Swiss and Chinese researchers lifted the conversion efficiency of a bendable and thin type of solar cell.
Researchers in China and Switzerland are reporting the highest efficiency ever for a promising new genre of solar cells, which many scientists think offer the best hope for making the sun a mainstay source of energy in the future. The photovoltaic cells, called dye-sensitized solar cells or Grätzel cells, could expand the use of solar energy for homes, businesses, and other practical applications, the scientists say. Their study is scheduled for the November 13 issue of ACS' The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, a weekly publication.
The research, conducted by Peng Wang and colleagues - who include Michael Grätzel, inventor of the first dye-sensitized solar cell - involves photovoltaic cells composed of titanium dioxide and powerful light-harvesting dyes. Grätzel cells are less expensive than standard silicon-based solar cells and can be made into flexible sheets or coatings. Although promising, Grätzel cells until now have had serious drawbacks. They have not been efficient enough at converting light into electricity. And their performance dropped after relatively short exposures to sunlight.
In the new study, researchers describe lab tests of solar cells made with a new type of ruthenium-based dye that helps boost the light-harvesting ability. The new cells showed efficiencies as high as 10 percent, a record for this type of solar cell. The new cells also showed greater stability at high temperatures than previous formulas, retaining more than 90 percent of their initial output after 1,000 hours in full sunlight.
These cells offer two potential advantages: First off, they should be lower cost due to expected ease in manufacturing. Second, both their flexibility and their light weight will allow installation in places which otherwise would not support the presence of solar cells. For example, cars could have them on their roofs without a big weight penalty. Also, side walls and other vertical surfaces could be covered with lightweight solar cells whereas much heavier weight silicon photovoltaics would weigh too much for easy installation. Skyscrapers might some day get covered with Grätzel solar cell sheeting.
While they achieved 10% efficiency they only achieved 9.1% efficiency using materials that can be incorporated into a plastic.
The new dye absorbs light far better than the conventional dye. Because the dye absorbs light so well, it's possible to cut the thickness of the active material in the solar cell in half, which makes it easier for electrons to escape the solar cell and reach an external circuit. That, in turn, increases efficiency, in this case to 9.1 percent.
The researchers also paired the new dye with a nonvolatile solvent-based electrolyte. It's not quite as stable as an ionic liquid, and it can't be used with plastic. But it allowed slightly higher efficiencies--up to 10 percent.
With advances happening that cut costs for such a large variety of solar photovoltaic materials I am optimistic about the future of solar energy. PV electric power will come down in cost so far that it will compete with grid power during the day first in high sunlight areas such as the US southwest and gradually in lower and lower light areas. This will slow and eventually stop and reverse the growth of coal burning for electric power. It will also cut natural gas consumption and save it for more valuable space heating and fertilizer production.
Our biggest future energy problem continues to be for transportation. While the world recession has cut oil demand and oil prices the eventual resumption of economic growth will push oil prices back up again and the peak in world oil production is not many years away. I'm still not clear on whether advances in battery technology will happen soon enough to make the transition away from liquid fuels.By Randall Parker at 2008 November 09
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Hebei Province to build 10 million kilowatt wind power base
November 07, 2008
China Knowledge quoted an official with the Hebei Development and Reform Commission said North China's Hebei province is mulling a large wind power base with installed capacity of 10 million kilowatts.
Upon completion, the new base will be able to generate 23 billion kWh of electricity per year. The Top 5 Chinese power groups, namely China Power Investment Corporation, China Huaneng Group, Guodian Power Corporation, China Datang Corporation and China Huadian Group have started or planned to set up wind power plants in the province.
Currently, there are over 10 wind power plants in the province with a combined installed capacity of 800,000 kilowatts. The wind power plants which are still under construction have a total installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts. The provincial government plans to expand the capacity to 3 million kilowatts by 2010.
China Knowledge quoted an official with the Hebei Development and Reform Commission said North China's Hebei province is mulling a large wind power base with installed capacity of 10 million kilowatts.
Upon completion, the new base will be able to generate 23 billion kWh of electricity per year. The Top 5 Chinese power groups, namely China Power Investment Corporation, China Huaneng Group, Guodian Power Corporation, China Datang Corporation and China Huadian Group have started or planned to set up wind power plants in the province.
Currently, there are over 10 wind power plants in the province with a combined installed capacity of 800,000 kilowatts. The wind power plants which are still under construction have a total installed capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts. The provincial government plans to expand the capacity to 3 million kilowatts by 2010.
Yingli Green Energy Signs New Long-Term Polysilicon Supply Agreement with Wacker Chemie AG
Fri, 07 Nov 2008
BAODING, China - (Business Wire) Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), one of the world's leading vertically integrated photovoltaic ("PV") product manufacturers, today announced it has entered into a new long-term polysilicon supply agreement with Wacker Chemie AG ("Wacker Chemie").
Under this agreement, Wacker Chemie will supply Yingli Green Energy with polysilicon from 2010 through the end of 2017. The total amount of polysilicon supplied is expected to allow Yingli Green Energy to produce approximately 380 MW of PV modules over the life of the agreement.
"Including this newly signed agreement, we have signed five long-term supply agreements with Wacker Chemie since 2006, demonstrating the solid relationship between the two parties," commented Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and CEO of Yingli Green Energy. "Our business cooperation with Wacker Chemie, established in 2003, has developed over the years on the basis of the two parties' long-term views of each other and of the PV industry. As of today, we have secured seven mid- to long-term virgin polysilicon supply agreements with several leading global polysilicon suppliers for delivery of polysilicon in 2009 and beyond. Five of these agreements will start delivery at the beginning of 2009 and are expected to allow us to produce more than 230 MW of PV modules in 2009. We believe these agreements will significantly reduce our blended polysilicon cost and improve product quality, which we believe will further strengthen our position as a high-quality PV product supplier with competitive prices."
About Yingli Green Energy
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited is one of the world's leading vertically integrated PV product manufacturers. Through the Company's principal operating subsidiary in China, Baoding Tianwei Yingli New Energy Resources Co., Ltd., Yingli Green Energy designs, manufactures and sells PV modules and designs, assembles, sells and installs PV systems that are connected to an electricity transmission grid or operate on a stand-alone basis. With 400 MW of total annual production capacity in each of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules, Yingli Green Energy is currently one of the largest manufacturers of PV products in the world as measured by annual production capacity. Additionally, Yingli Green Energy is one of a limited number of large-scale PV companies in the world to have adopted a vertically integrated business model. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Yingli Energy (China) Co., Ltd., Yingli Green Energy currently plans to expand annual production capacity of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules to 600 MW by mid-2009. Yingli Green Energy sells PV modules under its own brand name, Yingli Solar, to PV system integrators and distributors located in various markets around the world, including Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Belgium, France, China and the United States. For more information, please visit www.yinglisolar.com.
BAODING, China - (Business Wire) Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), one of the world's leading vertically integrated photovoltaic ("PV") product manufacturers, today announced it has entered into a new long-term polysilicon supply agreement with Wacker Chemie AG ("Wacker Chemie").
Under this agreement, Wacker Chemie will supply Yingli Green Energy with polysilicon from 2010 through the end of 2017. The total amount of polysilicon supplied is expected to allow Yingli Green Energy to produce approximately 380 MW of PV modules over the life of the agreement.
"Including this newly signed agreement, we have signed five long-term supply agreements with Wacker Chemie since 2006, demonstrating the solid relationship between the two parties," commented Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and CEO of Yingli Green Energy. "Our business cooperation with Wacker Chemie, established in 2003, has developed over the years on the basis of the two parties' long-term views of each other and of the PV industry. As of today, we have secured seven mid- to long-term virgin polysilicon supply agreements with several leading global polysilicon suppliers for delivery of polysilicon in 2009 and beyond. Five of these agreements will start delivery at the beginning of 2009 and are expected to allow us to produce more than 230 MW of PV modules in 2009. We believe these agreements will significantly reduce our blended polysilicon cost and improve product quality, which we believe will further strengthen our position as a high-quality PV product supplier with competitive prices."
About Yingli Green Energy
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited is one of the world's leading vertically integrated PV product manufacturers. Through the Company's principal operating subsidiary in China, Baoding Tianwei Yingli New Energy Resources Co., Ltd., Yingli Green Energy designs, manufactures and sells PV modules and designs, assembles, sells and installs PV systems that are connected to an electricity transmission grid or operate on a stand-alone basis. With 400 MW of total annual production capacity in each of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules, Yingli Green Energy is currently one of the largest manufacturers of PV products in the world as measured by annual production capacity. Additionally, Yingli Green Energy is one of a limited number of large-scale PV companies in the world to have adopted a vertically integrated business model. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Yingli Energy (China) Co., Ltd., Yingli Green Energy currently plans to expand annual production capacity of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules to 600 MW by mid-2009. Yingli Green Energy sells PV modules under its own brand name, Yingli Solar, to PV system integrators and distributors located in various markets around the world, including Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Belgium, France, China and the United States. For more information, please visit www.yinglisolar.com.
Solar Power Generation Cost to Drop to CNY1 per KWH in 2012
WUXI, Nov 07, 2008 (SinoCast via COMTEX) -- China's generation cost of solar power will reach CNY 1 per KWH in 2012, predicted Shi Zhengrong, board chairman and CEO of Suntech Power.
Peng Xiaofeng, board chairman and CEO of solar wafer manufacturer LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LDK), declares that the financial crisis will further lower the company's procurement and labor costs by 40% to 50%.
And China Guodian Corporation (CGDC) has announced the foundation of Guodian Ningxia Solar Energy Company, to build polycrystalline silicon and thin-film cell projects, with a designed production capacity of 10,000 tons per year.
Moreover, Huaneng New Energy Industrial Co., Ltd. (HNEIC) General Manager Zhao Shiming releases that the generation cost of wind power has dropped to CNY 0.5 to CNY 0.6 per KWH, and that of thermal power is CNY 0.2 to CNY 0.3 per KWH.
Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd. (SEHK: 2727) Board Chairman and CEO Xu Jianguo reveals that wind power equipment has contributed to 50% of the company's sales revenues, and 60% of its profit.
Peng Xiaofeng, board chairman and CEO of solar wafer manufacturer LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LDK), declares that the financial crisis will further lower the company's procurement and labor costs by 40% to 50%.
And China Guodian Corporation (CGDC) has announced the foundation of Guodian Ningxia Solar Energy Company, to build polycrystalline silicon and thin-film cell projects, with a designed production capacity of 10,000 tons per year.
Moreover, Huaneng New Energy Industrial Co., Ltd. (HNEIC) General Manager Zhao Shiming releases that the generation cost of wind power has dropped to CNY 0.5 to CNY 0.6 per KWH, and that of thermal power is CNY 0.2 to CNY 0.3 per KWH.
Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd. (SEHK: 2727) Board Chairman and CEO Xu Jianguo reveals that wind power equipment has contributed to 50% of the company's sales revenues, and 60% of its profit.
Yingli Green Energy Subsidiary Signs Supplemental Long Term Credit Facility Agreement with DEG, FMO and PROPARCO
BAODING, China, Nov 06, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), one of the world's leading vertically integrated photovoltaic ("PV") product manufacturers, today announced that Baoding Tianwei Yingli New Energy Resources Co., Ltd ("Tianwei Yingli"), the Company's principal operating subsidiary, has entered into a Supplemental Long Term Credit Facility Agreement (the "Supplemental Agreement") with DEG - Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH ("DEG"), the Netherlands Development Finance Company ("FMO") and The Societe de Promotion et de Participation pour la Cooperation Economique ("PROPARCO"). The Supplemental Agreement to Tianwei Yingli's previously announced Five-Year US$50 million Credit Facility Agreement (the "Original Agreement") with DEG and FMO adds PROPARCO to the lending group with an additional US$25 million of credit available to the Company. The five-year duration of the loan, interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.0% and other significant terms have remained unchanged from the terms of the Original Agreement, under which the Company drew down US$50 million in September 2008.
"As a development institution, PROPARCO decided very early to substantially invest in the renewable energy sector," said Mr. Paul de la Gueriviere, PROPARCO's head for China. "From all the various companies we know, Yingli Green Energy is one among the few to have a recognized first class expertise and a famous worldwide brand name. We are very proud to contribute to the further development of the company and to be associated with its success."
"We are pleased to announce this agreement with DEG, FMO and PROPARCO," commented Mr. Zongwei Li, Chief Financial Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Despite a backdrop of a tight credit market and global financial turmoil, we were able to secure a significant expansion of our existing credit facility with DEG and FMO, which we believe demonstrates PROPARCO's confidence in our business and leadership position in the solar industry, as well as our status as a good corporate citizen. Securing additional long-term credit with this supplemental agreement, we have enhanced our debt structure by enabling us to shift to longer term indebtedness and further strengthened our ability to execute our business plan in these tough times."
About PROPACCO
PROPARCO is a Development Finance Institution jointly owned by the French Development Bank (AFD) and by private shareholders. Its mission is to promote private investment in emerging and developing countries in order to support sustainable development. Operating in more than 50 countries, its sector strategy is tailored to each country. Its activities in China are mainly focused on financing projects combating climate change. It provides a full range of financial instruments depending on the specific needs of its clients (loans, equity, guarantees and financial engineering). In 2007, PROPARCO allocated 600 MEUR for more than fifty projects in over thirty countries.
About Yingli Green Energy
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited is one of the world's leading vertically integrated PV product manufacturers. Through the Company's principal operating subsidiary in China, Baoding Tianwei Yingli New Energy Resources Co., Ltd., Yingli Green Energy designs, manufactures and sells PV modules and designs, assembles, sells and installs PV systems that are connected to an electricity transmission grid or operate on a stand-alone basis. With 200 MW of total annual production capacity in each of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules, Yingli Green Energy is currently one of the largest manufacturers of PV products in the world as measured by annual production capacity. Additionally, Yingli Green Energy is one of a limited number of large-scale PV companies in the world to have adopted a vertically integrated business model. Yingli Green Energy currently plans to expand annual production capacity of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules to 400 MW by the end of 2008 and to 600 MW by mid-2009. Yingli Green Energy sells PV modules under its own brand name, Yingli Solar, to PV system integrators and distributors located in various markets around the world, including Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea, France, China and the United States. For more information, please visit www.yinglisolar.com.
"As a development institution, PROPARCO decided very early to substantially invest in the renewable energy sector," said Mr. Paul de la Gueriviere, PROPARCO's head for China. "From all the various companies we know, Yingli Green Energy is one among the few to have a recognized first class expertise and a famous worldwide brand name. We are very proud to contribute to the further development of the company and to be associated with its success."
"We are pleased to announce this agreement with DEG, FMO and PROPARCO," commented Mr. Zongwei Li, Chief Financial Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Despite a backdrop of a tight credit market and global financial turmoil, we were able to secure a significant expansion of our existing credit facility with DEG and FMO, which we believe demonstrates PROPARCO's confidence in our business and leadership position in the solar industry, as well as our status as a good corporate citizen. Securing additional long-term credit with this supplemental agreement, we have enhanced our debt structure by enabling us to shift to longer term indebtedness and further strengthened our ability to execute our business plan in these tough times."
About PROPACCO
PROPARCO is a Development Finance Institution jointly owned by the French Development Bank (AFD) and by private shareholders. Its mission is to promote private investment in emerging and developing countries in order to support sustainable development. Operating in more than 50 countries, its sector strategy is tailored to each country. Its activities in China are mainly focused on financing projects combating climate change. It provides a full range of financial instruments depending on the specific needs of its clients (loans, equity, guarantees and financial engineering). In 2007, PROPARCO allocated 600 MEUR for more than fifty projects in over thirty countries.
About Yingli Green Energy
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited is one of the world's leading vertically integrated PV product manufacturers. Through the Company's principal operating subsidiary in China, Baoding Tianwei Yingli New Energy Resources Co., Ltd., Yingli Green Energy designs, manufactures and sells PV modules and designs, assembles, sells and installs PV systems that are connected to an electricity transmission grid or operate on a stand-alone basis. With 200 MW of total annual production capacity in each of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules, Yingli Green Energy is currently one of the largest manufacturers of PV products in the world as measured by annual production capacity. Additionally, Yingli Green Energy is one of a limited number of large-scale PV companies in the world to have adopted a vertically integrated business model. Yingli Green Energy currently plans to expand annual production capacity of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules to 400 MW by the end of 2008 and to 600 MW by mid-2009. Yingli Green Energy sells PV modules under its own brand name, Yingli Solar, to PV system integrators and distributors located in various markets around the world, including Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea, France, China and the United States. For more information, please visit www.yinglisolar.com.
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