Underwriters Laboratories Expands Its Global Photovoltaic Footprint To Japan

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global leader in safety testing and certification, announced on September 9th the opening of a testing and certification facility for photovoltaic (PV) equipment in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. In addition to offering performance and safety testing services for PV equipment in Japan, the facility will provide technical support to Japanese PV equipment manufacturers as they develop their businesses and enter overseas markets.

The global demand for sustainable energy generating sources, such as PV systems, has increased. The governments of the U.S. and Japan, as well as market-leading Germany, continue to take proactive steps to develop the PV market and accelerate PV equipment production. In Japan the government’s road-map for reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets includes a national policy to expand the reach of PV power generation to 10 million households by 2020, which constitutes a 21-fold increase compared with 2005.

PV systems, which consist of PV modules and panels, junction boxes, inverters and power converters, are permanently installed on roofs or ground-supported frames and thus are prone to degradation due to wind, rain, hail, as well as age. Accordingly, improving the safety and verifying performance of PV systems is critical for them to receive widespread adoption.

UL has been engaged in formulating PV equipment safety specifications and standards since the 1980s, and has contributed to the safe operation of PV equipment by providing safety testing and certification services for PV equipment manufacturers worldwide. “We continue to expand our service capabilities to meet the recent increase in global demand for PV product evaluation services,” said Jeff Smidt, Vice President and General Manager for UL’s Global Energy business. Just within the last couple of years, UL has opened PV testing facilities similar to the new Ise City facility, in San Jose, California, U.S.; Suzhou, China; and Zeppelinheim, Neu-Isenburg, Germany. “With further plans to open a testing facility in India, UL is implementing a concrete, large-scale investment plan in North America, Asia, and Europe, which are the world’s largest PV markets,” Smidt added.

The new PV testing facility in Ise City has 14 cutting-edge testing chambers on a 2,000 square-meter (approx. 21,000 square-feet) site. It is fully equipped with solar simulators emitting artificial sunlight, impact testers (which test the durability of a device against physical impact) and hail testers. Moreover, to meet strict testing requirements, the facility is staffed by engineers and technicians with expert knowledge of PV testing work. (source ul.com)

UL is the trusted resource across the globe for product safety certification and compliance solutions. Benefiting a range of customers – from manufacturers and consumers to regulatory bodies and code officials – they have tested products for public safety for more than a century.

TÜV Rheinland, a leading global provider of technical, safety and certification services is eyeing a larger share of the Indian market for PV testing and certification.

The company has set up India’s first and South Asia’s largest PV laboratory at Electronic city in Bangalore which was formally inaugurated today.

Seventh in TÜV Rhineland’s global network of solar testing labs spread across Germany, China, Taiwan, Japan(2) and the US, the new state-of-the-art laboratory addresses a key challenge faced by the Indian solar/PV industry – lack of access to large scale, worldclass test facility. The new PV lab and test center is spread over 20,000 sq. feet including an outside test field of 5,000 square feet, five climate chambers and two sun simulators. Investment in the new lab/test center is close to $3million.

According to a third party research firm, 70% of all solar module manufacturers worldwide have their products tested at TÜV Rheinland laboratory making it the undisputed world leader in independent safety and quality testing for solar modules. Friedrich Hecker, CEO, TÜV Rheinland AG, said: “With the ambitious Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission being operationalized, India is poised to take a huge leap in solar/PV. Module manufacturing, a key component of the chain, is largely domestically manufactured and offers a great export potential as well.

“The setting up of the PV lab by us today in Bangalore not only addresses the lack of such a facility in India but actually enables Indian module manufacturers to eye markets beyond India. India has always been a key strategic market for the group and all our different business units and this marks another step forward in that commitment.”

Andreas Höfer chief regional officer, TÜV Rheinland (India, Middle East and Africa), said: ”One of the key components of a healthy solar/PC industry is domestic consumption. With abundant sunshine and high quality of radiation levels combined with focus on both grid and off grid applications, there is every possibility that India will be the market to watch out for in the region. We see a lot of overseas players investing here and setting up facilities or licensing technology for local players to manufacture with. In that way, both our entry and the setting up of this lab is timed well.”

Enrico Rühle, MD, TÜV Rheinland India, added: ”The Indian PV lab will be tightly interlinked to the other six laboratories across the world and will employ over 200 experts across functions. The lab which has facilities unheard of in the region like climate chambers and sun simulators will reduce the time for testing for Indian manufacturers. The new facility is capable of meeting all the testing and certification requirements of the local industry. Reliability is also a big issue with regard to the modules which need to bear the environment for 25 years and perform accordingly. All the reliability, accelerated life and long term tests can be done at our new lab.”

TÜV Rheinland first started laboratory scale technical testing of solar components in 1995. The specialists at TÜV Rheinland are involved in testing modules and components, developing new test methods, collaborating on R&D projects for the use of solar energy and assisting customers worldwide with the construction of solar power plants. All laboratories have been launched or upgraded in the last two years and comply with the latest technical standards.  (source www.thehindu.com)

From the TUV Rhineland “FAQ and Histoy” Page:

How did TUV originate?
In 1872 Gustav Schlieper established the DUV (Dampfkessel Uberwachungs Verein or Steam-boiler Testing Laboratory) the founding organization of all TUVs. The DUV was otherwise known as the “Association for the Surveillance of Boilers” in the counties of Elberfeld and Barmen. At this time, there had been a number of devastating steam-boiler explosions, resulting in many injuries and casualties, as well as factory closures. In Prussia, new thought was emerging that the state should protect its citizens from dangerous facilities. The Industrial Code was created giving the DUV the right to assume certain inspection tasks on the government’s behalf. Over time, the DUV developed into the broader designation “TUV”.

What does TUV stand for?
TUV is a German acronym for Technischer Uberwachungs-Verein. In English it means Technical Surveillance Association.

New Chroma Solar Soft Panels Solar Application Software provides out-of-the-box I-V curve data and maximum power point tracking capabilities

Chroma’s Solar Application Soft Panel is a straightforward and effective software tool that utilizes Chroma’s industry leading 63600 series DC Electronic Loads to generate PV module I-V curves and track their Maximum Power Point. Through an intuitive graphical user interface, the Soft Panel allows users to record and analyze a module’s electrical characteristics and output behavior without having to configure any hardware.

63600 Series  Modular DC Electronic Load

Three Current Ranges Per Load

Max. Power: 100W x 2(Dual), 300W & 400W Derated Current to 10mV

Constant Impedance Mode

USB, GBIP, Ethernet

Digitized Volt & Current Readback (2µs sampling)

Chroma’s 63600 Series DC Electronic Loads are designed for testing multi-output AC/DC power supplies, DC/DC converters, chargers, batteries, adapters, and power electronic components. Excellent for research, development, production, and incoming inspection applications. The 63600′s state of the art design uses DSP technology to simulate non-linear loads using an unique CZ operation mode allowing realistic loading behavior. The 63600 series can draw its full rated current to almost zero volts. This unique feature guarantees the best loading performance for fuel cells and modern Point-of-Load devices.

Matinee Energy Enters Alliance With Hyundai, LG Electronics

Matinee Energy Inc., a renewable energy project developer and financier, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and formed a strategic alliance with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. and LG Electronics Inc., which are based in Korea. Matinee said it is focusing on utility-scale projects in the US Southwest.

Matinee has invited Hyundai and LG to join as lead partners for a total of 240 MW – or $1 billion – in contracts for solar energy plants in the initial phase. Both companies have accepted the invitation. Matinee says it also plans to add additional alliance partners that are complementary to all parties.

According to Matinee, The Industrial Company (T.I.C.), which is based in Colorado, as well as other construction and technology companies located in the U.S., will join in supporting this announcement and provide their specific services and resources.  ( source Matinee Energy Inc.)

LG Group last week announced plans to invest $18 billion over the next 10 years to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and expand it business in energy efficient and renewable energy products. Earlier this month Hyundai Heavy announced its entry into the Chinese wind power industry through a MOU to jointly develop a turbine manufacturing plant with Datang Shandong Power Generation Co., LTD.

About LG Electronics, Inc.:
LG Electronics, Inc. is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 82,000 people working in 114 operations including 82 subsidiaries around the world. With 2007 global sales of USD 44 billion, LG is comprised of five business units – Home Entertainment, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning, Business Solutions and Mobile Communications. LG is the world’s leading producer of mobile handsets, flat panel TVs, air conditioners, front-loading washing machines, optical storage products, DVD players and home theater systems. For more information, visit www.lg.com.

About Hyundai Heavy Industries:
Korean multinational Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has a global business network in each of its six business divisions: Shipbuilding, Offshore & Engineering, Industrial Plant & Engineering, Engine & Machinery, Electro Electric Systems, and Construction Equipment. Founded by the late Chung Ju-yung on March 23, 1972, Hyundai Heavy Industries wrote the first chapter of its shipbuilding history in June, 1974, by completing construction of the world’s largest shipyard and two VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carrier) simultaneously. A decade after its first delivery, the Hyundai Shipyard topped 10 million dead-weight tons in aggregate ship production, and has maintained the leading position in the world shipbuilding market ever since. Hyundai Shipyard’s drive has mirrored the growth of modern Korean heavy industry, and its success has allowed it to expand into other heavy industry areas, ultimately leading to the formation of Hyundai Heavy Industries, an integrated heavy industry company. The latest chapter of HHI’s history began when it separated from the Hyundai Group in February, 2002.

KSC Supplying Electricity to Floridians

Solar Panels at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A newly constructed solar power facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla., officially is providing electricity to Florida homes. NASA, Florida Power & Light, or FPL, and political leaders commissioned FPL’s Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center on Thursday.

The 10-megawatt solar plant was built by FPL, Florida’s largest utility. It will feed FPL’s electric grid, generating energy for more than 1,000 homes and reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than 227,000 tons.

FPL built a separate 1-megawatt solar power facility at Kennedy as part of this unique public-private partnership between NASA and FPL. That facility has been supplying the space center with electricity since late 2009.

“NASA is a pioneer in the use of solar power for space exploration, so it’s fitting that we’re working with FPL to expand the use and R&D of that renewable energy source at Kennedy where many of those missions were launched,” said Bob Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center. “This type of commercial partnership with NASA helps provide Florida residents, and America’s space program, with new sources of green power that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment.”

“Florida is poised to be a leader in America’s growing clean-energy economy, which naturally includes solar power,” said Rep. Suzanne Kosmas of Florida. “Bringing new clean-energy jobs to our communities is one of my top priorities. This joint effort between NASA and FPL is an example of how we can create jobs while investing in common-sense solutions to the economic, environmental and national security challenges we face today.”

The 10-megawatt facility features approximately 35,000 highly efficient solar photovoltaic panels from SunPower Corporation on 60 acres at Kennedy. The panels are 50 percent more efficient than conventional solar panels.

“Like NASA, FPL is looking beyond the horizon. FPL’s Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center is an important part of our state’s clean-energy future, but large-scale solar projects like this one also have a very positive impact on the economy today,” said FPL President and CEO Armando J. Olivera. “Projects like this and our Next Generation Solar Energy Centers in Martin and DeSoto give Florida the opportunity to create and attract clean-energy jobs and produce millions of dollars in new revenue for local governments while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting the effects of climate change at the same time.”

Plans also are being discussed to expand the 10-megawatt facility’s generating capacity to 100-megawatts at another Kennedy location. This expansion of the solar facilities is contingent on regulatory support and the passage of renewable energy legislation at the state level. If proven environmentally and economically feasible, an expansive field of photovoltaic solar panels will be constructed in phases on 500 or more acres of fallow Kennedy agricultural land and integrated into the utility’s grid. A dedicated research and development facility to support continual improvement of solar renewable energy also would be established by SunPower and FPL’s other partners at Kennedy’s upcoming business complex, Exploration Park.

The proposed projects are being pursued under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding entered into by Kennedy and FPL in 2007 to promote jointly developed projects in renewable technologies.

(source www.nasa.gov)

For more information about NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/kennedy

Company To Develop One Of The Largest Solar PV Farms In The State

Lake Mary, FL., March 31, 2010 – BlueChip Energy, a provider of complete solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, government and utility applications, today announced a power purchase agreement to supply Progress Energy Florida with renewable solar photovoltaic (PV) power from the Rinehart Solar Farm, a 10 MW utility-scale solar PV facility the company is developing in Central Florida.

The Rinehart Solar Farm project, located in Lake Mary, Fla., will have a total capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) and an annual generation of approximately 15,000,000 kilowatt-hours. This is equivalent to the annual energy use of roughly 1,100 area homes. It will be the largest solar photovoltaic project in Central Florida.  It will cover a portion of the 380,000 square foot rooftop space and surrounding acreage of BlueChip Energy’s Lake Mary facility.

As a renewable energy project, the Rinehart Solar Farm will stimulate the local economy by creating an estimated 100 high-paying, high-skilled green jobs while building local expertise in solar energy.  “We expect the Rinehart Solar Farm to serve as a model in the state of Florida for large-scale, alternative-energy projects” commented Lawrence Hefler, Director of Corporate Marketing for BlueChip Energy.

The solar farm will be built in stages, starting with a roof top plant totaling 120 kilowatts (kW).  It is currently in the pre-construction planning phase and expected to be completed by the end of July, 2010.  Stage two is a roof top plant consisting of 500 kW.  Subsequent stages will consist of a third, 1.4 MW rooftop system and 8 MW of ground-based systems. Construction of the entire facility is expected to be completed by October 2010.  BCE will build the plant using mono- and poly-crystalline solar PV modules and providing its own project development, engineering, procurement, and construction capabilities.   The 10 MW of power generated from the plant will displace over 9,200 metric tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent of taking nearly 1,700 cars off the road. (source www.bluechipenergy.org)