Solar Energy Investing

PV-Tech.org reports that the first PV module shipment has arrived in the United States. Worldwide Energy and Manufacturing USA, Inc have spearheaded the effort along with their subsidiary, Shanghai Intech Electro-Mechanical Products Co. The modules were given the required UL certification.

BusinessWire.com reports that OKI Electric Cable in Tokyo has announced that its Flexible Printed Circuit has been chosen for the construction of a small solar-powered sail called IKAROS. The project will be spearheaded by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Semi-ConductorToday.com reports that the Institue of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) in Taiwain has commenced operations. The institute’s lab will have testing services for many different aspects of Taiwan’s solar energy industry. They will also help local photovoltaic firms to gain certification.

SolveClimate.com reports that Chinese company Suntech Power will build a manufacturing plant in the United States. The company has decided to expand in part due to America’s growing utility market and that fact that the government offers attractice incentives.

SolarPlaza.com reports that Red Sun Energy has opened doors to the first solar module factory in Vietnam history. The factory is expected to carry a 5 MW capacitiyand can be found in the south Long An province. The facility is also expected to sell solar panels up to 30 and 40 percent cheaper than typical importers.

Cleantech.com reports that Oman’s government plans to review six start-up wind and solar projects and take bids in 2010. The government will also recruit international advisers to perform a new feasibility study for a large-scale solar plant.

The Times of India reports that the Energy Department Principal Secretary in India gave approval to the Centre for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP) to perform a feasibility study on solar photovoltaics and propose new business models. If the study is successful, a new solar energy system could be implemented to decrease peak load by up to 10% next year.

EE Times Asia reports that solar photovotaic panels in Taiwan have been inspected and certified by Green Energy Technology Inc (GET). The SubFab Thin Film Line panels in Tao Yuan had to pass efficiency, yield, and throughput tests. The production of the panels began late last year.

China View reports that officials in the Nepali government have formed a committee to create a means of distributing the installation of solar panels at homes. The plans are to create panels in over one million households. However, households looking for the grant amount would have to install a minimum 20 watt panel in order to be considered.

Greentech Media reports Japan’s recent return of a national solar subsidy has only attracted 21, 653 applications versus the anticipated 35,000 it was expecting in the first three months.  The subsidy provides US $700 per kW of installed solar power or 10% of a 3.5 kW system.  The US is also hoping a 30% tax credit for solar power installations will boost business.