar.
Using innovative thermal technology, the power generated here at Ivanpah will produce enough clean power for more than 140,000 California homes and avoid the emission of 400,000 tons of carbon, helping us in the fight to arrest global climate change.
The Ivanpah owners, collectively called Solar Partners, paid $6.2 million for the lands purchased to mitigate for the Ivanpah solar project that covers nearly 7,000 acres of desert tortoise habitat and 175 acres of state waters. They also paid an additional $5.2 million as an endowment to provide for the longterm maintenance and management of the lands. The lands are comprised of 163 separate parcels in the Chuckwalla Desert Wildlife Management Area (DWMA) in San Bernardino County, and the FremontKramer DWMA and Superior-Cronese DWMA both in Riverside County. Purchased through a grant from the CDFW, by Mojave Desert Land Trust and Transition Habitat Conservancy, two land trusts hold title and will maintain the properties, while CDFW holds a conservation easement as outlined by SB 34. Solar Partners’ purchase of the mitigation land has reimbursed CDFW for all costs of acquisition and deposited an endowment for long-term maintenance and management of the properties.
For more information:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Climate_and_Energy/Renewable_Energy/Fee_Trust_Fund.aspx
http://ivanpahsolar.com/
First Solar to Show Off New Series 3 Solar Thin Film Modules
May 6th, 2013
SHANGHAI, China
May 06 , 2013 – First Solar, announced today that it will showcase its latest Series 3 BlackTM module technology at the SNEC (from May 14-16, 2013) International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition (SNEC PV Power Expo) in Shanghai, to demonstrate the company’s leading solar PV technology and expertise in China.
Series 3 BlackTM is the latest evolution from First Solar to the industry’s-leading Series 3 thin-film PV module platform. The module incorporates First Solar’s latest advances in conversion efficiency as well as features to enhance its performance in utility-scale power plants. The module’s change in appearance is due to the use of advanced, all-black edge seal technology combined with an innovative encapsulation material that further enhances its field durability and demonstrates improvements in accelerated life testing results. The enhancements allow Series 3 BlackTM to achieve world-class durability and performance in the harshest operating conditions.
First Solar executives will attend and address the conference at the SNEC PV Power Expo to showcase the company’s industry-leading modules, system technology and grid integration. First Solar Chief Technology Officer Raffi Garabedian will deliver a keynote speech at the conference’s opening ceremony and plenary session, and will provide an overview of the current and future potential of cadmium-telluride (CdTe) technologies for utility-scale applications. Garabedian will also present at the expo’s CTO Dialogue, where he will demonstrate First Solar’s latest Series 3 BlackTM thin-film module technology along with the company’s integrated R&D methodology, CdTe module conversion efficiency world record and technology roadmap.
“We are pleased to be attending the SNEC PV Power Expo this year and look forward to meeting with other innovators and leaders in the PV solar industry at the event in China,” said First Solar’s Bruce Yung, Vice President of Business Development and Managing Director for China.
We are excited at the opportunity to showcase our new Series 3 BlackTM modules in China and we look forward to bringing it to bear in solar projects with Chinese partners to help achieve global sustainable energy goals.
First Solar’s Series 3 BlackTM module technology will be on display from May 14-16 at booth no. E1-370 in the Shanghai International Exhibition Center.
About SNEC PV Power Expo
The SNEC PV Power Expo is one of the largest international PV tradeshows worldwide and jointly organized by 16 international associations and organizations. Held annually in Shanghai, since 2007, this year’s expo will feature more than 2,300 exhibiting companies from more than 90 countries and regions. Top PV scientists from around the world will be invited to present on cutting-edge solar energy technologies at the expo.
For more information on the SNEC PV Power Expo, visit www.snec.org.cn/Default.aspx?lang=en.
About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.
For First Solar Investors
This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company’s business involving the company’s products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company’s key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.
5 Super-Sized Solar Projects Transforming the U.S. Clean Energy Landscape
April 18th, 2013
2012 marked a record year for America’s solar industry. Installations surged by 76 percent compared to 2011 — representing an estimated market value of $11.5 billion. From commercial to residential, every sector experienced growth, but the clear standout of 2012 was utility-scale solar.
Utility-scale solar projects are designed to generate massive amounts of electricity. Unlike other sectors, the electricity generated by utility-scale projects is sold directly to wholesale utility buyers. In the recently released U.S. Solar Market Insight report, GreenTech Media and SEIA found that the utility-scale sector grew by an unprecedented 134 percent last year — with eight of the largest solar projects in America starting operation.
Many of these projects were supported by investments from the Energy Department’s Loan Guarantee Program. These investments — in several of the world’s largest solar generation facilities — help to lower the cost of financing and accelerate the completion of transformative clean energy projects. Here are the utility-scale projects that came online last year as part of the loan program portfolio.
Agua Caliente Phase I-IV
With 287 MW of generation capacity online, Agua Caliente is one of the nation’s largest utility scale photovoltaic solar generation facilities. Situated on 2,400 acres of land in Yuma County, Arizona it will provide enough clean, renewable electricity to power about 100,000 homes per year.
In addition to creating about 1,400 local jobs at peak construction, Agua Caliente continues to provide economic opportunities for area businesses — from engineering and design firms, to suppliers and service providers. The project will use approximately 4.89 million thin film solar panels.
Alamosa Solar
In Colorado, the Alamosa Solar project is breaking records as the largest high-concentration solar facility in the world. The solar panels used at the facility are controlled by a tracking system that rotates and tilts the panels throughout the day to capture as much of the sun’s energy as possible. The innovative system is also highly-efficient — using Fresnel lenses to concentrate sunlight by a multiple of 500 onto multijunction solar cells.
Successfully beginning operation last May, Alamosa produces enough clean, renewable energy to power more than 5,100 homes and avoid the emissions of 34,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. More than 80 percent of the components for the solar facility are manufactured in the United States.
Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One
About 80 miles north of Los Angeles, the first phase of the Antelope Valley Solar Ranch facility is complete. Once fully operational, the Solar Ranch’s annual capacity will more than double to 230 MW — supplying enough energy to the grid to power about 75,000 homes. The project — which employed about 900 workers at construction peak — uses approximately 30,000 metric tons of American steel.
When operational later this year, the facility will displace nearly 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually — equivalent to the emissions of at least 60,000 vehicles. The project is projected to serve the energy needs of 42,700 Southern California homes every year.
Mesquite Solar 1
Located in Maricopa County, Arizona, Mesquite Solar 1 taps into 300 days of sunshine each year to generate about 124 MW of clean electricity. The success of Mesquite Solar has been a boon to the surrounding community — creating nearly 530 jobs during peak construction. Key components for the solar installation were manufactured in America — including inverters manufactured in Colorado.
With the first phase of the Mesquite Solar project complete, the next phase will focus on the development of the remaining 4,000 acre solar complex. The team is on track to operate more than 1000 MW of renewable energy capacity by the end of 2013.
California Valley Solar Ranch Phase I-IV
Sunny, expansive San Luis Obispo marks the ideal location for the California Valley Solar Ranch. Once fully complete, the Solar Ranch will reach a total generation capacity of 250 MW — enough energy to power the equivalent of almost every home in San Luis Obispo County. According to the project sponsor, the facility is expected to inject $315 million into the local economy, and is estimated to generate $10 million in total tax revenues.
At their current capacities, these utility-scale projects are generating about 631 MWdc of clean electricity. Follow the progress of these projects and learn about our other clean energy investments by visiting the Loan Guarantee Program Office site.
Source: DOE
Lockheed Martin and Reignwood Group to Develop Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Power Plant
April 18th, 2013
Baltimore , April 16, 2013
Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has announced that it is working with Reignwood Group to develop an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) pilot power plant off the coast of southern China. A memorandum of agreement between the two companies was signed in Beijing on Saturday. Following the ceremony, both companies met with United States Secretary of State John Kerry during his first official state visit to the People’s Republic of China.
The 10-megawatt offshore plant, to be designed by Lockheed Martin, will be the largest OTEC project developed to date, supplying 100 percent of the power needed for a green resort to be built by Reignwood Group. In addition, the agreement could lay the foundation for the development of several additional OTEC power plants ranging in size from 10 to 100 megawatts, for a potential multi-billion dollar value.
“The benefits to generating power with OTEC are immense, and Lockheed Martin has been leading the way in advancing this technology for decades,” said Dan Heller, vice president of new ventures for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training.
Constructing a sea-based, multi-megawatt pilot OTEC power plant for Reignwood Group is the final step in making it an economic option to meet growing needs for clean, reliable energy.
OTEC takes the natural temperature difference found in the ocean in tropical regions and uses it to create power. This technology is well-suited to island and coastal communities where energy transportation costs typically make other sources of power very expensive. The process provides a native power source to areas, and, like other renewable energy technologies, OTEC plants will be clean, sustainable and powered by free fuel.
Unlike other renewable energy technologies, this power is also base load, meaning it can be produced consistently 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A commercial-scale OTEC plant will have the capability to power a small city. The energy can also be used for the cultivation of other crucial resources such as clean drinking water and hydrogen for applications such as electric vehicles.
In addition to several other green energy-related projects across a variety of industries, Reignwood Group is currently developing two large scale low-carbon resort communities, with others planned in key locations in China. Using Lockheed Martin’s OTEC technology to power a new resort will help the company to develop its first net-zero community.
“Our mission at Reignwood Group is to invest in low-carbon applications and solutions, integrating these new green technologies into a plan to promote sustainable development practices,” said Colin Liu, senior vice president of Reignwood Group. “Lockheed Martin’s OTEC technology offers a ground-breaking solution that will help us to achieve this mission.”
Once the proposed plant is developed and operational, the two companies plan to use the knowledge gained to improve the design of the additional commercial-scale plants, to be built over the next 10 years. Each 100-megawatt OTEC facility could produce the same amount of energy in a year as 1.3 million barrels of oil, decrease carbon emissions by half a million tons and provide a domestic energy source that is sustainable, reliable and secure. With oil trading near $100 a barrel, the fuel-savings from one plant could top $130 million per year.
About Lockheed Martin:
Lockheed Martin was first involved in developing OTEC technology in the 1970s, and was part of a team that built the first successful floating OTEC system to generate net power.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.
Demand for Efficient and Ultra-Clean Stationary Fuel Cells Drives Job Creation in Connecticut
April 18th, 2013
DANBURY, Conn. April 18, 2013.
FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL) a global leader in the design, manufacture, operation and service of ultra-clean, efficient and reliable fuel cell power plants, today provided an update on its previously announced plans to ramp to a 70 megawatt (MW) annual run-rate and the job creation resulting from the demand for its highly efficient and environmentally friendly stationary fuel cell power plants.
“We are pleased with the progress in ramping our production rate by 25 percent and expect to be at a 70 megawatt annualized run-rate by May 1, 2013,” said Chip Bottone, President and Chief Executive Officer, FuelCell Energy, Inc.
The ramp of the business and hiring is directly related to demand in Connecticut such as a 14.9 megawatt fuel cell park in Bridgeport as well as overseas demand and a strong project pipeline.
As a result of the increased run-rate and execution on the business plan, the Company expects to report revenues for its second fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2013 in the range of $38 to $40 million. This compares favorably to total revenues of $36.4 million reported for the quarter ended January 31, 2013 and $24.2 million reported for the quarter ended April 30, 2012.
FuelCell Energy now employs more than 240 workers at its Danbury headquarters and research and development facility and 295 at its Torrington production facility. In the past six months, employment at the Torrington site has increased by more than 20 percent. Including Connecticut, the Company’s total global employment now exceeds 600 full time employees. FuelCell Energy has been headquartered in Connecticut since 1969.
“We attract employees from around the State including 82 different towns in 7 of the 8 counties in Connecticut,” said Darrell Bradford, Vice President Human Resources, FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Stationary fuel cell power plants provide continuous on-site power and electric grid support in a highly efficient electrochemical process that is virtually absent of pollutants. Ultra-clean, quiet, and requiring only modest space, FuelCell Energy’s Direct FuelCell® (DFC®) fuel cell power plants are easy to site in populated areas. Direct FuelCells® (DFC®) electrochemically convert a fuel source into electricity and heat in a highly efficient process that emits virtually no pollutants due to the absence of combustion. DFC power plants are fuel flexible, capable of operating on natural gas, renewable biogas or directed biogas. Total efficiency of up to 90 percent can be achieved by DFC plants configured for combined heat and power (CHP), depending on the application. High efficiency reduces fuel costs and carbon emissions and producing both electricity and heat from the same unit of fuel can reduce the use of combustion based boilers used for heating, further reducing costs and pollutants.
About FuelCell Energy
Direct FuelCell® power plants are generating ultra-clean, efficient and reliable power at more than 50 locations worldwide. With more than 300 megawatts of power generation capacity installed or in backlog, FuelCell Energy is a global leader in providing ultra-clean baseload distributed generation to utilities, industrial operations, universities, municipal water treatment facilities, government installations and other customers around the world. The Company’s power plants have generated more than 1.5 billion kilowatt hours of ultra-clean power using a variety of fuels including renewable biogas from wastewater treatment and food processing, as well as clean natural gas. For more information please visit our website at www.fuelcellenergy.com and view career opportunities at FuelCell Energy.
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This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company’s plans and expectations regarding the continuing development, commercialization and financing of its fuel cell technology and business plans. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that could cause such a difference include, without limitation, whether the Company is able to reach definitive agreements on the terms contemplated in the memorandums of agreement with POSCO Energy, general risks associated with product development, manufacturing, changes in the regulatory environment, customer strategies, potential volatility of energy prices, rapid technological change, competition, and the Company’s ability to achieve its sales plans and cost reduction targets, as well as other risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statement to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Direct FuelCell, DFC, DFC/T, DFC-H2 and FuelCell Energy, Inc. are all registered trademarks of FuelCell Energy, Inc. DFC-ERG is a registered trademark jointly owned by Enbridge, Inc. and FuelCell Energy, Inc.
REC Solar Expands Residential Solutions to Hawaii
April 13th, 2013
April, 2013|KAPOLEI, Hawaii
REC Solar, a national leader in solar electric system design and installation, now offers turnkey residential solar solutions on the island of O’ahu. Thanks to REC Solar’s partnership with Sunrun, the nation’s leading home solar company, Hawaii residents can now go solar without high upfront cost and lock in low energy rates for 20 years while slashing their electric bill from day one.
This expansion builds on REC Solar’s considerable success in the state’s commercial and utility solar markets to address one of the fastest-growing residential solar markets in the nation. Recently, the company expanded its facility in Kapolei and is hiring a dedicated local team to manage residential business operations and system installation on the island.
“Hawaii’s homeowners face some of the highest electricity costs in the country,” said John Bumgarner, Regional Sales Manager for REC Solar. “REC Solar brings Hawaii residents relief with lower costs, efficiencies and expertise gained over more than 15 years in business and 9,000 solar systems installed. With this expansion in O’ahu, homeowners can take advantage of abundant sunshine and reduce their energy bill right now with clean, affordable solar energy.”
A recent SEIA report projects that Hawaii will become the second-largest residential solar state in 2013. This O’ahu expansion provides a strategic base for REC Solar to meet increased demand from homeowners as well as corporate, agricultural, government and utility customers. The company has completed over seven megawatts for commercial and government clients in Hawaii, and is slated to begin construction soon on one of the largest solar projects approved in the state—the 14.5 megawatt Anahola project for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.
About REC Solar
REC Solar, Inc., a subsidiary of Mainstream Energy Corporation, is a national leader in solar electric system design and installation. Focused on making solar affordable and simple, REC Solar specializes in residential, business, government and utility projects, offering a local presence in all major solar markets in the U.S. By providing innovative products, efficient processes and integrated services, REC Solar is committed to delivering high-quality systems while lowering the cost of solar power for all. In 15 years of business, REC Solar has installed more than 9,000 systems nationwide in excess of 140 megawatts. For more, visit RECSolar.com or call (888) 657-6527.
Boeing Announces Highest Ever Energy Conversion Efficiency without Solar Concentration
April 13th, 2013
Increased efficiency for ground-based applications
SYLMAR, California, April , 2013
A Spectrolab solar cell recently set a world record by converting more energy from the sun into electricity than any other ground-based solar cell without solar concentration.
The Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary’s achievement in ground-based solar cell efficiency was verified by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo.
The cell converted 37.8 percent of solar energy using a new class of high-efficiency multi-junction solar cell, created from two or more materials and leveraging Boeing technology that makes semiconductor materials more reliable. The record was set without concentration, the common practice of having lenses or mirrors focus solar rays on the cells.
“We expect this solar cell technology will have significant benefits for space, ground-based, and sensor applications,” said Troy Dawson, president of Spectrolab.
Spectrolab believes this solar cell technology can attain higher levels of efficiency, “possibly more than 45 percent even under low concentrations,” according to Nasser Karam, the company’s vice president for advanced technology.
Spectrolab, which is part of the Boeing Defense, Space & Security unit, is the world’s leading merchant supplier of high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells and panels for concentrated photovoltaic and spacecraft power systems. Spectrolab offers sensors and solar simulators, in addition to being the world’s leading provider of airborne searchlights.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
Arecent Launch of Solar Products Coming from BYD and KBP Saw a Host of Products
April 9th, 2013
Technology of tomorrow
An Indo-Chinese solution for solar power storage methods might be the answer to existing issues related to power shortage. Shruti Marlecha gets you the low down of the product launch that happened in the city
Arecent launch of solar products, coming from the Indo-Chinese collaboration – BYD and KBP – saw a host of products, which could potentially help Tamil Nadu fix its issues of power shortage. Tom Zhao, General Manager, BYD Solar Division 2, said,
We couldn’t have got a better partner. We have formed an ideal collaboration. The Siddique Group has some amazing plans and its detailed market study has prompted us to join hands with them in this project.
Some of the primary products that they are bringing to the Indian market include IT products, solar products, and power storage systems. Power storage system works on the energy of wind and uses battery for the purpose of storage. This battery can help people save the power from solar or wind energy, which can be used in a situation of power shortage. Rafique Siddique expressed his belief that these products would be extremely useful in the Indian market because of the constant hitch in power supply.
“The technology has been developed in such a way that power can be saved and then used when there is a shortage. This will be economical in the long run. This idea is not driven by government policies; this is driven by real needs of the market,” he said.
The product is aimed to work well for retail shop owners, big shopping malls and educational institutions like arts, science and engineering colleges to take up energy audit, in order to cut down the energy costs.
A K Raghavan, Executive Director of Solar Lights and Infra (India) Pvt Ltd, said, “It is important to create awareness among people to use solar energy, so that we can depend less on alternative energies like wind and water. I strongly believe that necessity pushes everyone to take the extreme step and right now, the priority is to develop a better mode of energy generation.”
When asked about their long term goal, Shankar Chaturvedi, Business Head- India, BYD, said that they were planning to set up a manufacturing unit, preferably in Sriperumbudur in Chennai, which will provide employment to over 4000 people.
Differentiation has become the key factor in today’s market. Rafique Siddique is aware of this factor and is ready to take on the challenge. “BYD is a total solution provider. We help people solve power shortage by providing power management and not just the power generation.”
A word from the dealers also conveyed a positive turn to the event. “I took up dealership with BYD because of their strong brand name. Besides, it will help in the creation a better world for tomorrow’s generation,” said a dealer of BYD, adding, “It’s an entirely new concept and I strongly believe in what will be the technology of tomorrow.”
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