CellCube storage system could be the basis for a fueling station

In Martigny (Switzerland) a CellCube vanadium redox flow storing system is installed since the end of 2015 as a basis for the fueling station of the future.

The project is led by the Laboratory for Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry (LEPA) of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) aiming to delevop a fueling station of the future for vehicles powered by carbon-free energy.

This fueling station is capable of providing energy to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles alike. Herewith the type of infrastructure needed to transition to alternatively fueled vehicles can be explored.

Storing green energy with the CellCube FB 200-400

The core of the system is a CellCube FB 200-400 vanadium redox flow storing system with a power output of 200 kW and a storage capacity of 400 kWh. As a control center the CellCube is used for charging electric vehicles as well as for the production of hydrogen.

The CellCube will be critical for isolating the fueling station from disturbances in the power grid, as well as dampening the demand for energy from the grid. However, the vanadium redox flow storage system takes on the additional role of managing the various loads at the fueling station. As the ‘brain’ of the system, the CellCube will determine when to charge, when to discharge back into the electrical grid and produce hydrogen, all while maintaining enough contingency power to supply the site through a blackout.

During the course of the project, this control scheme will be optimized with the goal of being able to power such a fueling station entirely by renewable energy sources. “The project provides a glimpse of the future of mobility, based on clean, sustainable energy,” reads the press release.

 source:http://www.solarserver.com

TEP receives approval to develop two innovative 10 MW energy storage facilities

Tucson Electric Power (TEP, Arizona, U.S.) will enter into long-term agreements with E.ON Climate & Renewables and NextEra Energy Resources for the construction of two large, innovative energy storage systems.

The energy storage projects, approved on May 3^rd, 2016 by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), will be used to improve service reliability and study how such systems can support the expansion of solar power resources and other renewable energy technologies.

“We hope that innovative systems like these will help us achieve our long-term renewable energy goals without compromising the reliability or affordability of our service,” said David G. Hutchens, TEP’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

TEP is working to deliver at least 30 percent of its power from renewable resources by 2030, doubling the state’s 2025 goal.

In June 2015, TEP issued a request for proposals to lease a large, 10 megawatt (MW) energy storage system. With bids submitted by more than 20 qualified vendors, TEP was able to select two competitively-priced proposals.

“Because our project partners were motivated to demonstrate the capabilities of their respective technologies, they submitted favorable bids that will allow us to build both projects for less than our original estimated cost to build a single 10 MW system,” said Carmine Tilghman, a TEP Senior Director who oversees the company’s renewable energy programs.

“These systems will help us build a more resilient grid at a reduced cost to consumers.”

Both projects will be developed under 10-year contracts with performance agreements to protect customers and the company from financial risks associated with investing in new technologies.

The projects include:

• A 10 MW lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) facility at a TEP substation near Interstate 10 and West Grant Road. The system will be built by NextEra Energy Resources, based in Juno Beach, Florida, and is expected to be in operation late this year.
  
• A 10 MW lithium titanate oxide (LTO) storage facility and accompanying 2 MW solar array located at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park southeast of Tucson. The facility will be built by Chicago-based E.ON Climate & Renewables and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.

The systems will be used primarily to help maintain the required balance between energy demand and supply.

Energy storage systems can boost power output levels more quickly than conventional generating resources. If the voltage frequency of the regional electric grid suddenly dropped, power producers like TEP would be required to quickly ramp up output to boost frequency and maintain reliability.

The systems also can help prevent power outages during periods of high energy demand by supporting stable voltage on TEP’s energy delivery system. In the event of an outage, the systems could provide about 5 MW of power for up to an hour.

TEP will continue investing in large solar arrays and other community scale renewable resources that add cost-effective capacity to its renewable energy portfolio. TEP anticipates an additional 800 megawatts (MW) of new renewable capacity by the end of 2030, boosting its total renewable energy portfolio to approximately 1,200 MW.

 source:http://www.solarserver.com

REFU Elektronik completes blanket purchase agreement for the delivery of solar PV string inverters with 92 MW to Turkey

REFU Elektronik (Pfullingen, Germany) on May 3^rd, 2016 announced the completion of a blanket purchase agreement with the Turkish investor A Enerji regarding the delivery of REFUsol string inverters for photovoltaic (PV) projects with a total of 92 megawatts (MW).

As a part of the Solarex trade show in Istanbul, REFU Elektronik GmbH and the Turkish investor A Enerji signed a blanket purchase agreement for 92 MW with a term set to last until the end of May 2017.

A Enerji, which has already implemented several systems using REFUsol devices, will build the PV systems with 2 x 40 MW and 12 MW in the Mediterranean region of Osmaniye.

The decentralised photovoltaic systems will be equipped with REFUsol 40K/46K inverters.

“One advantage of this 3-phase string inverter with 400 V AC or 460 V AC is the integrated convection cooling, which makes the devices nearly maintenance-free. Additionally, they offer a high return on investment with an efficiency rating of over 98% even at partial load,” explains Christian Buchholz, Head of Solar Project Management at REFU Elektronik.

Additionally, the systems are equipped with the REFUlog monitoring portal. The operating data are recorded using an integrated data logger and transmitted to a web-based database. The Internet-based REFUlog tool makes it possible to monitor and analyse this data and allows the system operator to maintain a continuous overview of the returns and profitability.

After REFU Elektronik GmbH in February announced that it will be embedding REFUsol into the brand portfolio of REFU Elektronik GmbH, successful collaboration in Turkey will be continued through the blanket purchase agreement with A Enerji.

source:http://www.solarserver.com

U.S. DOE announces USD 25 million to accelerate integration of solar energy into Nation’s electrical grid

As part of the U.S. Energy Department’s ongoing efforts to modernize the nation’s grid through the Grid Modernization Initiative, the Energy Department on May 2^nd, 2016 announced USD 25 million in available funding through an effort called “Enabling Extreme Real-Time Grid Integration of Solar Energy (ENERGISE)” to help software developers, solar companies, and utilities accelerate the integration of solar energy into the grid.

Since President Obama took office, the amount of solar power installed in the U.S. has increased 23-fold – from 1.2 gigawatts in 2008 to an estimated 27.4 gigawatts in 2015, with one million systems now in operation.

One of the key challenges to further solar deployment is the ability to integrate distributed generation sources like rooftop PV panels into the grid while balancing that generation with traditional utility generation to keep reliable and cost-effective power flowing to homes and businesses. The funding opportunity announcement will help support companies working to meet that challenge.

ENERGISE specifically seeks to develop software and hardware platforms for utility distribution system planning and operations that integrate sensing, communication, and data analytics.

These hardware and software solutions will help utilities manage solar and other distributed energy resources on the grid and will be data-driven, easily scaled-up from prototypes, and capable of real-time monitoring and control.

“Our ongoing grid modernization work will help accelerate the widespread adoption of the clean energy resources that will define our low-carbon future. This funding will help that mission by supporting industry partners working to integrate, store, and deploy solar energy throughout our electric grid,” said Lynn Orr, Energy Department Under Secretary for Science and Energy.

“In doing so, we hope to drive down costs and encourage even more American homeowners and businesses to install solar systems.”

Through industry and utility partnerships, the expected 10–15 solutions developed with this new funding will be field-tested by utilities to demonstrate their performance and value in real-world operating environments. These live demonstrations and research findings will provide valuable new tools for utilities and grid operators across the nation.

The full funding opportunity announcement, including application requirements, can be found on Energy.gov.

 source:http://www.solarserver.com

GE supplies PV inverters totaling 220 MW to DEWA’s solar project in Dubai

GE (Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.) will provide 220 megawatt (MW) LV5 Series solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) solar project in Dubai, the largest of its kind in the Middle East region.

The delivery of the DEWA project is expected to start in summer.

DEWA’s PV project is making solar power much more competitive compared to other energy sources

DEWA’s PV project is considered a breakthrough for the solar industry, as the DEWA power purchase contract with ACWA Power had been signed at one of the lowest prices globally of 5.84 U.S. cents/watt without subsidies, making solar power much more competitive compared to other energy sources.

The project demonstrates GE’s confidence to provide reliable and cost-effective solutions that will make solar power a viable energy source to meet future energy demands in the region, the company emphasizes.

The inverters are part of a frame agreement between GE and Spanish engineering, procurement and construction company TSK. GE will supply outdoor solar SKIDs to TSK to be installed at the DEWA site, with GE’s scope of work including LV5 Series inverters, transformers and switchgears.

GE’s liquid-cooled PV inverters are rated for outdoor use and have been conceived to deliver in the harshest of conditions imaginable, according to the producer.

“We’re extremely proud to partner with DEWA and TSK on this groundbreaking solar project,” said Dalya Al Muthanna, president & CEO, GE Gulf.

source: http://www.solarserver.com

Intersolar Europe from 2016-06-22 to 2016-06-24

Intersolar Europe

from 2016-06-22 to 2016-06-24

Messe München
Messegelände
81823 Munich
Germany

Further Information

Intersolar Europe is taking place from June 22–24, 2016 at Messe München, Germany. It is the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry. The exhibition focuses on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies, energy storage systems and renewable heating in the context of pioneering energy systems and infrastructure (smart energy). It is closely associated with the Intersolar Europe Conference. ees Europe, Europe’s largest exhibition for batteries and energy storage systems, is taking place in parallel. Together, both exhibitions offer a comprehensive range of products in the areas of solar energy generation and electrical energy storage.

source: http://www.solarserver.com

ees Intersolar from 2016-06-22 to 2016-06-24 Messe München Messegelände 81823 Munich Germany

ees Intersolar

from 2016-06-22 to 2016-06-24

Messe München 
Messegelände
81823 Munich
Germany

Further Information

ees Europe is the continent’s largest and most-attended trade exhibition for batteries and energy storage systems. 
The exhibition and accompanying conference are devoted to storage solutions for renewable energy, from residential and commercial applications to large-scale storage systems for stabilizing the grids. The spotlight is also shined on topics like energy management, electric transportation and uninterruptible power supply (UPS).The event takes place in parallel to Intersolar Europe, the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry. 380 energy storage exhibitors and 40,000 visitors from 165 countries are expected to come to Munich in 2016.

source: http://www.solarserver.com

Intersolar North America from 2016-07-12 to 2016-07-14

Intersolar North America

from 2016-07-12 to 2016-07-14

Moscone Center
5th floor, 747 Howard St, San Francisco
CA 94103 San Francisco
United States

Further Information

Intersolar North America takes place each July in the heart of North America’s largest solar market: California. Since its establishment in 2008, Intersolar North America has become the most-attended solar event (about 18,000 professionals) and the premier networking platform for the North American solar industry. The exhibition focuses on the areas of photovoltaics, energy storage and solar heating & cooling technologies, and is co-located with ees® North America and SEMICON West. Intersolar North America has become the international industry's meeting point for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, installers and integrators, service providers and partners of the solar industry.

source: http://www.solarserver.com

ees North America from 2016-07-12 to 2016-07-14

ees North America

from 2016-07-12 to 2016-07-14

Moscone Center 
5th floor, 747 Howard St
94103 San Francisco
United States

Further Information

Covering the entire value chain of innovative battery and energy storage technologies, ees® North America is the ideal platform for all stakeholders in the rapidly growing energy storage market. It takes place in the epicenter of the U.S. storage market: California. Co-located with Intersolar North America, North America's most-attended solar event, ees® North America provides the best opportunity to explore energy storage systems in combination with PV and beyond. In 2015, 74 energy storage exhibitors and 17,835 visitors participated in the co-located events. ees® North America is part of the ees® global exhibition series. Together with ees® Europe in Munich, and ees® India in Mumbai, ees® events are represented on three continents.

source: http://www.solarserver.com

Intersolar South America from 2016-08-23 to 2016-08-25

Intersolar South America

from 2016-08-23 to 2016-08-25

Expo Center Norte
Rua José Bernardo Pinto, 333 - Vila Guilherme
02055-000 São Paulo
Brazil

Further Information

The South American solar market is one of the most promising in the world. As energy consumption shoots up, businesses, governments and consumers are looking for ways to make power and heat generation more affordable. Decision-makers at all levels are prepared to start working with more future-ready solutions to quench the region’s new thirst for energy. Especially the Brazilian solar market shows enormous potential, being globally ranked as one of the most promising future markets within the solar industry. Brazil’s government plans to add photovoltaic systems delivering a total 3.5 gigawatts, to the country’s electricity supply by 2023.

Intersolar South America became the 5th Intersolar event, the world's leading exhibition series for the solar industry. The international exhibition and conference for the South American solar industry takes place at the Expo Center Norte in São Paulo, Brazil on August 23-25, 2016 and has a focus on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies, energy storage and solar thermal technologies. Since being founded, Intersolar has become the most important industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners of the solar industry. With 9,000 visitors from 34 countries and over 800 conference attendees, Intersolar South America 2015 attracted more than double its expected attendance, making it South America’s largest solar exhibition and conference. 

115 exhibitors from 11 countries showcased their products in 2015 – an increase of 60% over 2014 – and gave highly positive feedback in their testimonials. Combining local and international expertise, Intersolar South America brings together the PV sector to discuss the current status and trends strategic to South American PV markets, as well as technology innovations and new business opportunities. The event is an important meeting ground for professionals along the entire PV value chain, and is all the more relevant given the recent strong growth in the Brazilian and other South American PV markets. Intersolar South America 2016 will be co-located with ENIE, Brazil’s largest exhibition for electrical installations, from August 23 to 25, making next year’s event the largest ever. Become a mover yourself and exhibit at the key industry platform in São Paulo in 2016!

More information is available on www.intersolar.net.br 

source: http://www.solarserver.com

Intersolar Middle East from 2016-09-19 to 2016-09-21

Intersolar Middle East

from 2016-09-19 to 2016-09-21

Dubai World Trade Center 
Sheikh Zayed Rd
P.O. Box 9292 Dubai Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Website

Further Information

The MENA region is predestined as a location for solar energy production. With some of the highest solar irradiance levels in the world, large open spaces and an increasing demand for energy, experts verify the high growth potential of the region's solar industry. In 2016, Intersolar is teaming up with "dmg events Middle East and Asia" to organize Intersolar Middle East in conjunction with GulfSol, which is taking place from September 19 to 21, 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Center. With Dubai, Intersolar Middle East has secured the ideal venue to reach all of the Gulf States as well as emerging solar markets such as Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco. Increase your profits at one of the most lucrative emerging solar markets and benefit from direct access to key buyers from across the Middle East and Northern Africa! 
More information is available on www.intersolar.ae

source: http://www.solarserver.com

Intersolar India from 2016-10-19 to 2016-10-21

Bombay Exhibition Centre
Nesco Compound,Off Western Express Highway, Goregaon East, Opp. Mahananda Dairy
Maharashtra 400063 Mumbai
India

Further Information

INTERSOLAR INDIA – India’s largest Exhibition and Conference for the Solar Industry, 

19-21 October 2016, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Hall 1, Mumbai

Intersolar India is India’s largest exhibition and conference for the solar industry. By providing first-rate services, the event brings businesses, technologies and people from the most important markets around the globe together. It supports the development of the Indian solar market and promotes the cooperation between key players from industry, commerce, service providers and politics. 
Be there and network! www.intersolar.in

source: http://www.solarserver.com

Brazil Power & Energy Summit 2016 from 2016-05-17 to 2016-05-19

Brazil Power & Energy Summit 2016

from 2016-05-17 to 2016-05-19 
0

Sao Paulo, Brazil
1437
01419001 Sao Paulo
Brazil

Tel.: 86 21 3102 1580
Fax: 86 21 3102 1581
Website

Further Information

Brazil Power & Energy Summit 2016 is a great platform gathering Power Utilities, Energy Developers, Investors, EPC Contractors, Equipment Suppliers and Technology Providers to discuss hottest issues and challenges facing power development in Brazil. which will be held in Sao Paulo Brazil, dated on 17-19 May, 2016.

source http://www.solarserver.com

Solar in Australia: Origin Energy inks solar power PPA with FRV on the 100 MW Clare Solar Farm

Origin Energy Limited (Sydney, New South Wales) has entered into an agreement with global solar company Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV, Madrid, Spain), an independent solar power producer, to purchase solar power from the proposed 100 MW Clare Solar Farm in north Queensland According to Origin Energy, the Clare Solar Farm will generate more renewable electricity than any other solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Australia. Under the terms of the power purchase agreement (PPA), Origin will purchase 100 per cent of the solar power output and large scale renewable energy certificates (LRECs) from Clare Solar Farm, located 35 km west of Ayr in northern Queensland. The PPA will run for 13 years from the commencement of operations until December 2030. FRV will commence construction on the 300-hectare PV generation site later in 2016, with operations expected to commence in 2017. Origin has also secured an option to develop a further 35 MW of capacity. The deal follows the signing of a 15-year PPA with FRV for the solar power generated by the 56 MW Moree Solar Farm in northern NSW in March. “The cost of solar is falling rapidly compared to other renewable resources and Origin is well-placed to capture opportunities towards our aspiration to be Australia’s number one renewables company,” comments Origin Energy markets CEO Frank Calabria. “Clare Solar Farm will generate more solar energy than any other Australian project, utilising single-axis tracking technology with panels that follow the sun to maximise generation capacity throughout the day.” The Clare PPA will increase Origin’s owned and contracted renewable portfolio to more than 700 MW. FRV Chief Executive Officer Rafael Benjumea said the Clare PPA was “another significant step in achieving FRV’s strategy to develop and build renewable power generation assets across Australia and globally.” source:http://www.solarserver.com

Solar-Fabrik AG sells PV module production line No.3 to HSL Laibacher GmbH

After Solar-Fabrik AG i.I. (Freiburg, Germany) had discontinued its operation in June 2015, the focus of the executive board of Solar-Fabrik AG in the insolvency proceedings in self-administration was the exploitation of the remaining fixed and current assets of the former business operations at the Freiburg premises. The exploitation process has been completed on May 4th, 2016 by the intended sale of the last remaining fixed and current assets to several individual parties. The solar photovoltaic (PV) module production line No.3 could be sold in a package together with Solar-Fabrik's portfolio of trademarks, amongst others, to HSL Laibacher GmbH (Wiesen, Germany). HSL to produce PV modules under the brand Solar-Fabrik HSL intends to resume the production of solar PV modules under the brand Solar-Fabrik at their existing site in the area of Aschaffenburg. This does not include a continuation of Solar-Fabrik AG. The economic transfer of the sold assets to the purchasers and the evacuation of the Solar-Fabrik plant in Freiburg is expected to be completed by June 30th, 2016. A final assessment of the financial results of the insolvency proceeding and the quota to be distributed to the creditors and probably even to the shareholders is currently not possible, reads the Ad hoc announcement. source:http://www.solarserver.com

SolarCity launches utility and grid PV, energy storage services

SolarCity launched its development of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants as an alternative to traditional fossil fuel generators SolarCity launched its development of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants as an alternative to traditional fossil fuel generators SolarCity Corporation (San Mateo, CA, U.S.) on May 5th, 2016 introduced a new set of services for utility and grid operators. SolarCity’s new services include installation, financing, and consulting services for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage resource development, as well as advanced controls for demand response, distributed energy resources, and aggregated grid services. Utility-scale PV development SolarCity launched its development of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants as an alternative to traditional fossil fuel generators. Utilities looking for additional generation capacity, or a solution to meet renewable portfolio standards and other environmental mandates, can leverage turn-key delivery of solar power via wholesale contracts and direct grid tied solar power systems, the company notes. SolarCity manages the entire process from financing and design to installation, advanced controls and optimization, and system maintenance. Utilizing solar energy typically costs far less than building traditional generation assets, and solar energy rates are locked in for years into the future, protecting the utility and customers from volatile fuel prices. Dispatchable energy storage As a complement to solar power, SolarCity now offers firm and dispatchable utility-scale energy storage solutions (ESS), combining solar PV and energy storage to intelligently take advantage of affordable solar power when it’s needed most. Together, solar PV and storage can help utilities avoid capacity charges and manage peak load more cost effectively than traditional fossil fuel-based solutions. Distributed energy solutions SolarCity’s portfolios of aggregated distributed energy resources (DERs) offer grid planners and operators increased flexibility and resiliency as they work to modernize the grid. DER portfolios can provide grid services such as dynamic capacity and peak shaving, flexible ramping, frequency regulation, voltage and reactive power support, grid visibility and more, all managed through SolarCity’s software and control platform. Several utilities have already begun to use SolarCity’s services, the company emphasizes. Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) previously worked with SolarCity to install a 12 megawatt (AC) utility-scale solar array, and is currently implementing a solar and storage facility that will boast a 13 megawatt (AC) solar array and 52 megawatt-hour battery system. Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) is in the process of leveraging SolarCity to deploy 13 megawatts (AC) of solar coupled with 6 megawatt-hours of battery storage across a portfolio of sites throughout Connecticut. Additionally, Southern California Edison has partnered with SolarCity in a pilot to demonstrate the value of aggregated DER portfolios. source:http://www.solarserver.com

Solar wafer manufacturing: 1366 Technologies receives USD 10 Million investment from Hanwha Investment Corporation

Solar wafer manufacturer 1366 Technologies (Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.) on May 5th, 2016 announced it has received a USD 10 million investment from the Hanwha Investment Corporation (Seoul, South Korea), one of Korea’s leading private equity/venture capital firms with more than USD 500 million under management. The funds will be used toward the construction of 1366’s first large-scale commercial silicon wafer factory, scheduled to be online in 2017. “Our Direct Wafer technology represents one of the most significant manufacturing innovations in solar, with the potential to propel the industry forward and deliver dramatic cost advantages,” said Frank van Mierlo, CEO, 1366 Technologies. “We are thrilled that Hanwha Investment Corporation, with its deep expertise in and understanding of the manufacturing industry, has invested. It is a tremendous validation of our commercialization plans, and a clear signal that we’re poised to disrupt the USD 10 billion and growing silicon solar wafer market.” “Hanwha Investment Corporation actively seeks out companies with groundbreaking technologies that transform industries. In just a short period of time, 1366 has moved from proof of concept to commercial-ready technology, achieving technical milestones steadily and rapidly. We believe the 1366 team is well positioned for commercial success,” added Woojae Hahn, President and CEO, Hanwha Investment Corporation. 1366’s Direct Wafer technology is a transformative manufacturing process that offers significant advantages over traditional cast-and-saw wafer production technologies. The process makes wafers in a single step, pulling them directly from molten silicon instead of today’s multi-step, energy- and capital-intensive approach, resulting in significant wafer production cost savings. source:http://www.solarserver.com

Solar in India: Azure Power commissions four PV plants totaling 88 MW across three different states

Azure Power (New Delhi, India) on May 5th, 2016 announced its commissioning of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in three states. The PV projects include a 50 MW plant in Andhra Pradesh, two plants of total capacity of 28 MW plant in Punjab and a 10 MW plant in Karnataka. These plants, connected to the respective state grids, are part of Azure Power’s 900+ MW portfolio in 15 states. This includes the country’s largest operational solar plant of 100 MW under India’s National Solar Mission in Rajasthan. Solar power tariff ranging from approx. USD 0.09 to approx. USD 0.11 “We are delighted to make this contribution towards realization of our Honorable Prime Minister’s commitment towards clean and green energy, through solar power generation,” said Inderpreet Wadhwa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power. With the solar power tariff ranging from INR 5.89 per kWh (approx. USD 0.09, with escalation) to INR 7.33 per kWh (approx. USD 0.11) for these four plants, the company added 88 MW to its portfolio of high quality assets. source:http://www.solarserver.com