Premier Solar

PV Module Market Reaches $7.1 Billion

Solar PV module shipments increased for the fifth consecutive quarter in the second quarter of 2010 (Q1 2010) to 3.7 GW, generating $7.1 billion in revenues, according to IMS Research's latest quarterly report on the solar cell and module market.

The first half of this year saw high demand from major PV markets, particularly Germany where proposed feed-in-tariff cuts drove demand to new levels, the company says. Solar module shipments are forecast to increase once again in the third quarter to reach 4.3 GW.

"In contrast to the first half of 2009, when declining module prices and poor economic conditions stalled the market, current market conditions have led to huge a huge surge, with PV module shipments in Q1 2010 increasing by over 60 percent compared to the same quarter of the previous year," comments Sam Wilkinson, research analyst at IMS Research.

"PV module suppliers are undoubtedly enjoying this surge in demand and results have improved significantly," he continues. "We predict that average gross margins will reach over 30 percent this quarter."

First Solar, which currently enjoys some of the highest gross margins of PV module manufacturers, remained the largest supplier in Q1 2010. However, its share of module shipments decreased for the fifth consecutive quarter, and the gap between it and its crystalline competitors closed further, a trend that is likely to continue throughout this year, according to the report.

Although IMS Research predicts that total PV module shipments will grow by 60% in 2010, shipments of cadmium telluride (CdTe) modules (dominated by First Solar) are forecast to increase by just 20% due to limited capacity increases for the technology until 2011; these results will mean that CdTe’s share of shipments will decrease from nearly 11% in 2009 to just over 8% in 2010.

In contrast, the five largest Chinese module manufacturers (Suntech, Trina, Yingli, Canadian Solar and Solarfun), all suppliers of crystalline technology, continued to increase their command of the market and their combined share of global shipments reached 28% in the first quarter.

Public Open House this week in Ottawa!

Date: April 21, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Presentation by the OPA at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Centurion Conference & Event Centre
170 Colonnade Road South, Ottawa

The Ontario Power Authority, representatives from some Local Electricity Distribution Companies and your local Premier Solar Dealer will be there to provide information and answer questions.

Additional sessions will be held across the province in the coming months.

Ontario electricity bills to rise, again, under $8-billion plan for green energy

Ontario electricity bills to rise, again, under $8-billion plan for green energy
- Yahoo! Canada News
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100408/national/ont_energy_projects

Open House on Solar

Check out our dealer in Hamilton, Neil Kromhout's open house
on solar at:


http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2494415

Radio Interview

Check out our dealer in Hamilton, Neil Kromhout's
radio interview "Enerman Solar" on MooseFM 92.9
in Haldimand at 7:45a.m. ET on April 15, 2010.

Off-Grid Country Series

Check out our dealer for Vancouver Islands, Pete Delorme's
video on off-grid country series at
www.imoffthegrid.com/premiersolarinc.html

Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebates (MEER)

Business Opportunity for CanSIA Members: Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebates (MEER)


Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebates (MEER) is an Ontario Province-wide energy conservation program targeting multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) outside of the City of Toronto. Buildings located in the City of Toronto can apply through the City's Better Buildings Partnership. There are a number of financial incentives for you to tap into covering energy retrofits and audits in both the private and social housing sectors.



Incentives include $240/m2 Solar Hot Water Collectors as well as additional energy efficiency incentives.



For more information please visit our website at www.cansia.ca please note you must sign in and click Opportunities.

Farm Credit Canada's New Renewable Energy Loan

Farm Credit Canada (a federal crown corporation) has begun offering their new renewable energy loan product on March 1st. They have had great interest in the first six days since offering this product. Most interest has come from Saskatchewan and Ontario.

This financing product is available to Farmers, Primary Producers, and others in the Agriculture industry supply chain, across Canada. Applicants must be operating in the industry in some respect, not just utilizing empty zoned land for this program. Applicable projects include solar, wind, geothermal, and biogas. Applicants may continue to apply for net metering or FIT/Micro FIT contracts as they see fit, separate from this financial product.

Interest rates are competitive, interest terms are up to 5 years, and amortization is available up to 29 years. There are over 100 FCC offices across Canada, and interested applicants can enter any office to discuss financing options.

Applicants may prefer this method of financing as they will already be financing other items (land, homes, equipment, etc) through FCC. FCC staff has received some training in renewable energy technologies and understand the agriculture industry, so that they will be able to work with applicants in a productive manner.

Farm Credit Canada introduces loans for renewable energy projects!

The Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Energy Loan is designed to assist producers and agribusiness owners who want to make the move toward producing their own renewable energy.

"We're definitely seeing an increase in the number of people across the country that are interested in renewable energy sources to reduce costs and demand on the energy grid," says Greg Stewart, president and CEO of FCC. "The energy loan ensures FCC is taking an active role on the renewable energy front and shows our commitment to improving rural Canada."

Available beginning March 1, the energy loan will help producers and agribusiness operators purchase and install on-farm energy sources such as solar, wind, biogas or geothermal power. The energy loan offers an interest term of up to five years at variable or fixed rates and with monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments available.

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