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SFCE 6/10
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Germany backs Indian solar and 'green corridors' with €2bn
Oct 6, 2015 | Recharge Magazine
By Andrew Lee
German development bank KfW unveiled €125m ($140m) of funding for renewable transmission projects in India -
PV module manufacturing metrology: measuring the making of solar modules
Oct 6, 2015 | PV Tech
By Christian Honeker
Lamination is a key step in module manufacturing, and the quality control of the lamination process affects the degree of EVA cross-linking, which in turn affects module durability. -
Update: SunEdison to cut 15% of global workforce
Oct 6, 2015 | PV Magazine
By Becky Beetz
In an SEC filing, SunEdison has confirmed rumors that it will implement significant workforce cuts. Initially, media had reported that around 10% of its 7,300 strong workforce would go. However, in the filing, it has said that up to 15% will be cut. -
Scotland’s Renewable Energy Industry Displaces Record Levels Of CO2 Emissions
Oct 5, 2015 | Clean Technica
By Joshua S Hill
Scotland’s renewable energy industry displaced a record 12.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions during 2014. -
Toughen climate action every five years, U.N. draft suggests
Oct 5, 2015 | Reuters
By Alister Doyle
All nations should agree to toughen curbs on greenhouse gas emissions every five years under a U.N. accord to combat global warming due in December, according to a first suggested text of a U.N. agreement on Monday.
Industry News
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Germany backs Indian solar and 'green corridors' with €2bn
Oct 6, 2015 | Recharge Magazine
By Andrew Lee
German development bank KfW unveiled €125m ($140m) of funding for renewable transmission projects in India, a day after Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany will back the Asian nation’s clean energy ambitions to the tune of €2bn.
http://www.rechargenews.com/solar/1413171/germany-backs-indian-solar-and-green-corridors-with-euro-2bn
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PV module manufacturing metrology: measuring the making of solar modules
Oct 6, 2015 | PV Tech
By Christian Honeker
Lamination is a key step in module manufacturing, and the quality control of the lamination process affects the degree of EVA cross-linking, which in turn affects module durability. Prior tests for EVA cross-linking were time-consuming and destructive. A new technology to measure EVA cross-link level in situ is now entering the market. The technology not only enables 100% lamination process quality control, but can also generate cross-link level maps or “fingerprints” with fine spatial resolution. These fingerprints seem to be unique to each lamination process. Thus, the lamination process can now be monitored and even tuned to an unprecedented degree, with precision and speed.
Module durability depends strongly on module design, materials and component selection. However, effective quality control (QC) during manufacturing makes a crucial difference in module durability, regardless of design and materials. Thus, in the race to reduce costs and maintain or improve module performance, QC metrology in module manufacturing is an important contributor.
While much effort is being made in using various imaging techniques (electroluminescence, IR thermography, photoluminescence, quantum efficiency mapping) to assess cell quality and interconnection in module assembly, less effort is made to develop tools to assess the quality of the encapsulation during manufacture including during lamination. In the lamination process, a stack consisting of front-glass, encapsulant layer, interconnected cell strings, second encapsulant layer and back-sheet are fused together under temperature and pressure. Among encapsulants, EVA remains the incumbent and is expected to remain so for many years (Figure 1).
During the lamination process, EVA cures to develop the required stiffness and adhesion. Insufficient cure can result in delamination,yellowing, and void formation. The standard EVA “fast-cure” formulation requires a lamination time of 12-15 minutes. Cost considerations seek a shorter lamination process cycle. Thus, the lamination process balances quality and speed.
Typically, the gel fraction test provides QC feedback for the EVA cure (cross-link) level. This test is based on extracting the soluble (non-cross-linked) fraction of a sample of the cured EVA. The “gel-fraction” is the weight fraction of material remaining after solvent extraction. The test has several drawbacks. It is manual, destructive, time-consuming (requiring 24 hours or more) and hazardous (solvents are toxic and flammable). Moreover, without a carefully developed and controlled test procedure, results can be highly variable. The net result is that manufacturers sample at a very low rate (one in several thousand modules) to assess EVA cross-link level. In short, the current QC method to assess EVA cure level in production is limited.
With these known drawbacks, the research community evaluated potential replacements. Many methods can measure EVA cross-linking, and a recent review lists 11. However, the review indicates that only one of these methods is likely to be used for in-line QC. A team in Austria (the Carinthian Tech Research and the Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology) is investigating the use of confocal Raman spectroscopy as a non-contact, non-destructive method. The Raman method relies on the change in the relative intensities of the –CH2- versus CH3 groups as a function of EVA cross-linking. Note that since Raman is an optical method, it can only be applied through the front-glass.
The Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy CSE developed a simple method sensitive to the change in the time dependent (viscoelastic) response to deformation of the EVA as it cross-links. The test consists of indenting a probe into the back of the module and measuring the force as a function of time. The decay in the force depends strongly on the degree of cross-linking of the EVA underneath the back-sheet. Weakly cross-linked EVA has a steep force decay curve whereas strongly cross-linked EVA has a shallow one. The amount of force decay can be correlated with the gel fraction (Figure 2). Note that the response of the indentation method is sensitive over a wider range of lamination time than the Gel Fraction Test.
The indentation method is non-destructive, fast, repeatable and simple. The method was licensed from Fraunhofer CSE by LayTec GmbH and commercialised under the name XLINK. LayTec’s stand-alone lab unit (Figure 3) can be used to measure the cross-link level as a function of position thereby creating a map of the degree of cure (Figures 4-6). These maps have led to some unexpected insights in a set of commercial modules.
Figure 4 shows a localised region of low cure. Discussion with the module manufacturer identified the failure of a heating element in the laminator that occurred during this batch of modules. Such a failure would surely have been detected during routine maintenance, but how many incompletely laminated modules would have manufactured in the mean time?
Figure 5 shows an asymmetric curing profile in which the top right corner shows a lower level of cure and the lower left a higher level. This pattern is characteristic of a 2x2 module arrangement in a large production laminator. In this case, the centre region of the laminator cures the centre corners of the 2x2 array to a greater extent than the outer corners. To achieve a more uniform cure level it would be necessary to “tune” the laminator to deliver a more uniform heat distribution.
As a final example, Figure 6 shows a symmetric cure distribution in which the center of the module has a higher cure level than the edges. This pattern is characteristic of a laminate that “bowed” during lamination. Bowing is the result of rapid heating in the centre resulting in a localised thermal expansion of the glass. The result is that the edges of the laminate bow upwards, reducing thermal contact at the edges and further increasing the non-uniform heating. Lift pins in the laminator have been introduced to provide for a more gradual initial heating, reducing the bowing phenomenon.
In its on-line configuration (Figure 7) module manufacturers can now ensure that EVA meets the cure target for every module manufactured. Cure maps, measured off-line, can be used to evaluate the uniformity of cure and as feedback to tune laminator performance.
The best QC methods are fast, in-line, non-destructive, cheap and repeatable. With the introduction of LayTec’s XLINK, 100% monitoring of the lamination process is possible. In addition, the tool enables faster process development, faster assessment of new lots of EVA, and QC data for customers and certifiers. The off-line tool can be used to map the cross-link level, which enables adjustment or tuning of the laminator for optimum performance.
Industry interest in the technology is growing. Several major module manufacturers, including REC and Hanwha Q CELLs, are adopting the technology. As module manufacturers become familiar with the technology and the tool, a wide adoption is expected.
Although the basic design of solar modules remains unchanged appreciably in many years, a large number of innovations in cell and module design are simultaneously reducing cost, increasing efficiency, and reliability. Innovations in manufacturing metrology enable module quality, contributing to a reduced levelised cost of electricity via improved durability.
http://www.pv-tech.org/guest_blog/pv_module_manufacturing_metrology_measuring_the_making_of_solar_modules
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Update: SunEdison to cut 15% of global workforce
Oct 6, 2015 | PV Magazine
By Becky Beetz
In an SEC filing, SunEdison has confirmed rumors that it will implement significant workforce cuts. Initially, media had reported that around 10% of its 7,300 strong workforce would go. However, in the filing, it has said that up to 15% will be cut.
The decision, approved by the Board of Directors on September 29, has been taken in light of the company’s recent shopping spree, which has seen a number of business activities duplicated; and in response to both current and expected market conditions.
Charges of between US$30 million and $40 million will be incurred from the restructuring, which will be recorded in Q4 2015 and Q1 2016. "These charges primarily consist of severance and other benefits to terminated employees, most of which are expected to be paid out by the end of the fourth quarter of 2016," said SunEdsion in the filing.
In a seperate statement, also released yesterday, SunEdison said it would be streamlining its operations. An investor presentation will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, with CEO, Ahmad R. Chatila and CFO, Brian Wuebbels, in order to discuss the changes further.
Part of the changes are expected to see SunEdsion focus on fewer, more important markets, like India, the U.S. and China; and streamline its business structure, which has become increasingly complicated on the back of the formation of two yieldco vehicles – TerraForm Power and TerraForm Global – and its recent acquisitions, which include Vivint Solar.
Overall, the company has seen its share value slide around 80% this year.
http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/update--sunedison-to-cut-15-of-global-workforce_100021396/#ixzz3no5rfDVJ
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Scotland’s Renewable Energy Industry Displaces Record Levels Of CO2 Emissions
Oct 5, 2015 | Clean Technica
By Joshua S Hill
Scotland’s renewable energy industry displaced a record 12.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions during 2014.
According to data released in response to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Scottish MP Callum McCaig and answered by the UK Energy Minister, Andrea Leadsom, Scotland’s renewable energy industry prevented more than one million tonnes of CO2 per month entering the atmosphere during 2014.
Those figures correspond to a 119% increase on 2010 levels, when only 5,611 million tonnes were displaced, and in 2014 represent almost a quarter of Scotland’s total carbon emissions.
“For the fourth year in a row these figures show an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide which has been displaced by Scotland’s renewable energy industry,” said Joss Blamire, Senior Policy Manager for Scottish Renewables. “The figure is equivalent to almost a quarter (23%) of Scotland’s total carbon emissions which is clearly good news for our environment, and is even more impressive when you consider the wider economic and social benefits that the sector brings.”
These impressive statistics come at a critical time in the debate over the use and role of renewable energy in the UK, as well as globally, as countries prepare for the UN climate negotiations in Paris later this year.
“We regularly hear Amber Rudd, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, talk about how committed the UK Government is to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and meeting carbon targets, but we need to see that being put into action and a long-term plan set out to support the sector’s continued growth,” said Mr Blamire.
“With only two months to go, it is more important now than ever before to lead by example and place renewable energy centre stage of the forthcoming climate talks in Paris.”
The UK has been the subject of close scrutiny by global renewable energy investors, proponents, and insiders, after initiating and considering numerous cuts to government support for small-scale renewable energy technologies and projects. UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Amber Rudd, has repeatedly defended her government’s position, claiming that the cuts will save “hard working British families and businesses” on their electricity bills — despite the fact that the country continues to heavily subsidize fossil fuel-generated electricity, and despite the fact that, over the long run, supporting the growth of various small- and large-scale renewable energy technologies will end up saving “hard working British families and businesses” thousands on their electricity bills.
Scotland has remained one of the standout case-studies for the benefit of renewable energy growth, time and again stepping out beyond the constraints of the UK government’s own policies and supporting renewable energy to the hilt. Such support has had a dramatic impact on the country’s electricity mix, as was seen by numerous monthly wind energy generation numbers and a “massive year” in total.
https://cleantechnica.com/2015/10/05/scotlands-renewable-energy-industry-displaces-record-levels-co2-emissions/
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Toughen climate action every five years, U.N. draft suggests
Oct 5, 2015 | Reuters
By Alister Doyle
All nations should agree to toughen curbs on greenhouse gas emissions every five years under a U.N. accord to combat global warming due in December, according to a first suggested text of a U.N. agreement on Monday.
The 20-page accord, slashing a previous text of more than 80, is a step towards a deal due at a summit in Paris from Nov. 30-Dec 11 by narrowing down core elements of an agreement. It leaves many details unclear, such as the role of carbon markets.
While the draft gives no details of how quickly curbs would have to be ratcheted up, regular reviews are vital because the United Nations says national plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions are not strong enough to keep temperatures below a U.N. ceiling of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times.
The text, drawn up by the two U.N. experts who oversee the talks among almost 200 nations, suggests all countries should publish plans for tougher action every five years under the Paris accord, which maps out actions beyond 2020.
Some nations want reviews only once every decade, or only for rich countries.ADVERTISING
"Work towards a new universal climate change agreement was today strengthened through the issuance of the first comprehensive draft of the agreement," the U.N. Climate Secretariat said in a statement of the draft.
Almost 150 nations, including major emitters led by China and the United States, have submitted plans to the United Nations for curbing greenhouse gas emissions blamed by the U.N. for causing more floods, droughts and heatwaves.
The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), which fears rising sea levels, welcomed the new text as preserving key options such as rising funds to help developing nations.
"The contours of the package are coming together; most of the world has submitted a plan for action; and political momentum is as high as it's ever been," said Amjad Abdulla of the Maldives, chief negotiator of AOSIS.
"But the devil is in the details," he said. It is unclear how far nations will accept the draft as a basis for the Paris accord.
Jennifer Morgan, of the World Resources Institute think-tank, said the text was a "helpful launching pad for reaching common ground" for preparatory talks in Bonn, Germany, in two weeks' time.
The draft leaves many options open - such as a long-term goal that might mean phasing out fossil fuels.
Environmental group Greenpeace said the text lacked a clear push for renewable energies. "It's a reasonable length but the Paris agreement should not rely on false solutions, such as nuclear power," said Martin Kaiser of Greenpeace.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/05/us-climatechange-summit-draft-idUSKCN0RZ1WT20151005
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