By Henry Fountain

New York Times
Published: February 26, 2008

Solar power generated by photovoltaic cells is among the greenest of energy options. The cells just sit there, basking in the sun and emitting nothing but electrons.

But cells are manufactured, and the manufacturing process is not benign. Over the life cycle of solar cells — from the mining of raw materials to the finished product — just how green are they?

Vasilis M. Fthenakis of Brookhaven National Laboratory and colleagues have the latest analysis to be published in Environmental Science and Technology. The short answer is that photovoltaic cells are still very green.

The researchers looked at emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants like nitrogen oxide gases and heavy metals from the manufacture of four types of cells. Most of the emissions are results of the electricity used, and the amounts depend in part on the mix of electricity in the grid, or how much comes from coal plants, hydroelectric, nuclear and the like.

The researchers found that thin-film cadmium telluride cells were the greenest, although the differences among the four types were slight. All told, the researchers say, replacing electrical power from the grid with electricity generated by solar cells results in at least an 89 percent reduction in greenhouse gases and pollutants.

“Liquid Metal” at the Center of IBM Innovation to Significantly Reduce Cost of Concentrator Photovoltaic Cells
Hardware Zone
May 20, 2008

IBM today announced a research breakthrough in photovoltaics technology that could significantly reduce the cost of harnessing the Sun’s power for electricity.

By mimicking the antics of a child using a magnifying glass to burn a leaf or a camper to start a fire, IBM scientists are using a large lens to concentrate the Sun’s power, capturing a record 230 watts onto a centimeter square solar cell, in a technology known as concentrator photovoltaics, or CPV. That energy is then converted into 70 watts of usable electrical power, about five times the electrical power density generated by typical cells using CPV technology in solar farms.

If it can overcome additional challenges to move this project from the lab to the fab, IBM believes it can significantly reduce the cost of a typical CPV based system. By using a much lower number of photovoltaic cells in a solar farm and concentrating more light onto each cell using larger lenses, IBM’s system enables a significant cost advantage in terms of a lesser number of total components.

For instance, by moving from a 200 sun system (”one sun” is a measurement equal to the solar power incident at noon on a clear summer day), where about 20 watts per square centimeter of power is concentrated onto the cell, to the IBM Lab results of a 2300 sun system, where approximately 230 watts per square centimeter are concentrated onto the cell system, the IBM system cuts the number of photovoltaic cells and other components by a factor of 10.

“We believe IBM can bring unique skills from our vast experience in semiconductors and nanotechnology to the important field of alternative energy research,” said Dr. Supratik Guha, the scientist leading photovoltaics activities at IBM Research. “This is one of many exploratory research projects incubating in our labs where we can drive big change for an entire industry while advancing the basic underlying science of solar cell technology.”

The trick lies in IBM’s ability to cool the tiny solar cell. Concentrating the equivalent of 2000 suns on such a small area generates enough heat to melt stainless steel, something the researchers experienced first hand in their experiments. But by borrowing innovations from its own R&D in cooling computer chips, the team was able to cool the solar cell from greater than 1600 degrees Celsius to just 85 degrees Celsius.

The initial results of this project will be presented at the 33rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists conference today, where the IBM researchers will detail how their liquid metal cooling interface is able to transfer heat from the solar cell to a copper cooling plate much more efficiently than anything else available today.

The IBM research team developed a system that achieved breakthrough results by coupling a commercial solar cell to an advanced IBM liquid metal thermal cooling system using methods developed for the microprocessor industry.

Specifically, the IBM team used a very thin layer of a liquid metal made of a gallium and indium compound that they applied between the chip and a cooling block. Such layers, called thermal interface layers, transfer the heat from the chip to the cooling block so that the chip temperature can be kept low. The IBM liquid metal solution offers the best thermal performance available today, at low costs, and the technology was successfully developed by IBM to cool high power computer chips earlier.

While concentrator-based photovoltaics technologies have been around since the 1970s, they have received renewed interest in recent times. With very high concentrations, they have the potential to offer the lowest-cost solar electricity for large-scale power generation, provided the temperature of the cells can be kept low, and cheap and efficient optics can be developed for concentrating the light to very high levels.

IBM is exploring four main areas of photovoltaic research: using current technologies to develop cheaper and more efficient silicon solar cells, developing new solution processed thin film photovoltaic devices, concentrator photovoltaics, and future generation photovoltaic architectures based upon nanostructures such as semiconductor quantum dots and nanowires.

The goal of the projects is to develop efficient photovoltaic structures that would reduce the cost, minimize the complexity, and improve the flexibility of producing solar electric power.

In addition to the photovoltaic research announced today, IBM is focused on several areas related to energy and the environment, including energy efficient technology and services, carbon management, advanced water management, intelligent utility networks and intelligent transportation systems. With decades of leadership in environmental stewardship, proven ability to solve complex challenges and unparalleled global reach, IBM is uniquely positioned to increase the efficiency of today’s systems and enable our clients’ “green” strategies.

New Facility Will Help Attract Additional High-Tech Jobs Major Economic Development Positions Western New York as Potential Solar Energy Hub

May 20, 2008

Empire State Development (ESD) and New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced a major economic development package for Niagara County that will bring hydropower from the Niagara Power Project that will serve as the linchpin for the reopening and expansion of manufacturing facilities of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (Globe) in Niagara Falls.

ESD and NYPA partnered to develop an incentive package for Globe, a leader in the silicon manufacturing that is used to create solar panels.

“This is another demonstration of our resolve to revitalize economic development in Upstate New York.” said Governor Paterson. “This project signifies how powerfully competitive New York State can be in attracting businesses when we pool our resources — in this case low cost hydropower through NYPA and an Empire Zone incentive through Empire State Development. In these fiscally tough times, these are the kind of collaborative investments of state resources that we need to spur economic development in communities throughout New York.”

Alan Kestenbaum Chairman and CEO of Globe, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with the State of New York and in particular with Governor Paterson, ESD and NYPA in bringing about the reality of the reopening and expansion of Globe’s Niagara Falls facility. This project will add needed capacity of silicon for solar grade silicon and will be a cornerstone for New York State to realize the goal of making New York a major center for production and research for renewable energy and in particular solar energy products. We salute all those individuals and agencies who worked tirelessly and expeditiously to make this happen and for proving once again the attractiveness of doing business in the State of New York.”

As part of their agreement with the state, 25% of Globe’s Upgraded Metallurgical Grade Silicon (UMG-Si) production from their new Niagara Falls facility will be used to attract new solar panel manufacturers to New York State, thus seeding the development of the “Green Collar” industry in Western New York. This provides a foundation for New York to become a leader in the solar use and production industry.

While the solar industry is the highest growth sector in the CleanTech cluster and is currently experiencing a large influx of investment and expansion, the vast majority of solar technologies require purified silicon which is extremely scarce. Several major solar panel manufacturers have inquired about the availability of the material in conjunction with locating new plants. Since that time, ESD has been engaging silicon producers in an attempt to leverage New York’s hydropower assets to produce silicon and build new facilities to help meet that demand.

Globe will re-open the existing Highland Avenue silicon production facility in Niagara Falls and invest in upgrading the equipment to produce approximately 30,000 tons of metallurgical grade silicon annually. In addition, it will build a new 100,000+ square foot facility in Niagara Falls to annually convert their metallurgical grade silicon into 4000 tons of Solar Grade silicon– enough to produce 500 MW of solar power.

ESD and NYPA created a package that provides Globe with 40 MW of hydropower over five years and up to $25,000,000 in Empire Zone benefits for up to ten years. The company will provide a capital
investment of $60 million.

This economic development package will advance the Governor’s Renewable Energy Task Force recommendations by developing incentives to attract clean energy industries to New York. The hydro power used to produce solar grade silicon in turn will be used to create zero-emission solar energy, a true “Green-to-Green” energy industry.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter said: “The New York Power Authority’s decision will allow Globe Specialty Metals to reopen its Niagara Falls factory, inject millions into our slumping manufacturing industry, and create 500 badly-needed new jobs. I was pleased to work with the Power Authority on behalf of Globe and applaud their prudent decision that will open the doors to a much-needed jump start for our regional economy.”

State Senator Antoine Thompson said: “I am proud to work with Gov. Paterson to bring 500 new green collar jobs to Niagara Falls. This project represents another critical step forward in revitalizing the Highland Avenue community.”

Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte said: “This announcement is exciting news for Niagara County. This partnership will provide 500 new jobs with the possibility of bringing hundreds more in the future. Having this high growth industry come to Niagara Falls is a step in the right direction to further our economic revitalization and is a way to keep our residents right here in Niagara County. I applaud the Governor and Empire State Development Corporation for their forward thinking in allowing Niagara Falls to set the way for New York to move into this ever growing industry.”

Roger B. Kelley, NYPA president and chief executive officer, said: “The plans to reopen Globe Specialty’s Niagara Falls facility are a direct result of the efforts of NYPA and Empire State Development Corp. who worked together to make this happen,” said Roger B. Kelley, NYPA president and chief executive officer. “This collaborative initiative recognizes the strong commitment by Governor Paterson to both stimulate the upstate economy and advance renewable energy technologies. The revamped Globe Metallurgical facility exemplifies both goals. We’re excited about the role we’re playing in providing the low-cost
hydropower for this enterprise.”

Daniel C. Gundersen, Upstate Chair of ESD, said: “The economic impact of the Globe deal will reach far beyond the 500 jobs pledged as we can now use this facility as an inducement to attract solar panel manufacturers to Upstate. We salute NYPA for their cooperation and enthusiasm in helping to bring these jobs to Niagara Falls. Governor Paterson’s vision to expand our green economy and grow our high-tech
sector is becoming a reality through partnerships such as this one.”

Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said “The investment of Globe in Upstate will not only create livable wage jobs but also train local workers in the emerging green technology field. This will serve as an example for companies and workers that New York State is committed to retraining our skilled workforce by providing opportunities in the innovative industries of tomorrow.”

Globe Specialty Metals has a strong working relationship with the Solar Energy Consortium, a publicprivate partnership designed to foster solar energy research and production in New York State. This is an example of how, under the Governor’s leadership, the State, private industry and the Consortium are working together to make NY a leader in the Solar Energy Industry.

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, encompassing business, workforce and community development. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s
iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit www.nylovesbiz.com.

About NYPA:

• NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.
• NYPA is a leader in promoting energyefficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives.
• It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.

For more information, contact Michael.Saltzman@nypa.gov.

Globe Specialty Metals Inc. is among the world’s largest producers of silicon metal and silicon-based specialty alloys, critical ingredients in a host of industrial and consumer products with growing markets. Customers include major silicone chemical, aluminum and steel manufacturers, auto companies and their suppliers, ductile iron foundries, manufacturers of photovoltaic solar cells and computer chips, and concrete producers. The company’s headquarters are in New York City.

LIPA Solar Project Would Provide Enough Power to Sustain 6,500 Households And Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 20,000 Tons

April 22, 2008

Governor David A. Paterson today announced a major alternative energy project that would create the state’s largest source of solar power to help meet the challenge of developing comprehensive renewable energy alternatives and address the growing demand for energy on Long Island and throughout the state.

Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) President and CEO Kevin S. Law said LIPA released a Request for Proposals (RFP) today calling for 50 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to be generated on Long Island. The project would provide enough power to sustain more than 6,500 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20,000 tons. The solar energy would be produced by one or more developers of solar photovoltaic systems and will be introduced onto the LIPA grid and purchased by LIPA.

“As our need for energy continues to grow on Long Island and throughout the state, it is imperative that we find new ways to develop more renewable energy resources that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Governor Paterson. “The RFP issued today, which was one of the recommendations of my Renewable Energy Task Force, is just one of the actions we are taking to meet our energy needs while reducing the State’s carbon footprint.”

LIPA envisions that the photovoltaic arrays will be installed at school buildings, on commercial and municipal rooftops, along parking lots, atop landfills, and at brownfield sites. This innovative project could further stimulate the solar marketplace throughout the state, fostering the creation of more “green collar” jobs.

The 50MW of solar energy builds on the success of LIPA’s Solar Pioneer program, which boasts more than 1,200 participants and has resulted in more than $30 million in LIPA rebates. LIPA and Long Island have been leading the way in this regard, serving as a host to 90 percent of the photovoltaic systems purchased throughout the entire state. The new 50MW will count for nearly one percent of LIPA’s total annual demand and will be the single largest block of solar energy in New York State.

LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law said: “This project will diversify Long Island’s energy portfolio, strengthen the local economy, transform the solar photovoltaic marketplace, and reduce our dependency on costly fossil fuels.”

Ashok Gupta, Senior Energy Economist for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: “Governor Paterson and LIPA’s leadership on solar is to be commended. Having 50 MW of solar in LIPA’s portfolio will not only help reduce the pollution that causes global warming but it will also provide critical peaking power which is otherwise very expensive and often dirtier than baseload generation.”

Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of the not-for-profit Renewable Energy Long Island said: “LIPA’s Solar Pioneer program for homeowners has helped transform a virtually non-existent residential market into a fast growing success story. I hope that LIPA’s new large-scale solar initiative will do the same for commercial and institutional buildings on Long Island. The roofs of our malls, institutional buildings and covered parking lots present a huge opportunity to turn Long Island’s abundant sunshine into clean and green electricity.”

The deadline for RFP responses is June 27, 2008. Recommendations for an award are expected to be made at the October 2008 meeting of LIPA’s Board of Trustees.

A Proposers’ Conference will be held at LIPA’s offices in Uniondale, New York on May 12, 2008, where LIPA staff will provide an overview of key elements of the RFP and answer questions from interested parties. Further details of the conference will be posted on LIPA’s website at http://www.lipower.org/