Micro concentrated solar power company Sopogy has received certification from the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) of its OG-100 classification for concentrating solar collectors. The manufacturer says it’s the first MicroCSP company with utility-scale collectors used in power generation, air conditioning and process heat to receive the certification. The collectors generate utility-scale solar power,
NREL to compare high-efficiency solar cells from 3 nations
April 15, 2011 :
NREL is partnering with major international industrial technology and solar research organizations to test how solar cells from three manufacturers perform in two geographic locations with different lighting conditions. A primary goal of the study is to assess how panels from three different manufacturers– the United States, Japan, and Germany–perform under different average lighting conditions
Automation company invests in CSP
March 25, 2011 :
CSP is a fast-growing sector of the renewable energy market, so ABB thought it an appropriate time to invest in it. ABB has agreed to buy a 35% stake in Novatec Solar (formerly Novatec Biosol), a German company who specializes in concentrated solar power technology. This complements what ABB already does in power-plant automation, electrification, and long-distance electricity
German students win award for solar poster
March 23, 2011 :
Young scientists from the Fraunhofer centre for silicon photovoltaics, CSP, were awarded with the prize for the best scientific poster at the international workshop covering the theme of module reliability. Their work “Mechanical Issues on Solar Modules and Encapsulated Components” was chosen as the best poster from more than 70 international entries. The team led
How efficient can them make ‘em?
February 23, 2011 :
It’s the size of an IMAX screen, but costs less than comparable generators. It’s not a bird, or a plane, it’s the new PV generator by NREL and solar manufacturer Amonix. The two teamed up to develop the Amonix 7700 Concentrated Photovoltaic Solar Power Generator with highly-efficient small solar cells. This solar power concentrator generates
Carbon nanotubes focus sun 100 fold
September 23, 2010 :
Using carbon nanotubes (hollow tubes of carbon atoms), MIT chemical engineers have found a way to concentrate solar energy 100 fold over a regular (nonconcentrated) photovoltaic cell. Such nanotubes could form antennas that capture and focus light energy, potentially allowing much smaller and more powerful solar arrays. “Instead of having your whole roof be a
Concentrated Solar Converters Prefer the Shine
July 19, 2010 :
By John Gyorki, Editorial Director Solar energy can be converted to electrical energy in two ways: First, with photovoltaic (PV) cells and second, with solar energy collectors that use the sun’s heat to run turbines coupled to electric generators. If you are contemplating either system for powering your facility, you want to weigh both their
DOE Issues Concentrating Solar Report To Congress
June 28, 2010 :
The US Department of Energy has issued a report to congress that explores a number of strategies to reduce the water consumption of concentrating solar power (CSP) electricity generation, a promising renewable energy option that may substantially increase water demands in some of the country’s most arid regions. The report, dryly titled (no pun intended)
Concentrated Solar Power Projects Receive $62 million From DOE
May 10, 2010 :
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the selections of projects for investment of up to $62 million over five years to research, develop, and demonstrate Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems capable of providing low-cost electrical power. This funding will support improvements in CSP systems, components, and thermal energy storage to accelerate the
