Germany to continue with the Residential Energy Storage Subsidies

In November, the German government decided to end a 30% credit for energy storage systems by the end of this year. But the subsidy will now continue in some form. Currently, state assistance also includes low-interest loans, in addition to the credit.

Planned cuts to energy storage subsidies in Germany have been reversed, for now. Illustration by Powerwise-energy. 

The subsidy has been instrumental in fueling uptake of battery storage, from almost nothing two years ago, to as many as an estimated 13,000 units in total by the end of this year.

The subsidy, which is provided by the federal government via the German state-owned development bank KfW, was originally created in May 2013 to encourage the uptake of solar-plus-storage.

According to the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, that goal had been met. The subsidy was so successful, argued the ministry, that it was no longer needed. 

Why the sudden change of heart

Some motivational factors behind the reversal of decision:

• After  a final rush to install systems at the end of the year, growth in the home storage market would diminish by 13% in 2016. It was predicted that the market would worsen in 2017.


• The negative impact on the domestic solar industry. Feed-in tariffs for new installations have already been slashed, making the home-consumption model of storing excess solar electricity a more attractive model for new solar adopters. 


• Without the 30% credit and cheap loans, customers may think twice before investing in any form of solar.

Although still a minor factor in the overall storage picture in Germany, domestic units have large aggregate potential.

"If all suitable households get a solar system and a battery, the storage capacity will exceed the capacity of all existing pumped storage power plants in Germany."  - Dr. Volker Quaschning,  University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Economics, Berlin.

Obstacles for large-scale storage in Germany

Currently, just under 14% of all new PV installations include storage.

Grid-scale storage is considered a consumer of electricity, meaning that both the storage operator and the subsequent consumer have to pay the country's EEG-Umlage, a renewable energy surcharge. In effect, the energy gets taxed twice!

The Green Mechanics:
Energy storage is no big deal in our country, or at least not yet a significant topic to talk about during energy meetings. But, the notion that we are about to discontinue the Feed-in Tariff mechanism for solar PV - possibly in a year's time - shows that we are not a contender for RE front runners in SEA region.

- Reference: GreenTechMedia

Global solar PV market hit cumulative 177GW in 2014

Worldwide installations of solar PV are now producing more than 1% of the global electricity use.

According to greentechsolar, by the end of 2014, cumulative installed capacity for solar PV globally amount to at least 177 GW, up from nearly 140 GW in 2013. This is about 10 times more than the installed capacity in 2008.


Source: International Energy Agency's Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme, IEA PVPS

Global solar PV market continues to grow, but last year's performance didn't quite meet expectations. Preliminary data shows that global PV market saw only a modest increase year over year - from an increase of  37.6GW in 2013 to 38.7GW in 2014.

The market in Europe decreased significantly, while in China, the solar PV market saw significant growth although it did not hit the 14GW target some believed it could have reached.


Modest global PV expansion

This year, China's National Energy Administration announced the country plans to install as much as 17.8GW of solar projects in 2015. The world's largest polluter has also put a new policy focus on distributed solar and innovative financing tools to help meet its goals.

Top three in terms of new solar installations (2014):

• China - 10.9 GW
• Japan - 9.7 GW
• United States - 6.2 GW

There are 19 countries that currently produce at least 1% of their electricity from solar PV, with top spots helmed by:

• Italy - 7.92%
• Greece - 7.6%
• Germany- 7.0%

Note: The IEA calculated production figures based on each country's cumulative PV capacity at the end of 2014, project siting and average weather conditions.

PV development in 2014 remained concentrated in 40 countries. Source: IEA PVPS


The Green Mechanics: All these reports and signs indicate the global PV market will continue on an upward trend for years to come. Exactly how much growth and where it will take place is less certain though. Still, this should be an encouraging piece of report.

- Reference: Greentech Media 

Architecture that brings Solar into the Landscape

This is interesting and challenging at the same time.

For the architects and landscapers with 'green tint' at the back of their mind, it would be interesting to find out if solar energy and energy efficiency can blend well with beautiful architecture. Folks at Spotlight Solar came up with this idea.

Likely applications

Suitable for commercial and public properties of many kinds - schools, science museums, city halls - these unique products help in differentiating system integrators services and brand. They could dramatically elevate the visibility of your buildings.


'Curve' offers striking and functional design. It is fresh and inviting, bending toward the sun and visitors.


'Lift' design offers flexibility and dynamic look.





Also a great idea for landscape design.

They build structures that complement other energy projects, adding reputation value to the ROI on green building investments. By making solar more visible and attractive, they hope to accelerate the adoption of solar energy.

The Green Mechanics: Put solar panels where people can see them. And like them.


Source: Spotlight Solar, http://www.spotlightsolar.com. All photos are shared from their website.

SEDA Malaysia announced final release of 1,500kW Solar PV quota for Individuals

Rooftop solar PV. Image credit: Green Remodel Forum

Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (SEDA Malaysia) announced the release of 1,500kW of solar photovoltaic (PV) quota for the individuals in three batches.

The quota for individual under the Solar Home Rooftop Programme will be released at noon on:-

• 28th August 2013 (Wednesday)       - 500kW
• 4th September 2013 (Wednesday)   - 500kW
• 11th September 2013 (Wednesday) - 500kW

After 11th September 2013, there will be no more release of any solar PV quota for the individuals because it is not realistic for these individual Feed-In Approvals Holders (FiAHs) to be able to achieve commercial operation of their PV system by year end.

Any renewable energy projects which are supposed to achieve commercial operation by this year and fails to do so will incur further degression to their FiT rate as stipulated in their Feed-In Approval (FiA) certificate. It is thus important for all FiAHs to note for solar PV for the individuals, the degression rate is 8% whilst for the non-individuals, it is 20%.


Preventing potential abuse

In order to prevent any potential abuse of solar PV quota for the individuals, effective 28th August 2013, the solar PV quota for the individual will be applicable only for residential premises under individual names only.

However applicants who are applying as an enterprise/sole proprietor/partnership for buildings or premises registered under individual names will also be allowed to apply for a FiA under the individual quota.


Useful reminder

SEDA Malaysia reminds all interested FiA applicants to comply with all the requirements during application as follows:

1. Ensure all information submitted through the e-FiT online system is accurate, clear and precise as any ambiguity may result in automatic refusal;
2. Declaration form must be uploaded to the e-FiT online system within three (3) calendar days from the application date; and
3. The hardcopy of the declaration form and proof of payment of application and processing fees must be received by SEDA Malaysia within seven (7) calendar days from the application date.

TheGreenMechanics: According to SEDA Malaysia, as at end of July 2013, it has approved renewable energy capacity is 509.75 MW but so far only 112.44 MW is connected to the grid. We are a bit slow in implementing approved projects!


Source: SEDA Malaysia press release, dated 27th August 2013

Solar demands surges in Asia

We've heard in the recent time that solar panel manufacturers are scaling back and some them even filed for bankruptcy.

But in contrary, Bloomberg reported this week that three major solar manufacturers are producing panels at full speed and contemplating plans to expand capacity to meet surging demand in Asia. They are Trina Solar, SunPower and Jinko Solar.

Green money surging in Asia? Image credit: REW

Increased production by major solar manufacturers

Trina Solar, the third-largest panel producer, increased its forecast for panel shipments this year to as much as 2.4 GW from an earlier range of 2 GW - 2.1 GW. Trina shipped 647 MW of panels in the second quarter, up 54% from a year earlier. It expects to deliver as much as 680 MW this quarter.

SunPower Corp. and JinkoSolar Holding Co. said they're also running their factories at maximum and mulling ways to boost output. The industry has been battered by excess production that drove panel prices down 61% since the start of 2011.

JinkoSolar expanded its annual production capacity to 1.5 GW from 1.2 GW, which won't be enough to meet its 2013 forecast of 1.5 GW - 1.7 GW of panel shipments. The factories are running at about 90% of capacity now.

SunPower said on July 31 that it's exploring ways to increase capacity, including expanding a joint venture with AU Optronics Corp.

"The solar industry was put into a bad, bad downturn, a horrendous margin environment. New markets, China, Japan, are growing, more than offsetting slowing markets like Europe."
- Dan Ries, an analyst with Maxim Group LLC.

Japan is promoting wider use of solar power after closing nuclear facilities following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. China has said it expects to install 10 gigawatts of solar panels this year.

According to Bloomberg, Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. is the largest panel manufacturer by 2012 shipments, followed by Suntech Power Holdings Co.


TheGreenMechanics: In a small way, Malaysia too, is contributing to this increase in demand in Asia thanks to our very attractive Feed-in Tariff rates for electricity generated from solar PV. Response is very encouraging especially from non-individual segment.

Source: Bloomberg

Free street solar chargers in New York

This is a joint effort pilot initiative by several companies. It provides free solar mobile charging stations at selected locations in New York City where the public can charge their phones, tablets and other mobile devices.

The charging 'tree' is about 12.5-foot high. Photo credit: AT&T


Specification and features

Solar panel            : 3 x 15-watt solar panels
Battery                  : 168 watt-hour, Lithium ion pack
Charging capacity  : Up to 6 devices for several days without exposure to the sun.
Power outlet          : 5V, max output 2 Amp
Socket                  : Old and new iPhone power plug, micro-USB
System providers   : Funded by AT&T, solar panels technology by Goal Zero, designed by Pensa.

The pilot project is intended to provide a sustainable, green solution for mobile charging.
Photo credit: AT&T

All major mobile devices will be supported through multiple connectors at each station, and an integrated battery will allow for charges even during nighttime. Photo credit: Engadget


TheGreenMechanics:

First, there's this security issues with regards to would-be thief lurching, but this is something the service provider needs to address; together with the local/city authority.

Secondly, it's probably impractical to wait there to recharge your mobile device battery completely, but if you have a few minutes to spare, it'll be very handy while you are out there taking a walk or chatting with friends.

Nonetheless, this is something our town council or city hall can replicate here in Malaysia. In fact there's already pilot project in Kota Kinabalu city to build a Green Taxi Station that provide essentially the same as what AT&T offers in NYC.


Source: AT&T, Smartplanet.com

Comtec to build one of world’s largest solar wafer plants in Sarawak for RM1.2bil

Citing established power supply infrastructure, transparent policies, and  geographic convenience as pulling factor, China's Comtec Solar Group decided to choose Sarawak as its international expansion target.

In 2010, Sabah had a rare opportunity of attracting RM5.2 billion in foreign direct investment from another China solar player, Sun Bear Solar Ltd, to set up the first solar glass manufacturing in Malaysia. This plant was supposed to be sited at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, but due to power supply shortage the plan did not materialised.

It is apparent that, unlike Sarawak, we do not have an 'established infrastructure' yet.


Sama Jaya Industrial Zone was developed by Sarawak government to encourage the siting of electronic industries. Comtec solar plant will be sited here.


The Sarawak solar wafer manufacturing plant in brief:

Investment               : RM1.2 billion ($373 million)
Location                  : Sama Jaya Industrial Park, Kuching
Occupied area         : 40 acres
Job opportunity       : 1,300 new jobs
Construction            : Starting June 2013, expected completion Dec-2013
Production               : starting 1Q, 2014
Main customers       : Sunpower in Melaka, Panasonic in Kulim, Kedah


Comtec solar plant a sign of intensifying investments

China-based Comtec Solar Group (Comtec) via its subsidiary Comtec Solar International (M) Sdn Bhd has formally officiated the ground breaking for its RM1.2 billion solar wafer manufacturing plant yesterday which will eventually have an annual production capacity of one gigawatt of N-type mono solar wafer.

Having acquired approximately 40 acres of land in Sama Jaya Industrial Park, this makes the Sama Jaya plant one of the biggest mono solar wafer manifacturing facilities in the world upon completion.

With the development of Comtec’s solar plant capable of supplying energy at reasonable a price, it is hoped that it could create the link between Samalaju and Sama Jaya.

Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud highlighted that, “With the establishment of Comtec’s solar plant, I believe it will push further our desire to see that the plan to attract the solar industry would be coming forth as the result of our preparations to attract energy intensive industries.”

Second Minister for Resource Planning and Environment, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah said in his opening remarks, “Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone is developed by the state government to cater for the high-technology industry where our young university and college graduates can find employment.”

Explaining on the plant’s construction, Comtec chairman John Zhang said, “Our phase 1 construction will start by the end of June and is expected to be completed before the end of 2013 by Sinohydro.

“The production and the supply to our customers like Sunpower in Melaka and Panasonic in Kulim will begin in the first quarter of 2014 and ramping up throughout the year.”

To note, the Comtec Group is one of the world’s top leading professional solar silicon ingots and N type wafer manufacturer, with a non-disruptive technology that dramatically delivers superior performance than normal P-type mono and multi wafers in current worldwide solar market.

“Before we decided to choose Sarawak, we reviewed a number of location options worldwide,” Zhang told reporters.

“After an extensive evaluation of established infrastructure, transparent policies, ethical practices, production cost, greographic conveninence and encouraging investments, we finally chose Samalaju in November last year."
- John Zhang, Comtec Solar Group chairman 

“We were impressed with Kuching’s well-established solar manufacturing base, experienced workforce and its attractive power supply infrastructure facilities,” said Zhang.



Source: The Borneo Post

Renewable energy FiT rates await Sabah state government nod

I remember when we engaged the services of a Peninsula-based Renewable Energy consulting company in 2011 in anticipation of the FiT scheme set to be implemented beginning 2012, everyone was very excited about the prospect of second source of revenue for the company.

The potential was to install at least 700kWp of solar PV each at several existing structures under our jurisdiction. Indications are very much pointing to a total capacity of 2 MW. In the end we learnt that the quota for non-individual Solar PV was snapped within the first couple of hours of the opening of online bidding carried out by SEDA Malaysia.

Later we found out that a JV between Sabah Energy Corp. and SESB secured portion of the quota and news were going around that they were set to build the first commercial solar farm in Sabah.

Sadly, until today this has not materialised yet partly because FiT for Renewable Energy was suspended indefinately in Sabah.

No. Not until we start paying the 1% levy on our electricity bills!

A the moment, renewable energy (RE) producers in Sabah, mostly biomass and biogas plant operators at palm oil mills, are not able to subscribe to the feed-in tariff (FiT).

Unlike in Peninsular Malaysia, RE producers in Sabah have to be contented with TNB's Small Renewable Energy Projects (SREP) rate of 21 sen per kWh, instead of the 32 sen per kWh under the FiT.

This is because under the law, RE producers in Sabah will only be eligible for FiT when the 1% RE levy is collected by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, a 70% subsidiary of TNB, from heavy power users in Sabah.

FiT essentially guarantees RE producers a premium selling price over that generated from depleting and finite sources such as oil, gas and coal. Power generated from sustainable sources that benefits from FiT includes:

• Biomass (oil palm, etc)
• Biogas (methane from landfill, etc)
• Small hydro power, and
• Solar PV

Since December 2011, heavy power users in Peninsular Malaysia using more than 350kWh or whose monthly bills exceed RM77, have been paying the one per cent RE levy to TNB.

The Sabah government, however, had appealed against collection of RE levy, saying it would be too taxing on heavy power users here. Now that it has been over a year, the federal government indicated that the Sabah government seemed to have come around.

Business Times reported on March 27, 2013 that Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry secretary general Datuk Loo Took Gee as saying "the Sabah government has verbally agreed, we met up this week." She was speaking to reporters after representing Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin in officiating at the launch of the Eco-B workshop organised by Malaysia Green Building Confederation.

Asked when Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman will sign on and allow TNB to collect RE levy from heavy power users in Sabah, Loo replied: "We'll have to wait for the official letter from the Sabah state government".


TheGreenMechanics: Why not. With the implementation of the FiT scheme in Sabah, we'll get to enjoy the premium rates of, say, electricity generated from solar PV on our rooftops.


Reference: Business Times