solar power news 2009
In 2007 there was a solar industry milestone, when the cost of solar energy reaching a low of $ 1 per watt, which is a more cheaper than coal. In 2008, wind speed and chosen broke the mark of $ 1/watt too. Now, in 2009, the solar arrays of the bar back and accidents of the mark W $ 1 / exit at $ 0.98 / p. First Solar, the company to produce a thin film photovoltaic solar panels that generate power for less than $ 1 / W, is to get the coverage of the media around the place to make this milestone. Still to come in 2009, First Solar says its annual capacity double more than one gigawatt, which is equivalent to what the nuclear plant produces on average.
Since its inception in 2004, the First Solar manufacturing costs have decreased more than $ 3 / w for $ 0.98 today advance / W. Company credits visionary government programs for their progress and boasts that its modules to leave the smallest carbon footprint of all current photovoltaic technologies. They are also the only company in the industry to offer pre-financing, the end of his life and collection of recycling program, and already recycle over 90% of all used and collected in the form of new products.
While this sounds very well for us enthusiasts solar now, some people are concerned about the lack of long-term solutions solar megawatts and gigawatts are sufficient in the short term, but in terms of terawatt for large solar applications, companies like First Solar can hit the wall. Furthermore, with this race to solar energy less than $ 1 per watt, as much as 10-15% of the orders of First Solar could default as solar potential customers are affected by the crisis Current credit. Furthermore, in order for solar to compete with conventional sources of energy production costs need to fall to $ 0.65-$ 070 / w, and installation costs of $ 1 / W. First Solar plans to reach these numbers in 2012.
It seems that in general, the obvious question is whether any manufacturer would be able to plot the number of orders that inevitably would follow if he asserts himself as a competitive cost. Then it's a question of reaching enough raw materials to meet growing demand. That will come in time, however, as will the federal funding of research on alternatives inexpensive and easy to eco-silicon.
NBN News: Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, at Ausra’s Liddell Solar Thermal Power Station
