Archive for February, 2010

Radio Waves, Inc., The Leader in Microwave Antenna InnovationTM, announced a new line of SP microwave antennas called the SPX-1.8NS series which covers from 1.7 – 1.9 GHz. These antennas cover a number of services including the Canadian smart grid network band of 1800 – 1830 MHz and the U.S. federal government band of 1755 – 1850 MHz. The frequency range of 1.7 – 1.9 GHz also covers some international bands utilized for public safety and other government applications in certain countries. The new SPX-1.8NS series of microwave dishes is available in all sizes from 1 foot to 8 feet in diameter.

Technology available today can be employed to create viable, sustainable, smart cities. That will be the message that Bob Gilligan, vice president—transmission and distribution for GE Energy Services, will deliver to delegates at the Chatham House conference, “The Future of Cities.”

Landis+Gyr, the leading global supplier of smart meters and energy management solutions, continues to expand its leadership position in the Polish market having recently signed a contract with ENION, the second largest electricity distributor in Poland, for its residential and ICG metering applications, further strengthening relations between the two leading companies.

The next step in smart energy is the development of eco-towns, environmentally-friendly communities built to leave a minimal carbon footprint. This week, UK Housing Minister John Healey is expected to announce the start of construction on 100 eco-show homes fitted with smart meters, electric car charging points, solar-heated water tanks and water-saving and composting systems to demonstrate a green lifestyle of the near future.

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BEDFORD, MA – February 1, 2010 – Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing capital equipment and turnkey lines to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, announced its 30MW per year turnkey solar cell line has been accepted by Hanwha Chemical Corporation Ltd. of South Korea (Hanwha). The line exceeded both its efficiency and throughput specifications producing 15.8% efficient multi-crystalline silicon solar cells at the rate of more than 34MW per year.

Solarfun Power Holdings Co. Ltd. announced the introduction of Eclipse, a new line of PV cells and modules with reduced light induced degradation (LID). The largest percentage of degradation of PV modules occurs during the first day of sun exposure.

A new study released by Navigant Consulting finads that a 25% by 2025 national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) would support hundreds of thousands of new American jobs and prevent a near-term collapse in some industries. Job growth in the wind, solar, biomass, waste-to-energy and hydropower industries would particularly benefit the Southeastern U.S. and manufacturing states whose Congressional delegations have had a history of voting against incentives and other measures designed to support the renewable energy sector.

SolarCraft has been selected by the Novato Chamber of Commerce (NCOC) as the inaugural recipient of its Green Business of the Year Award. In business since 1984, SolarCraft celebrates its 26th year providing renewable energy services to the North Bay. They offer full-service solar electric, solar pool heating and solar hot water, including consulting, design, sales, installation, monitoring and maintenance.

Smart grid development continued to pick up momentum in 2010.  The new year promises to be the biggest yet for the young industry.  Big industrialists introduced new products and technologies in January. 

Last month GE announced it was introducing a new energy information panel in partnership with OpenPeak, an expert in communications technology.  The new device is able to wirelessly communicate with smart meters, smart appliances, and other ZigBee or Wi-Fi enabled devices.  The smart panel keeps the energy consumer informed about fluctuating energy prices throughout the day so adjustments can be made accordingly.

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While utility companies may see lower profits after establishing a global smart grid that uses and manages power more efficiently, other companies responsible for applications, devices, data, and building the new infrastructure stand to reap significant financial rewards. Cisco is one of those companies poised to be major player in smart energy.

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