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Shine：劉珊珊（Sunny Liu）
今年，加利福尼亞州的光伏裝機量將達到967 MW，這個數字將是所有州中最高的， 預計到明年，可再生能源所產生的電力可達1.2 GW。相比之下，與加利福尼亞大小差不多的州，如新墨西哥州以及亞利桑那州，同一時期的安裝量預計只有300 MW左右。除去太陽能發電量排名前十的州，余下40個州的光伏裝機量加起來總共才有395 MW，只有加州的三分之一。
加州：First Solar550MW光伏項目獲批
美國內政部長Ken Salazar已批準被稱作為沙漠陽光（Desert Sunlight）的太陽能電站項目，該550 MW的太陽能發電項目將建于加利福尼亞州沙漠東部的棕櫚泉地區。這個太陽能光伏項目在建設高峰期將創造超過630個就業機會，并可為當地經濟注入約3億3600萬美元資金。當沙漠陽光項目建成時，可以滿足超過16.5萬個家庭的用電需求。
Salazar部長表示：“沙漠陽光太陽能項目是迄今為止內政部批準的最大的光伏項目，項目建成后，將有助于滿足國家電力需求，并帶動經濟發展。在過去18個月，我們已經批準了12個大型太陽能項目，我們將繼續大力促進創新、創造就業機會，并加強對私營企業的投資，同時保障美國能源產業的安全性。”
該項目占地約4100英畝，將由First Solar的子公司——Desert Sunlight控股有限責任公司負責開發和運營。該項目將使用First Solar公司的薄膜光伏技術，在發電過程中沒有廢氣排放、廢物產生，也不需要用水，該技術還是光伏技術中碳排放最少的。
在6月份，美國能源部向Desert Sunlight提供了18.8億美元的有條件的貸款擔保。該項目位于沙漠中心以北約6英里，預計可為當地經濟帶來3.36億美元的間接效益，其中包括1.97億美元的工資。項目的施工期將超過三個季度，運營期則為25年。該項目還可為河濱縣帶來約2700萬美元的銷售額及稅收。
沙漠陽光項目是內政部優先處理的對公共土地的可再生能源發展申請，著重于全面的環境分析以及公眾審查。自2009年3月份政府決定優先發展可再生能源項目后，這是第12個被批準的太陽能項目。7月份，Salazar批準了加州的兩個公用事業規模的太陽能發展項目，一個位于俄勒岡州的風能項目，以及一個位于南加州的傳輸線項目，總共將創造超過1300個建造業職位，發電能力550 MW。
加州：Blythe 500MW項目放棄CSP轉投光伏
1 GW Blythe太陽能項目的第一階段500 MW工程將使用光伏發電代替太陽能熱發電（CSP）。Solar Millennium公司以及其在美國的子公司Solar Trust一起宣布了這個消息。其原因是目前光伏市場以及美國的商業貸款市場對于光伏項目更為有利。
該項目在完成時有望成為同類項目中規模最大的，當被問及項目的其余階段將使用光伏還是CSP時，一位發言人表示：“這取決于市場條件。如果市場條件發生了變化，也可能會采用CSP項目。”他們還表示，項目原定于2014年并網，但由于部分項目需要重新得到許可，導致并網延遲。不過，他們表示，項目融資和建設會更快地進行。
同時，Blythe項目的建設工作早在6月份就已經開始，其中包括道路及圍欄的建設，在將其轉化為光伏發電項目方面，無須做任何改變。
Solar Millennium和Solar Trust公司在一份聲明中表示，他們目前正在與知名的光伏電池板制造商以及工程、采購和施工承包商進行洽談，但并未透露這些廠商的名字。在聲明中，Solar Millennium的首席執行官Christoph Wolff表示：“Solar Millennium對市場條件的反應快速且務實，目前加州市場更利于光伏發電技術的發展。我們在美國市場采取的決定性策略將使公司和股東的價值最大化。”早在今年4月份，美國能源部曾為該項目提供了21億美元的有條件的貸款擔保。
此外，該發言人還表示，太陽能熱發電項目的商業貸款有太多不確定性，而且能源部給他們規定的截止日期為8月，如果Blythe項目要以CSP項目來實現非商業貸款的話，時間又不夠。能源部很清楚CSP項目的好處，但是這些在目前的補貼標準中沒有體現。
太陽能熱發電市場是Solar Millennium公司的主營市場，該公司表示還會對CSP技術保持關注，公司的長期戰略沒有改變。非洲、中東、印度以及中國市場對太陽能熱發電技術的需求不斷增長。同樣，南歐市場的需求也有所增長，公司剛剛在西班牙完成了第四個CSP電站的融資。
加州：8minutenergy、Gestamp共同開發335 MW光伏項目
8minutenergy Renewables和Gestamp Solar公司與加利福尼亞帝國灌溉區（IID）簽署了公共事業級的光伏發電互連協議（GIA），將共同開發335 MW的光伏項目，這335 MW將分為五個獨立的光伏項目。該項目據稱將是帝王谷地區第一個同類項目，投資2.5億美元，用以改善IID地區的電力條件。總體而言，該項目預計將創造超過1000個建筑職位，并在帝國郡創造55個永久性職位。
首個將要建設的項目為50 MW的Chocolate Mountains電站項目。Chocolate Mountains位于索爾頓湖附近，完成后，占地面積可達320英畝，可滿足超過25000個家庭的電力需求。
項目的施工、調試、并網預計在2012年第四季度或者2013年初完成。同時，Calipatria II項目也將于15個月后完成。這個項目由兩個50 MW的系統組成，完成后占地面積近600英畝。其他項目的細節尚未披露。目前也不清楚將采用哪個設備制造商，以及項目的總投資。但聲明顯示，項目將被建造在低生產率的灌溉農田。
總體而言，8munutenergy公司目前正在開發12個公用事業規模的光伏項目，項目規模在50-200 MW之間。這些項目預計可以創造23億美元的總經濟產出以及240個就業機會。
加州：巴克萊資本投資2.3 GW的太陽能項目
K Road Power公司宣布，將與巴克萊天然資源投資公司（BNRI）合作，開發一系列公用事業級的太陽能項目。K Road公司目前正在開發11個電站項目，總值接近2.3GW。
位于加利福尼亞州San Bernadino縣的850MW Calico太陽能項目將成為世界最大的光伏電站項目。Calico項目由Tessera Solar公司于2010年12月賣與K Road公司，交易價格并未透露。在購買該項目時，K Road公司決定購買750MW的光伏組件，而不是完全依賴太陽能熱技術。另外一個350 MW的Moapa項目位于拉斯維加斯，政府也加快了該項目的推展進度。
加州：為低收入家庭提供2 MW住宅項目
美國加州圣巴巴拉縣房委會（HACSB）為863個低收入家庭安裝了住宅用太陽能系統。該項目是美國由公立基金資助的規模最大的光伏經濟適用房項目，耗資1225萬美元。該項目由SolarWorld公司發起，并使用了7200個該公司生產的組件。太陽能系統的安裝在圣巴巴拉縣的21處地點展開。另外有三家電力公司也參與到項目的建設之中。本土公司Planet Solar負責項目的安裝。
SolarWorld美國公司的總裁Kevin Kilkelly在宣布項目完工時表示：“SolarWorld很高興能參與這個項目，使社會的低收入家庭也能從太陽能技術中獲益。”此前，SolarWorld公司曾參與了加利福尼亞州的經濟適用房光伏項目。該公司聲稱其制造的太陽能電池板已經在該國的低收入項目中廣泛使用。8月18日，在圣巴巴拉縣北部城市舉行了項目的剪彩儀式。
在美國，一共有約3200個類似的太陽能項目，而該項目據稱是規模最大的一個，獲得了600萬美元的聯邦資金貸款。眾議員Lois Capps強調，經濟適用房光伏項目不僅能為社會創造就業機會，同時可為低收入家庭提供收益。“這些太陽能電池板的安裝創造了高薪就業機會，同時在今后幾年降低了圣巴巴拉縣的家庭能源消費支出。”
內達華州：150 MW太陽能項目擴產
美國加利福尼亞州公用事業公司太平洋天然氣和電氣公司（PG&E）宣布，該公司與Sempra Generation公司達成協議，合作開發一個150 MW的光伏綜合擴產項目，該項目被稱作銅山項目（Copper Mountain），位于內華達州，將使用First Solar公司的地面安裝薄膜組件。這個占地1100英畝的太陽能電站預計在2012年開始建設。首期92 MW的項目預計可于2013年1月份完成，余下58 MW預計在2015年完成。PG&E公司有權將第二期項目提前動工。
此次合作將使該電站的發電量提高三倍，Sempra Generation公司的Jeffrey W. Martin表示：“銅山太陽能二期項目將使我們在2015年完成1000 MW可再生能源的計劃又更近了一步。”
圣地亞哥的Sempra Generation公司與First Solar一起安裝了48 MW的銅山太陽能項目的第一期項目，該項目目前是該國最大的光伏發電站，于2010年年底完成。
上個月末，PG&E公司還發布了其“智能電網計劃”，將通信、計算機、傳感以及控制技術融入電網的基礎設施中。該計劃旨在降低電網的成本，提高可靠性，并更迅速的檢測和恢復中斷。還可使家庭及企業用戶通過更好的監控措施來減少使用時間。目前，SmartMeter系統可以在線查看前一天時用電量使用，所以可以更好利用所產生的電力。
新澤西州：10 MW太陽能項目開工建設
Lincoln可再生能源公司（LRE）開始在美國新澤西州建造一個10 MW的太陽能項目。新澤西州的橡樹太陽能項目（Oak Solar Project）將于今年晚些時候完工，該項目位于坎伯蘭縣的Fairfield Township地區。項目占地100英畝，將使用55000個光伏電池板。
LRE公司在一份聲明中表示，該項目將會是密西西比河東部最大的非公用事業單位所有的太陽能項目。LRE的首席執行官Declan Flanagan表示：“這個極富創新的項目清楚地表明，即便在目前經濟形勢非常不好的條件下，當合適的政策到位時，投資很快可以跟上，以解決最急需的能源基礎設施問題。這不僅可以造福清潔能源產業，也緩解了就業壓力，并對當地的稅收起到很大的推動作用。”
總的來說，LRE表示該公司目前在建的項目有30個，這些項目分布在美國的10個州，總額達750 MW。在關于該公司的其他新聞中，曾在Schott Solar以及First Solar公司任職的Richard Gruber，已被任命為LRE的業務開發高級副總裁。他將主要負責LRE公司在德克薩斯州奧斯汀新建的辦事處。
密蘇里州：太陽能產業獲得死緩
美國密蘇里州太陽能補助方案（Solar Rebate Program）本周在兩個關鍵性決議中獲得了有力的支持。首先，密蘇里州公共服務委員會（PSC）投票一致決定否決Ameren以及KCPL公司停止太陽能補助方案的請求。密蘇里州公共服務委員會要求他們繼續支付補助，為期至少120天。
太陽能及可再生能源的第二個重大勝利是科爾縣巡回法官Daniel Green撤銷了他在6月29日做出的關于太陽能補助是違反憲法的裁決。密蘇里州零售商協會曾就每瓦2美元的補助起訴密蘇里州公共服務委員會。在密蘇里州可再生能源行業協會以及密蘇里州太陽能行業協會的律師干預下，Green表示他將在未來一個月之內考慮他們關于干預該起訴的申請。
這對密蘇里州的太陽能企業來說是個好消息，這些企業曾擔心會發生大規模的裁員。同樣，對密蘇里州公用事業的客戶來說也是一個好消息，這些客戶現在可以再次為25千瓦規模的太陽能系統申請高達5萬美元的補助。MOSEIA的總裁Dane Glueck表示：“到目前為止，太陽能補助方案已經使圣路易斯以及堪薩斯城地區新增數百個家用及商業太陽能系統，并使密蘇里州的太陽能產業從在2008年時不到五家企業增長到今天的超過35家。”
雖然這兩條消息令人歡欣鼓舞，但它們只能為密蘇里州的太陽能計劃帶來短期的死緩。“現在我們真正需要的是讓大家理解和接受太陽能以及可再生資源的積極影響，以帶領我們走向更加安全、穩定的能源未來，”密蘇里州可再生能源協會的董事PJ Wilson表示。“這種情況出現的越早，對我們大家就越好。”
California Leading US Solar Industry
Editor’s Note: The U.S. state of California is to continue its solar lead in the country in terms of installed capacity, with predictions that 7.5 gigawatts (GW) will be added there between 2010 and 2015. If the forecasts are correct, this will take overall installed capacity to 8.4 GW by 2015. The research company’s Michael Sheppard attributes the state’s solar strength to its plentiful sunshine and positive political support.
This year, installed photovoltaic capacity in California is set to reach 967 megawatts (MW) – said to be the highest in the country – while it is believed that next year, 1.2 GW worth of power will be generated from the renewable energy source. Shepard says that, in comparison, states of a similar size, like New Mexico and Arizona, are expected to install around just 300 MW in the same time period. Outside of the top 10 states where solar generation will be highest, combined PV capacity from the lowest 40 states will add up to just 395 MW, also merely one-third of California capacity.
California: First Solar Receives Approval for 550 MW PV Project
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has approved the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm, a 550-megawatt (MW) solar power project to be built in the California desert east of Palm Springs. The solar-photovoltaic facility will create more than 630 jobs at peak construction and infuse an estimated $336 million into the local economy. When built, Desert Sunlight will generate enough energy to power over 165,000 homes.
“The Desert Sunlight Solar Farm is the largest photovoltaic facility Interior has approved thus far and, when built, will help power our nation and economy,” Secretary Salazar said. “With 12 large-scale solar projects approved in the last 18 months, we continue to make significant strides in spurring innovation, job-creation, and investment in the private sector while strengthening America’s energy security.”
Located on approximately 4,100 acres of public lands, the solar project will be developed and operated by Desert Sunlight Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of First Solar Inc. The facility will use First Solar’s thin film photovoltaic (PV) technology, which generates electricity with low visual impact, no air emissions, waste production or water use, and has the smallest carbon footprint of any PV technology.
In June, the U.S. Department of Energy granted Desert Sunlight a conditional commitment of a $1.88 billion loan guarantee. The project, about six miles north of the rural community of Desert Center, is expected to generate $336 million for the local economy from indirect benefits, including $197 million in wages. More than three quarters of the total impact will be occur during the construction period, with the remainder taking place over the project’s 25-year operating period. The project will also generate about $27 million in sales and property tax revenue to Riverside County.
The Desert Sunlight project is part of Interior’s priority approach to processing existing applications for renewable energy development on public lands in a coordinated, focused manner with full environmental analysis and public review. It is the 12th solar project to advance since Secretary made renewable energy a priority for the Department in March 2009, and the 3rd solar project in 2011. In July, Salazar approved two utility-scale solar developments in California, a wind energy project in Oregon, and a transmission line in Southern California that together will create more than 1,300 construction jobs and provide a combined 550 megawatts of electricity.
California: 500 MW Blythe project abandons CSP in favor of PV
The first 500 megawatt (MW) phase of the one gigawatt Blythe solar project will be converted to use photovoltaics instead of concentrated solar power (CSP). In a surprising turnaround, Solar Millennium AG made the announcement, along with its U.S. subsidiary, Solar Trust of America. The reason cited was the current "favorable" conditions in both the photovoltaic and the U.S. commercial lending markets.
When asked if the project, expected to be the largest of its kind when completed, will use photovoltaics or CSP in its remaining phase, a spokesperson said, "This depends on the market conditions. CSP can be added if the market conditions change." They added that, due to the fact the project has to be "partly re-permitted", grid connection delays - originally set for 2014 - are expected. However, they said that financing and construction should be realized faster.
Meanwhile, in terms of converting the Blythe site to photovoltaics, the construction work, which began back in June, and has included building roads and fencing, can be used without any changes.
In a statement released, Solar Millennium and Solar Trust of America have said they are now in discussions with unnamed, "leading" photovoltaic panel manufacturers, and engineering, procurement and construction contractors. In a statement, Christoph Wolff, Solar Millennium CEO, explained, "Solar Millennium responds quickly and pragmatically to market conditions, and at the moment the California market favors PV technology. We are taking decisive steps in the U.S. to maximize site value for our company and our shareholders." Back in April, the parties involved were offered a conditional commitment for a U.S. $2.1 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to develop 500 MW of CSP.
The spokesperson additionally said that CSP is "too unknown" for commercial funding, and that the timeline of August, given to them by the DOE, was "too short to realize non-commercial FC for Blythe as a CSP project". They added, "DoE understands the benefits of CSP, but the tariff structures do not take these benefits under consideration, yet."
Solar Millennium, which primarily operates in the CSP market, says the technology will still remain its key focus. Wolff stated, "Our long-term strategy remains unchanged. We see solid demand for CSP in the world's growth markets such as Africa, the Middle East, India and China. This is also true for Southern Europe where we have just achieved financial close on our fourth CSP plant in Spain."
California: 8minutenergy and Gestamp given go-ahead to develop 335 MW of PV
8minutenergy Renewables and Gestamp Solar have signed a Generation Interconnection Agreement (GIA) with California’s Imperial Irrigation District (IID), under which they will develop 335 megawatts (MW) worth of photovoltaic projects. The agreement, said to be one of the first of its kind in Imperial Valley, will reportedly see a quarter of a billion dollars invested into upgrading the IID. The 335 MW are split into five separate photovoltaic projects. In total, the projects are expected to create over 1,000 construction jobs and 55 permanent positions in Imperial County.
The first project to be constructed will be the 50 MW Chocolate Mountains Solar Farm. When complete, it will cover an area of 320 acres in the foothills of the Chocolate Mountains, near the Salton Sea, and should generate enough energy to supply over 25,000 households.
According to a statement released, "Construction, commissioning and synchronizing to begin transmitting energy to the grid are projected for the fourth quarter of 2012 or early 2013." 8minutenergy and Gestamp are also aiming to get their Calipatria II solar PV farms online within the next 15 months. Comprised of two 50 MW systems, they are expected to occupy an area of nearly 600 acres when complete. Details of the other projects were not disclosed. It is also not clear which equipment manufacturers will be used, or how much has been invested into the overall partnership. The statement did say, however, that the projects are considered in-state resources and will be located on disturbed, low-productivity and irrigated farmland.
Overall, 8minutenergy is currently developing 12 utility-scale photovoltaic projects, ranging between 50 MW and 200 MW, in the Imperial Valley. They are projected to create $2.3 billion in total economic output and 240 new jobs.
California: Barclays to partner K Road Power’s utility scale projects
K Road Power has announced that it will partner with Barclays Natural Resource Investments (BNRI) on the development of its utility scale solar power portfolio. K Road is currently developing 11 plants worth nearly 2.3 gigawatts (GW).
Of K Road’s significant projects to be realized in the near term, the 850 MW Calico solar project in San Bernadino County, California, is set to become of the world’s largest. The Calico project was sold by Tessera Solar to K Road in December 2010 for an undisclosed amount. When purchasing the project, K Road took the decision to include 750 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic modules instead of entirely relying on solar thermal technology. Another project, the 350 MW Moapa project in Las Vegas, has been fast-tracked by the government.
California: 2 MW project for low-income families
In what is believed to be the country’s largest publicly funded photovoltaic installation for affordable housing, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HACSB) has installed residential solar systems for 863 low-income housing units. The project cost USD$12.25 million. SolarWorld was the firm behind the project and 7,200 of its modules were used. Solar installations went up in 21 sites around Santa Barbara County. Three different electricity utilities were also involved in facilitating the project. Local firm Planet Solar was the installer.
"SolarWorld is heartened to be part of a project that delivers the benefits of solar technology to low-income members of our community," said Kevin Kilkelly, President of SolarWorld Americas, in a statement announcing the project’s completion. Previously, SolarWorld has been involved in affordable housing photovoltaic projects in California. The company claims its solar panels have been used in low-income projects through the U.S. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held north of the city of Santa Barbara yesterday.
The project, which is understood to be the largest of 3,200 similar solar projects nationwide, received USD$6 million in federal funding. Congresswoman Lois Capps highlighted the benefit of the installations for both job creation and savings for low-income families. "The installation of these new solar panels created good paying jobs, and will result in lower energy bills for families throughout Santa Barbara County for years to come."
Nevada: 150 MW expansion of Copper Mountain solar complex
Californian utility Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced that it has entered into a deal with Sempra Generation for a 150 megawatt (MW) expansion of the vast Copper Mountain photovoltaic complex in the state of Nevada. The project will utilize First Solar ground mounted thin-film modules. Construction of the 1,100-acre solar plant is scheduled to begin in 2012. The first 92 MW of panels are expected to be in place by January 2013, with the remaining 58 MW in 2015. PG&E has the option to bring the schedule for the second phase forward.
In announcing the partnership, which will triple the output of the plant, Sempra Generation’s Jeffrey W. Martin said, "Copper Mountain Solar 2 is another exciting step forward on our plan to construct 1,000 megawatts of additional renewable capacity by 2015".
San Diego-based Sempra Generation and First Solar installed the first phase of the 48 MW Copper Mountain solar installation, which at present is the largest photovoltaic solar power plant in the country. It was completed in late 2010.
Late last month PG&E released its "Smart Grid plan", which will integrate communications, computing, sensing and control technologies into its infrastructure. The plan aims lower costs, increase reliability and to detect and restore outages more quickly. It will also allow households and businesses to reduce their usage through better monitoring. At present SmartMeter systems can view their previous day’s hourly electricity usage online, so they can use electricity more wisely.
New Jersey: 10 MW solar project under construction
Lincoln Renewable Energy (LRE) has started construction on a 10 megawatt (MW) solar project in New Jersey, the U.S.The New Jersey Oak Solar Project, which is slated for completion later this year, is located in the Fairfield Township, Cumberland County. Spread across 100 acres, it will comprise 55,000 photovoltaic panels when finished.
According to a statement issued by LRE, it will be the largest non-utility-owned solar project east of the Mississippi. CEO Declan Flanagan commented,"This highly innovative project clearly demonstrates that when the right policies are in place, investment will flow to create much needed energy infrastructure, even in the current difficult economy. The result is not just clean energy, but much needed employment and a major boost to the local tax base."
Overall, LRE says it is currently developing 30 projects in 10 states, worth a total of 750 MW. In other company news, Richard Gruber, who has previously worked for both Schott Solar and First Solar, has been appointed as LRE’s senior vice president of Business Development. He will be based in the company's newly established office in Austin, Texas.
Missouri: Solar energy gets reprieve
The Missouri solar rebate program, enacted by voters in Prop C's Renewable Energy Standard, received strong support this week in two critical decisions. First, the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) voted unanimously to deny Ameren and KCPL's requests to stop their solar rebate programs. The PSC ordered them to continue paying the rebates for at least 120 days.
The second major victory for solar and renewable energy was Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green's setting aside of his previous ruling from June 29th that the solar rebates were unconstitutional. The $2 per watt rebate was challenged by a lawsuit brought by the Missouri Retailers Association against the PSC. Attorneys for Renew Missouri and the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association filed motions to intervene in the case, and Green announced he will consider their applications for intervention over the next month.
This is good news for Missouri solar businesses who feared massive layoffs, as well as for all Missouri utility customers who will now, once again, be able to apply for up to $50,000 apiece in rebates to go towards solar systems up to 25 kilowatts in size. Dane Glueck, president of MOSEIA, said, "So far, the solar rebate program has resulted in hundreds of new solar arrays on homes and businesses in the St Louis and Kansas City areas, and grown Missouri's solar industry from less than five companies in 2008 to over 35 today."
Although these positive recent actions are a step in the right direction, they only provide a short-term reprieve for Missouri's solar program. "What is needed is for all parties to understand and embrace the positive impacts of solar and renewable energy in order to move us into a more secure, stable energy future," explained PJ Wilson Director of Renew Missouri. "The sooner this happens, the better for our state."
今年，加利福尼亞州的光伏裝機量將達到967 MW，這個數字將是所有州中最高的， 預計到明年，可再生能源所產生的電力可達1.2 GW。相比之下，與加利福尼亞大小差不多的州，如新墨西哥州以及亞利桑那州，同一時期的安裝量預計只有300 MW左右。除去太陽能發電量排名前十的州，余下40個州的光伏裝機量加起來總共才有395 MW，只有加州的三分之一。
加州：First Solar550MW光伏項目獲批
美國內政部長Ken Salazar已批準被稱作為沙漠陽光（Desert Sunlight）的太陽能電站項目，該550 MW的太陽能發電項目將建于加利福尼亞州沙漠東部的棕櫚泉地區。這個太陽能光伏項目在建設高峰期將創造超過630個就業機會，并可為當地經濟注入約3億3600萬美元資金。當沙漠陽光項目建成時，可以滿足超過16.5萬個家庭的用電需求。
Salazar部長表示：“沙漠陽光太陽能項目是迄今為止內政部批準的最大的光伏項目，項目建成后，將有助于滿足國家電力需求，并帶動經濟發展。在過去18個月，我們已經批準了12個大型太陽能項目，我們將繼續大力促進創新、創造就業機會，并加強對私營企業的投資，同時保障美國能源產業的安全性。”
該項目占地約4100英畝，將由First Solar的子公司——Desert Sunlight控股有限責任公司負責開發和運營。該項目將使用First Solar公司的薄膜光伏技術，在發電過程中沒有廢氣排放、廢物產生，也不需要用水，該技術還是光伏技術中碳排放最少的。
在6月份，美國能源部向Desert Sunlight提供了18.8億美元的有條件的貸款擔保。該項目位于沙漠中心以北約6英里，預計可為當地經濟帶來3.36億美元的間接效益，其中包括1.97億美元的工資。項目的施工期將超過三個季度，運營期則為25年。該項目還可為河濱縣帶來約2700萬美元的銷售額及稅收。
沙漠陽光項目是內政部優先處理的對公共土地的可再生能源發展申請，著重于全面的環境分析以及公眾審查。自2009年3月份政府決定優先發展可再生能源項目后，這是第12個被批準的太陽能項目。7月份，Salazar批準了加州的兩個公用事業規模的太陽能發展項目，一個位于俄勒岡州的風能項目，以及一個位于南加州的傳輸線項目，總共將創造超過1300個建造業職位，發電能力550 MW。
加州：Blythe 500MW項目放棄CSP轉投光伏
1 GW Blythe太陽能項目的第一階段500 MW工程將使用光伏發電代替太陽能熱發電（CSP）。Solar Millennium公司以及其在美國的子公司Solar Trust一起宣布了這個消息。其原因是目前光伏市場以及美國的商業貸款市場對于光伏項目更為有利。
該項目在完成時有望成為同類項目中規模最大的，當被問及項目的其余階段將使用光伏還是CSP時，一位發言人表示：“這取決于市場條件。如果市場條件發生了變化，也可能會采用CSP項目。”他們還表示，項目原定于2014年并網，但由于部分項目需要重新得到許可，導致并網延遲。不過，他們表示，項目融資和建設會更快地進行。
同時，Blythe項目的建設工作早在6月份就已經開始，其中包括道路及圍欄的建設，在將其轉化為光伏發電項目方面，無須做任何改變。
Solar Millennium和Solar Trust公司在一份聲明中表示，他們目前正在與知名的光伏電池板制造商以及工程、采購和施工承包商進行洽談，但并未透露這些廠商的名字。在聲明中，Solar Millennium的首席執行官Christoph Wolff表示：“Solar Millennium對市場條件的反應快速且務實，目前加州市場更利于光伏發電技術的發展。我們在美國市場采取的決定性策略將使公司和股東的價值最大化。”早在今年4月份，美國能源部曾為該項目提供了21億美元的有條件的貸款擔保。
此外，該發言人還表示，太陽能熱發電項目的商業貸款有太多不確定性，而且能源部給他們規定的截止日期為8月，如果Blythe項目要以CSP項目來實現非商業貸款的話，時間又不夠。能源部很清楚CSP項目的好處，但是這些在目前的補貼標準中沒有體現。
太陽能熱發電市場是Solar Millennium公司的主營市場，該公司表示還會對CSP技術保持關注，公司的長期戰略沒有改變。非洲、中東、印度以及中國市場對太陽能熱發電技術的需求不斷增長。同樣，南歐市場的需求也有所增長，公司剛剛在西班牙完成了第四個CSP電站的融資。
加州：8minutenergy、Gestamp共同開發335 MW光伏項目
8minutenergy Renewables和Gestamp Solar公司與加利福尼亞帝國灌溉區（IID）簽署了公共事業級的光伏發電互連協議（GIA），將共同開發335 MW的光伏項目，這335 MW將分為五個獨立的光伏項目。該項目據稱將是帝王谷地區第一個同類項目，投資2.5億美元，用以改善IID地區的電力條件。總體而言，該項目預計將創造超過1000個建筑職位，并在帝國郡創造55個永久性職位。
首個將要建設的項目為50 MW的Chocolate Mountains電站項目。Chocolate Mountains位于索爾頓湖附近，完成后，占地面積可達320英畝，可滿足超過25000個家庭的電力需求。
項目的施工、調試、并網預計在2012年第四季度或者2013年初完成。同時，Calipatria II項目也將于15個月后完成。這個項目由兩個50 MW的系統組成，完成后占地面積近600英畝。其他項目的細節尚未披露。目前也不清楚將采用哪個設備制造商，以及項目的總投資。但聲明顯示，項目將被建造在低生產率的灌溉農田。
總體而言，8munutenergy公司目前正在開發12個公用事業規模的光伏項目，項目規模在50-200 MW之間。這些項目預計可以創造23億美元的總經濟產出以及240個就業機會。
加州：巴克萊資本投資2.3 GW的太陽能項目
K Road Power公司宣布，將與巴克萊天然資源投資公司（BNRI）合作，開發一系列公用事業級的太陽能項目。K Road公司目前正在開發11個電站項目，總值接近2.3GW。
位于加利福尼亞州San Bernadino縣的850MW Calico太陽能項目將成為世界最大的光伏電站項目。Calico項目由Tessera Solar公司于2010年12月賣與K Road公司，交易價格并未透露。在購買該項目時，K Road公司決定購買750MW的光伏組件，而不是完全依賴太陽能熱技術。另外一個350 MW的Moapa項目位于拉斯維加斯，政府也加快了該項目的推展進度。
加州：為低收入家庭提供2 MW住宅項目
美國加州圣巴巴拉縣房委會（HACSB）為863個低收入家庭安裝了住宅用太陽能系統。該項目是美國由公立基金資助的規模最大的光伏經濟適用房項目，耗資1225萬美元。該項目由SolarWorld公司發起，并使用了7200個該公司生產的組件。太陽能系統的安裝在圣巴巴拉縣的21處地點展開。另外有三家電力公司也參與到項目的建設之中。本土公司Planet Solar負責項目的安裝。
SolarWorld美國公司的總裁Kevin Kilkelly在宣布項目完工時表示：“SolarWorld很高興能參與這個項目，使社會的低收入家庭也能從太陽能技術中獲益。”此前，SolarWorld公司曾參與了加利福尼亞州的經濟適用房光伏項目。該公司聲稱其制造的太陽能電池板已經在該國的低收入項目中廣泛使用。8月18日，在圣巴巴拉縣北部城市舉行了項目的剪彩儀式。
在美國，一共有約3200個類似的太陽能項目，而該項目據稱是規模最大的一個，獲得了600萬美元的聯邦資金貸款。眾議員Lois Capps強調，經濟適用房光伏項目不僅能為社會創造就業機會，同時可為低收入家庭提供收益。“這些太陽能電池板的安裝創造了高薪就業機會，同時在今后幾年降低了圣巴巴拉縣的家庭能源消費支出。”
內達華州：150 MW太陽能項目擴產
美國加利福尼亞州公用事業公司太平洋天然氣和電氣公司（PG&E）宣布，該公司與Sempra Generation公司達成協議，合作開發一個150 MW的光伏綜合擴產項目，該項目被稱作銅山項目（Copper Mountain），位于內華達州，將使用First Solar公司的地面安裝薄膜組件。這個占地1100英畝的太陽能電站預計在2012年開始建設。首期92 MW的項目預計可于2013年1月份完成，余下58 MW預計在2015年完成。PG&E公司有權將第二期項目提前動工。
此次合作將使該電站的發電量提高三倍，Sempra Generation公司的Jeffrey W. Martin表示：“銅山太陽能二期項目將使我們在2015年完成1000 MW可再生能源的計劃又更近了一步。”
圣地亞哥的Sempra Generation公司與First Solar一起安裝了48 MW的銅山太陽能項目的第一期項目，該項目目前是該國最大的光伏發電站，于2010年年底完成。
上個月末，PG&E公司還發布了其“智能電網計劃”，將通信、計算機、傳感以及控制技術融入電網的基礎設施中。該計劃旨在降低電網的成本，提高可靠性，并更迅速的檢測和恢復中斷。還可使家庭及企業用戶通過更好的監控措施來減少使用時間。目前，SmartMeter系統可以在線查看前一天時用電量使用，所以可以更好利用所產生的電力。
新澤西州：10 MW太陽能項目開工建設
Lincoln可再生能源公司（LRE）開始在美國新澤西州建造一個10 MW的太陽能項目。新澤西州的橡樹太陽能項目（Oak Solar Project）將于今年晚些時候完工，該項目位于坎伯蘭縣的Fairfield Township地區。項目占地100英畝，將使用55000個光伏電池板。
LRE公司在一份聲明中表示，該項目將會是密西西比河東部最大的非公用事業單位所有的太陽能項目。LRE的首席執行官Declan Flanagan表示：“這個極富創新的項目清楚地表明，即便在目前經濟形勢非常不好的條件下，當合適的政策到位時，投資很快可以跟上，以解決最急需的能源基礎設施問題。這不僅可以造福清潔能源產業，也緩解了就業壓力，并對當地的稅收起到很大的推動作用。”
總的來說，LRE表示該公司目前在建的項目有30個，這些項目分布在美國的10個州，總額達750 MW。在關于該公司的其他新聞中，曾在Schott Solar以及First Solar公司任職的Richard Gruber，已被任命為LRE的業務開發高級副總裁。他將主要負責LRE公司在德克薩斯州奧斯汀新建的辦事處。
密蘇里州：太陽能產業獲得死緩
美國密蘇里州太陽能補助方案（Solar Rebate Program）本周在兩個關鍵性決議中獲得了有力的支持。首先，密蘇里州公共服務委員會（PSC）投票一致決定否決Ameren以及KCPL公司停止太陽能補助方案的請求。密蘇里州公共服務委員會要求他們繼續支付補助，為期至少120天。
太陽能及可再生能源的第二個重大勝利是科爾縣巡回法官Daniel Green撤銷了他在6月29日做出的關于太陽能補助是違反憲法的裁決。密蘇里州零售商協會曾就每瓦2美元的補助起訴密蘇里州公共服務委員會。在密蘇里州可再生能源行業協會以及密蘇里州太陽能行業協會的律師干預下，Green表示他將在未來一個月之內考慮他們關于干預該起訴的申請。
這對密蘇里州的太陽能企業來說是個好消息，這些企業曾擔心會發生大規模的裁員。同樣，對密蘇里州公用事業的客戶來說也是一個好消息，這些客戶現在可以再次為25千瓦規模的太陽能系統申請高達5萬美元的補助。MOSEIA的總裁Dane Glueck表示：“到目前為止，太陽能補助方案已經使圣路易斯以及堪薩斯城地區新增數百個家用及商業太陽能系統，并使密蘇里州的太陽能產業從在2008年時不到五家企業增長到今天的超過35家。”
雖然這兩條消息令人歡欣鼓舞，但它們只能為密蘇里州的太陽能計劃帶來短期的死緩。“現在我們真正需要的是讓大家理解和接受太陽能以及可再生資源的積極影響，以帶領我們走向更加安全、穩定的能源未來，”密蘇里州可再生能源協會的董事PJ Wilson表示。“這種情況出現的越早，對我們大家就越好。”
California Leading US Solar Industry
Editor’s Note: The U.S. state of California is to continue its solar lead in the country in terms of installed capacity, with predictions that 7.5 gigawatts (GW) will be added there between 2010 and 2015. If the forecasts are correct, this will take overall installed capacity to 8.4 GW by 2015. The research company’s Michael Sheppard attributes the state’s solar strength to its plentiful sunshine and positive political support.
This year, installed photovoltaic capacity in California is set to reach 967 megawatts (MW) – said to be the highest in the country – while it is believed that next year, 1.2 GW worth of power will be generated from the renewable energy source. Shepard says that, in comparison, states of a similar size, like New Mexico and Arizona, are expected to install around just 300 MW in the same time period. Outside of the top 10 states where solar generation will be highest, combined PV capacity from the lowest 40 states will add up to just 395 MW, also merely one-third of California capacity.
California: First Solar Receives Approval for 550 MW PV Project
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has approved the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm, a 550-megawatt (MW) solar power project to be built in the California desert east of Palm Springs. The solar-photovoltaic facility will create more than 630 jobs at peak construction and infuse an estimated $336 million into the local economy. When built, Desert Sunlight will generate enough energy to power over 165,000 homes.
“The Desert Sunlight Solar Farm is the largest photovoltaic facility Interior has approved thus far and, when built, will help power our nation and economy,” Secretary Salazar said. “With 12 large-scale solar projects approved in the last 18 months, we continue to make significant strides in spurring innovation, job-creation, and investment in the private sector while strengthening America’s energy security.”
Located on approximately 4,100 acres of public lands, the solar project will be developed and operated by Desert Sunlight Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of First Solar Inc. The facility will use First Solar’s thin film photovoltaic (PV) technology, which generates electricity with low visual impact, no air emissions, waste production or water use, and has the smallest carbon footprint of any PV technology.
In June, the U.S. Department of Energy granted Desert Sunlight a conditional commitment of a $1.88 billion loan guarantee. The project, about six miles north of the rural community of Desert Center, is expected to generate $336 million for the local economy from indirect benefits, including $197 million in wages. More than three quarters of the total impact will be occur during the construction period, with the remainder taking place over the project’s 25-year operating period. The project will also generate about $27 million in sales and property tax revenue to Riverside County.
The Desert Sunlight project is part of Interior’s priority approach to processing existing applications for renewable energy development on public lands in a coordinated, focused manner with full environmental analysis and public review. It is the 12th solar project to advance since Secretary made renewable energy a priority for the Department in March 2009, and the 3rd solar project in 2011. In July, Salazar approved two utility-scale solar developments in California, a wind energy project in Oregon, and a transmission line in Southern California that together will create more than 1,300 construction jobs and provide a combined 550 megawatts of electricity.
California: 500 MW Blythe project abandons CSP in favor of PV
The first 500 megawatt (MW) phase of the one gigawatt Blythe solar project will be converted to use photovoltaics instead of concentrated solar power (CSP). In a surprising turnaround, Solar Millennium AG made the announcement, along with its U.S. subsidiary, Solar Trust of America. The reason cited was the current "favorable" conditions in both the photovoltaic and the U.S. commercial lending markets.
When asked if the project, expected to be the largest of its kind when completed, will use photovoltaics or CSP in its remaining phase, a spokesperson said, "This depends on the market conditions. CSP can be added if the market conditions change." They added that, due to the fact the project has to be "partly re-permitted", grid connection delays - originally set for 2014 - are expected. However, they said that financing and construction should be realized faster.
Meanwhile, in terms of converting the Blythe site to photovoltaics, the construction work, which began back in June, and has included building roads and fencing, can be used without any changes.
In a statement released, Solar Millennium and Solar Trust of America have said they are now in discussions with unnamed, "leading" photovoltaic panel manufacturers, and engineering, procurement and construction contractors. In a statement, Christoph Wolff, Solar Millennium CEO, explained, "Solar Millennium responds quickly and pragmatically to market conditions, and at the moment the California market favors PV technology. We are taking decisive steps in the U.S. to maximize site value for our company and our shareholders." Back in April, the parties involved were offered a conditional commitment for a U.S. $2.1 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to develop 500 MW of CSP.
The spokesperson additionally said that CSP is "too unknown" for commercial funding, and that the timeline of August, given to them by the DOE, was "too short to realize non-commercial FC for Blythe as a CSP project". They added, "DoE understands the benefits of CSP, but the tariff structures do not take these benefits under consideration, yet."
Solar Millennium, which primarily operates in the CSP market, says the technology will still remain its key focus. Wolff stated, "Our long-term strategy remains unchanged. We see solid demand for CSP in the world's growth markets such as Africa, the Middle East, India and China. This is also true for Southern Europe where we have just achieved financial close on our fourth CSP plant in Spain."
California: 8minutenergy and Gestamp given go-ahead to develop 335 MW of PV
8minutenergy Renewables and Gestamp Solar have signed a Generation Interconnection Agreement (GIA) with California’s Imperial Irrigation District (IID), under which they will develop 335 megawatts (MW) worth of photovoltaic projects. The agreement, said to be one of the first of its kind in Imperial Valley, will reportedly see a quarter of a billion dollars invested into upgrading the IID. The 335 MW are split into five separate photovoltaic projects. In total, the projects are expected to create over 1,000 construction jobs and 55 permanent positions in Imperial County.
The first project to be constructed will be the 50 MW Chocolate Mountains Solar Farm. When complete, it will cover an area of 320 acres in the foothills of the Chocolate Mountains, near the Salton Sea, and should generate enough energy to supply over 25,000 households.
According to a statement released, "Construction, commissioning and synchronizing to begin transmitting energy to the grid are projected for the fourth quarter of 2012 or early 2013." 8minutenergy and Gestamp are also aiming to get their Calipatria II solar PV farms online within the next 15 months. Comprised of two 50 MW systems, they are expected to occupy an area of nearly 600 acres when complete. Details of the other projects were not disclosed. It is also not clear which equipment manufacturers will be used, or how much has been invested into the overall partnership. The statement did say, however, that the projects are considered in-state resources and will be located on disturbed, low-productivity and irrigated farmland.
Overall, 8minutenergy is currently developing 12 utility-scale photovoltaic projects, ranging between 50 MW and 200 MW, in the Imperial Valley. They are projected to create $2.3 billion in total economic output and 240 new jobs.
California: Barclays to partner K Road Power’s utility scale projects
K Road Power has announced that it will partner with Barclays Natural Resource Investments (BNRI) on the development of its utility scale solar power portfolio. K Road is currently developing 11 plants worth nearly 2.3 gigawatts (GW).
Of K Road’s significant projects to be realized in the near term, the 850 MW Calico solar project in San Bernadino County, California, is set to become of the world’s largest. The Calico project was sold by Tessera Solar to K Road in December 2010 for an undisclosed amount. When purchasing the project, K Road took the decision to include 750 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic modules instead of entirely relying on solar thermal technology. Another project, the 350 MW Moapa project in Las Vegas, has been fast-tracked by the government.
California: 2 MW project for low-income families
In what is believed to be the country’s largest publicly funded photovoltaic installation for affordable housing, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HACSB) has installed residential solar systems for 863 low-income housing units. The project cost USD$12.25 million. SolarWorld was the firm behind the project and 7,200 of its modules were used. Solar installations went up in 21 sites around Santa Barbara County. Three different electricity utilities were also involved in facilitating the project. Local firm Planet Solar was the installer.
"SolarWorld is heartened to be part of a project that delivers the benefits of solar technology to low-income members of our community," said Kevin Kilkelly, President of SolarWorld Americas, in a statement announcing the project’s completion. Previously, SolarWorld has been involved in affordable housing photovoltaic projects in California. The company claims its solar panels have been used in low-income projects through the U.S. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held north of the city of Santa Barbara yesterday.
The project, which is understood to be the largest of 3,200 similar solar projects nationwide, received USD$6 million in federal funding. Congresswoman Lois Capps highlighted the benefit of the installations for both job creation and savings for low-income families. "The installation of these new solar panels created good paying jobs, and will result in lower energy bills for families throughout Santa Barbara County for years to come."
Nevada: 150 MW expansion of Copper Mountain solar complex
Californian utility Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has announced that it has entered into a deal with Sempra Generation for a 150 megawatt (MW) expansion of the vast Copper Mountain photovoltaic complex in the state of Nevada. The project will utilize First Solar ground mounted thin-film modules. Construction of the 1,100-acre solar plant is scheduled to begin in 2012. The first 92 MW of panels are expected to be in place by January 2013, with the remaining 58 MW in 2015. PG&E has the option to bring the schedule for the second phase forward.
In announcing the partnership, which will triple the output of the plant, Sempra Generation’s Jeffrey W. Martin said, "Copper Mountain Solar 2 is another exciting step forward on our plan to construct 1,000 megawatts of additional renewable capacity by 2015".
San Diego-based Sempra Generation and First Solar installed the first phase of the 48 MW Copper Mountain solar installation, which at present is the largest photovoltaic solar power plant in the country. It was completed in late 2010.
Late last month PG&E released its "Smart Grid plan", which will integrate communications, computing, sensing and control technologies into its infrastructure. The plan aims lower costs, increase reliability and to detect and restore outages more quickly. It will also allow households and businesses to reduce their usage through better monitoring. At present SmartMeter systems can view their previous day’s hourly electricity usage online, so they can use electricity more wisely.
New Jersey: 10 MW solar project under construction
Lincoln Renewable Energy (LRE) has started construction on a 10 megawatt (MW) solar project in New Jersey, the U.S.The New Jersey Oak Solar Project, which is slated for completion later this year, is located in the Fairfield Township, Cumberland County. Spread across 100 acres, it will comprise 55,000 photovoltaic panels when finished.
According to a statement issued by LRE, it will be the largest non-utility-owned solar project east of the Mississippi. CEO Declan Flanagan commented,"This highly innovative project clearly demonstrates that when the right policies are in place, investment will flow to create much needed energy infrastructure, even in the current difficult economy. The result is not just clean energy, but much needed employment and a major boost to the local tax base."
Overall, LRE says it is currently developing 30 projects in 10 states, worth a total of 750 MW. In other company news, Richard Gruber, who has previously worked for both Schott Solar and First Solar, has been appointed as LRE’s senior vice president of Business Development. He will be based in the company's newly established office in Austin, Texas.
Missouri: Solar energy gets reprieve
The Missouri solar rebate program, enacted by voters in Prop C's Renewable Energy Standard, received strong support this week in two critical decisions. First, the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) voted unanimously to deny Ameren and KCPL's requests to stop their solar rebate programs. The PSC ordered them to continue paying the rebates for at least 120 days.
The second major victory for solar and renewable energy was Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green's setting aside of his previous ruling from June 29th that the solar rebates were unconstitutional. The $2 per watt rebate was challenged by a lawsuit brought by the Missouri Retailers Association against the PSC. Attorneys for Renew Missouri and the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association filed motions to intervene in the case, and Green announced he will consider their applications for intervention over the next month.
This is good news for Missouri solar businesses who feared massive layoffs, as well as for all Missouri utility customers who will now, once again, be able to apply for up to $50,000 apiece in rebates to go towards solar systems up to 25 kilowatts in size. Dane Glueck, president of MOSEIA, said, "So far, the solar rebate program has resulted in hundreds of new solar arrays on homes and businesses in the St Louis and Kansas City areas, and grown Missouri's solar industry from less than five companies in 2008 to over 35 today."
Although these positive recent actions are a step in the right direction, they only provide a short-term reprieve for Missouri's solar program. "What is needed is for all parties to understand and embrace the positive impacts of solar and renewable energy in order to move us into a more secure, stable energy future," explained PJ Wilson Director of Renew Missouri. "The sooner this happens, the better for our state."
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