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Table
of Contents
Update on New England
Project Funding Opportunities
Connecticut
Funding Increased for
Small PV Rebate Program
· The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Investment
Committee approved additional funding of $3 million in February 2006 for
the Residential/Small Solar PV Rebate Program to support residential
installations under 5 kW and small commercial, industrial and institutional
installations under 10 kW. This additional funding will support about 130
new installations, approximately 120 residential and 10 small commercial,
industrial and institutional installations.
The increase was approved, in part, because of the success of this program
over the last 15 months. To date, under the previously approved $1.8
million program budget, approximately 75 residential solar installations
have been approved totaling just over 308 kW. Thirty-five of the
installations have been completed and the remaining approved systems are
scheduled for construction. During this same period, three small CI&I
installations were approved totaling 20 kW with funding of just over
$90,000.
Connecticut
Clean EnergyFund: www.ctcleanenergy.com
Massachusetts
Small Renewables
Initiative Quickly Committing Funds; Additional Resources Being Sought to
Extend Successful MTC Program
The Massachusetts Technology
Collaborative's (MTC) Small Renewables Initiative (SRI), originally funded
at $5 million with the expectation that funds would last three years, has
committed nearly all those funds to projects. It is anticipated that
projects for the last $1 million will be approved by the end of MTC's
fiscal year in June, less than a year and a half after the program began.
MTC attributes the success of the SRI
program to rising electricity rates, the availability of federal tax
incentives, and environmental concerns about climate change. Discussions
are underway to secure resources for the program's continuation. Program
update at www.masstech.org
Installer Survey Confirms
Importance of Small Renewables Initiative
At the request of the Massachusetts
Technology Collaborative, SEBANE conducted an on-line survey this winter of
members and others identified as active installers in SRI. The survey's
objective was to explore the effects of MTC's Small Renewables Initiative
on the PV industry in Massachusetts.
SEBANE received a greater than 50% response, including specific comments
from installers and related PV industry professionals active in Massachusetts. The
majority of respondents identified themselves as installers, electricians
or electrical contractors, or system designers. Thank you to SEBANE members
who responded. Summary of Findings:
- PV-related employment is increasing.
Respondents report that their payrolls have grown, are growing, and
will continue to grow, as a result of the SRI program.
- Business is growing. The
number of installations are increasing year-on- year, with significant
jumps projected for 2006 and 2007.
- Customers are motivated today.
All respondents indicated that consumer interest is increasing, and
almost 62% described interest as “increasing quickly.”
- PV buyers are not characterized as
“well-to-do”. Most customers are
described as being “environmentalists” or “average
folks”, with a significant number also expressing a particular
interest in energy technology and issues.
- “Availability of MTC grants” is the
primary customer driver. While installers
identified SRI as the prime driver, “rising electricity
rates” and “wanting to protect the environment” were
also major motivators. “Tax credits” and “greater
comfort with PV technology” were also identified as significant
reasons for current customer interest.
- An uncertain future for SRI severely affects future
business outlook. Loss of SRI funding after
the end of 2006, or even a break in funding with no new start-up date
announced, will cause declining business and staffing levels for
nearly all respondents.
- Program continuity at current funding levels will
keeps businesses growing and result in increased employment. With
three more years of SRI funding, business and staffing will continue
to grow. A five year commitment to future SRI funding will result in
more aggressive staffing growth for more than 50% of respondents.
- Reductions to SRI incentive levels will cool growth
and hiring. Even with SRI program
continuity and maintenance of total funding levels, most respondents
predicted a slowdown and cool-off of business growth and declines in
hiring if incentive levels are reduced below levels planned for the
5th block of current funding.
Solarbuzz
Reports World Solar Photovoltaic Market Grew 34% in 2005; 837 Megawatts
Installed in Germany
World solar photovoltaic (PV) market
installations reached a record high of 1,460 Megawatts (MW) in 2005,
representing annual growth of 34%, says the annual PV market report issued
by Solarbuzz LLC, the San
Francisco based solar energy consultancy. Germany's
PV market grew 53% to 837 Megawatts in 2005, corresponding to 57% of the
world market. This level is eight times the size of the United States
market. Japan's
14% growth took it to 292 MW.
"Cumulative installed solar PV electricity generating capacity
expanded by 39% in 2005 and now exceeds 5 Gigawatts worldwide and
investment in new plants to manufacture solar cells exceeded $1 billion in
2005," said Craig Stevens, President of Solarbuzz LLC.
"Meanwhile, the PV industry raised more than $1.8 billion in the
capital markets over the past 12 months."
Solar cell production reached a consolidated figure of 1,656 MW in 2005, up
from 1,146 MW. Japanese producers maintained their leadership with a 46%
share, while Europe accounted for 28%. US cell
production was 156 MW in 2005. Despite a rise of 12% in silicon feedstock
capacity, tight supply caused long-term polysilicon contract prices to
increase by up to 25%. The on-going capacity shortfall will restrict world
PV market growth to just 10% in 2006.
Solarbuzz market demand forecast scenarios show worldwide industry revenues
will reach $18.6 to $23.1 billion with annual PV installations between 3.2
and 3.9 Gigawatts in 2010. Stevens concluded, "As the rate of increase
in German demand is set to moderate, Southern Europe
has become the new target for rapid market development."
The Marketbuzz 2006 report also projects resolution of current silicon
supply shortfalls within the five-year forecast period.
More Information: www.solarbuzz.com
New
Research Finds Common Ground on Energy and Environment Among Democrats and
Republicans
New research and poll analysis from the
non-partisan Pew Research Center
has found that, with high fuel prices and instability in the Middle East, Americans are increasingly concerned
about the nation's energy situation. In January, 58% rated "dealing
with the nation's energy problem" a top priority, up from just 47% a
year ago and 40% in January of 2003. The research also showed that
Americans are becoming increasingly anxious about the environment. In
January, 57% rated "protecting the environment" a top priority,
up from 49% a year ago and just 39% in 2003.
The outgrowth of this concern about both energy and the environment is that
the public expresses almost universal support for solutions that address
both problems at the same time. Fully 86% favor the government requiring
better fuel efficiency standards for cars, trucks and SUVs, and 82% favor
increased federal funding for research on wind, solar and hydrogen energy.
Even more striking in today's politicized environment, is the level of
bipartisan consensus behind these proposals. Republicans back higher fuel
efficiency standards as uniformly as Democrats, and, if anything, are even
stronger backers of federal research programs on alternative energy
sources. Even expanding government spending on mass transportation,
supported by two-in-three Americans overall, is backed equally by both
Democrats and Republicans.
New England PV Market Activity
Berkshire
Photovoltaic Services, Schott Solar, and Solectria Renewables Team on PV
Project at Springfield Tech Park
A new 30.8 kW system designed and installed by Berkshire Photovoltaic
Services (BPVS) at Springfield Tech Park includes 108 Schott Solar 285W PV
modules and two Solectria Renewables PVI13KW 480VAC, 3-phase inverters. The
system is designed to provide instructional opportunities for Springfield
Technical Community College (STCC) students and professional development
courses offered through the Center for Business development at STCC. The
installation was funded by a Massachusetts Technology Collaborative grant.
“The Solectria design approach
offers excellence in safety, efficient inverter topology, ease of
installation and durability”, said Chris Kilfoyle of BPVS,
“we’re very pleased with the inverters’ energy capture
and maximum power point tracking at varying light levels.”
According to Solectria, this is the 15th higher education institution to
choose Solectria Renewables’ technology for their PV system.
Solectria Renewables now has over 30 PV inverters operating in educational
institutions across the country. Solectria Renewables’ customers,
with systems raging in size from 2.5kW to 90kW include Northeastern
University, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the Massachusetts
College of Liberal Arts, along with an elementary school, a charter school
and several technical schools and community schools. Additionally,
inverters are currently being installed at the California Institute of Technology
and Oberlin University in Ohio.
Spire
Introduces the SPI-ASSEMBLER 6000 Solar Cell Assembly Machine
Spire introduced its new SPI-ASSEMBLER(TM) 6000 in January 2006, the latest
in its line of advanced equipment for manufacturing solar photovoltaic modules.
The SPI-ASSEMBLER 6000 is built upon the foundation of the successful
SPI-ASSEMBLER 5000, which is used broadly in the solar module manufacturing
industry. It combines tabbing and stringing into one automated production
machine that interconnects solar cells by soldering flat metal leads, or
tabs, to cell contacts.
Connecticut’s
Largest-Ever Solar Energy Project Gets CCEF Funding; 433 kW Project will
give CT one megawatt of PV
The single largest solar photovoltaic project in the state will go forward
as a result of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s (CCEF) recent approval
of $1.7 million in funding for the project. The 433 kilowatt commercial
solar photovoltaic system will be developed in eastern Connecticut on the
site of the distribution center of a major national company. CCEF is
funding the project under its $21 million On-site Renewable Distributed
Generation Program. The decision represents a milestone: CCEF has now
supported development of more than 100 solar PV systems statewide, which
have a total nameplate capacity exceeding one megawatt (1,000 kilowatts of
electricity).
Brockton
Signs $3 Million Agreement with Global Solar Energy to Build Largest Massachusetts
PV Project
Brockton Mayor James E. Harrington has announced a contract with Global
Solar Energy, Inc. to build the state’s largest solar array at a
remediated brownfield site in Brockton, Massachusetts. Global Solar Energy
and its partners will design, install, operate and maintain a 425 kWDCSTC
photovoltaic system. The system will use 1,395 ASE300 (310kW) modules from
Schott Solar, Inc that could generate over 535MWh of electricity the first
year. Global Solar Energy’s project team includes not only equipment
manufacturer Schott Solar, but also Satcon Technology for power conversion
systems and Fat Spaniel Technologies for data acquisition systems.
Landerholm Electric Company, a Brockton-based company, will perform
installation, security, and operations and maintenance services. J. Derenzo
Company and Coler & Colantonio will provide additional site preparation
and engineering services.
The project has a budget of $3.037 million, which will be paid through $2.1
million in city funds, and grant funds from the Massachusetts Renewable
Energy Trust and the US Department of Energy. The project design will
commence immediately - site preparation will begin in April and system
installation will begin in May. Bay State Gas Company, the property owner,
is contributing to the project through its clean up activities, land
acquisition, and by adding attractive landscaping and fencing around the
property. The company will lease the property to the City for 30 years.
Evergreen
Solar Announces $88 Million Contract With Global Resource Options
Evergreen Solar, Inc. has entered into a multi-year supply contract with
Global Resource Options, Inc. (GRO), a Vermont-based solar power
distributor and system integrator. The agreement calls for Evergreen Solar
to ship approximately $88 million of photovoltaic modules to GRO over the
next four years. Said Richard M. Feldt, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Evergreen Solar. "GRO has firmly established its presence
in the Northeast region and is expanding into adjacent markets. We see them
as a key partner in our effort to grow and maximize our penetration of the
U.S. market."
Jeff Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer of GRO, said the contract would assist
the company in executing its business strategy of maintaining consistent
and reliable supplies of solar products to residential and small commercial
customers throughout the region at a steady price. This is the third major
contract that Evergreen Solar has announced in recent months. Products will
be manufactured at Evergreen Solar's plant in Massachusetts and at EverQ's
new 30-MW facility in Thalheim, Germany. EverQ is a partnership between
Evergreen Solar, Q-Cells AG of Germany and Renewable Energy Corporation ASA
(REC) of Norway.
Global
Resource Options Donates $38K System to Twin Pines Housing Trust
Vermont's Global Resource Options (GRO), has donated two solar electric
systems to Twin Pines Housing Trust, the non-profit housing developer
serving the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. GRO and Twin Pines
have also announced an ongoing partnership whereby GRO will donate $500 in
cash to Twin Pines for every residential solar system purchased by a Twin
Pines supporter. The total retail value of GRO's initial donation -- two
complete operational systems -- will be $38,000. GRO will install the
systems as part of its donation.
GRO and Twin Pines hope that this partnership will lead to future
collaborations. GRO CEO Jeff Wolfe said, "GRO sees a future when our
business will be far more than installing solar panel on roofs. GRO will
soon provide full-service energy consulting to homeowners and to developers
- installing and servicing renewable energy sources, and ensuring that a
home and its appliances are the most energy efficient possible."
Konarka
Raises $20 Million in Venture Capital Financing Led by 3i
Konarka Technologies, Inc. has raised $20 million in additional venture
capital financing. The financing was led by 3i, a world leading venture
capital and private equity firm. Existing investors, including Draper
Fisher Jurvetson, New Enterprise Associates, Good Energies, Vanguard
Ventures, Partech International and Chevron Technology Ventures, also
participated in the round. Concurrent with the funding, Marko Maschek,
partner with 3i, and Michael Ware, managing director at Advanced Capital
Markets representing Good Energies, have joined Konarka's Board of
Directors.
Said Howard Berke, chairman and chief executive officer, Konarka,
"This funding will provide long-term financial support for ongoing
process and product development, as we continue to execute upon our
strategy of partnering with leading global materials, printing and product
application companies." Based on its contributions to the energy
market and the nanotechnology field, Konarka has been named a Red Herring
Top 100 Company and was awarded the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award
for 2005. In addition, the Company has been honored for innovation by Fast
Company, the World Economic Forum, Small Times, Always On, Innovation World
and Mass High Tech.
Spire
to Develop Advanced Thermophotovoltaic Cells
Spire has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to
develop a new type of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power cell that produces
electricity from heat. The cells are similar to solar cells that convert
visible photons to electricity, but the semiconductor material is adjusted
to convert long-wavelength or thermal photons to electricity. The grant is
from NASA's John Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
The project has potential applications for NASA to generate electricity
from heat generated by long-life radioisotope sources for long duration
space missions. On such missions, power generated by conventional solar
cells may be limited due to the great distance from the sun. Commercial
applications of TPV cells include electricity co-generation using heat from
wood or propane combustion.
Evergreen
Solar Announces $125 Million Distribution Agreement With German
Distributor; Recent Contracts Total More Than $380 Million
Evergreen Solar, Inc. has announced it has
entered into a multi-year supply contract with Donauer Solartechnik, a
German-based solar power distributor. The agreement calls for Evergreen
Solar to ship approximately $125 million of photovoltaic modules, based on
current exchange rates, to Donauer over the next four years. The
distribution agreement with Donauer is Evergreen Solar's fourth major
contract in the past four months and is the largest in Company history. The
value of these four contracts totals more than $380 million over the next
four years.
"Donauer has been an outstanding
distribution partner for Evergreen Solar for several years, and we look
forward to our expanded relationship," said Richard M. Feldt,
Evergreen Solar's president and chief executive officer. "With more
than $100 million in 2005 sales and well over 1,000 customers, Donauer is
one of the fastest growing distributors in Europe. They have built an
outstanding reputation in the industry, successfully serving the
residential and small commercial segments by supporting numerous local
installers with products and related support services. Working with
Donauer, we plan to continue expanding our presence in Germany as well as
emerging markets such as Spain, Portugal and Italy."
SEBANE
Shines at NESEA “Building Energy 2006” Trade Show
SEBANE and its member organizations were well represented at the Northeast
Sustainable Energy Association conference in early March in Boston. In
addition to exhibiting at the trade show, numbers of SEBANE members
attended the event and participated in workshop sessions. Members that did
not have their own exhibits placed their marketing materials in the
exhibition space taken by SEBANE. Special thanks to Solar One Solutions for
providing an exhibit backdrop for SEBANE and to Sunnyside Solar, Evergreen
Solar and Heliotronics for volunteering time to cover the SEBANE booth.
Massachusetts
Technology Collaborative Publishes The
Case for Installing Solar Electricity: A Guide for Massachusetts Businesses
A business guide to PV, developed and written by SEBANE has been published
by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The Guide, designed for
business decision makers, provides an overview of PV technology, as well as
issues that should be considered in planning for and installing small and
large systems. The multi-color Guide offers case studies of four large
Massachusetts projects that have been completed and includes the
perspectives of executives involved in the projects from each company.
Central to the Guide is a high level pro-forma analysis of the economics of
a large PV project, showing the effects of available state and federal
incentives and depreciation on a project’s flow. Copies of the Guide
are available from MTC or SEBANE.
SEBANE Welcomes New Members
Appleton
Electric is an electrical contracting company that focuses on projects
from residential needs and maintenance agreements to renovations, additions
and build outs, to commercial undertakings.
The
Writing Company is a communications consulting / educational
development firm that focuses on energy, water, and the environment. They
provide business writing workshops to businesses, governments, and trade
associations across the US.
April
5-6 - Residential
Design 2006 presented by
the Boston Society of Architects/AIA
- World Trade Center, Boston
The two-day event exhibits the latest ideas, technologies, products and
services in the residential building sector.
April 4-5 - The
Wall Street Green Trading Summit presented by Bloomberg -
The Hedge Connection - New York City
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