Konarka Technologies, ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe to develop solar roofs

Konarka Technologies Inc. said that it teamed up with ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe to develop steel roof and other construction elements for building-integrated photovoltaic. The company did not disclose any financial details.

The joint solar solution will be based on Konarka’s Power Plastic, which easily replaces conventional building materials in roofs, skylights and facades. “We have found a competent industrial partner in ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe,” said Alex Valenzuela, Konarka’s vice president for business development in Europe. “They, too, use an automated roll-to-roll process in the production of their high-quality steel construction elements. Our capabilities are an ideal match.”

Report: Global PV module shipments to hit 30 GW in 2015

IDC Energy Insights reported that global solar photovoltaic module shipments are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2010 to 2015. The report, Worldwide Quarterly Photovoltaic Module Tracker, also noted that PV module shipments will reach 30GW in 2015 with an estimated market value of $330 billion. Significant growth in Asia/Pacific, excluding Japan, and the United States is expected to be a factor for this increase demand.

In 2010, PV shipments to the Asia/Pacific, excluding Japan, and United States markets accounted for 9.3% and 5.8% respectively, according to IDC Energy Insights data. In 2015, the same markets are expected to grow to 25.6% and 17.5%, creating new opportunity for PV vendors while shifting focus away from European markets that drove shipments in 2010.

ABI Research: United States to become largest PV market by 2013

ABI Research expects that United States photovoltaic market will overtake Germany, Italy and Japan and will become the largest market for annual PV installations in 2013. In 2010, an estimated 900 MW of installed capacity came online in the U.S. PV market and that number is expected to almost double in 2011, according to the ABI Research.

ABI Research noted that 30 U.S. states have Renewable Energy Standards or Renewable Portfolio Standards. These renewable energy objectives are targets for major state utilities to reach by generating or purchasing a percentage of their energy from renewable energy sources. “The US federal government continues to focus on developing energy sources other than fossil fuels by extending its Investment Tax Credits (ITC) to 2016, and US states are setting ambitious Renewable Energy Standards (RES) or Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS),” Josh Flood, senior analyst, said.

Amtech Systems to withdraw $60 million shelf registration

The board of directors of Amtech Systems Inc. approved the company’s application to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an order granting the immediate withdrawal of its $60 million shelf registration statement on Form S-3.

The registration statement was originally filed with the SEC on February 8, 2011. Amtech Systems CEO J.S. Whang said the company has adequate cash resources to manage its current operations and continue executing on its strategic objectives. Amtech Systems is a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors and sapphire and silicon wafers.

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