“Today, not to join the Photovoltaic market in Israel is a gross economic mistake” Says Lior Gal from the Business management faculty in Ben Gurion University in the Negev Region.
Today, in Israel there are over 130 installers in comparison to a mere five that existed prior to the introduction of the feed in tariff in 2008. Today the issue in Israel is not installers, nor interested clients, but the ability to meet the demand. If in the past, real-estate investment was the desired option, now, installation of small scale PV systems is the major investment trend.
The reason for this shift in the market is due to a number of factors. The first and probably the most influential factor is the introduction of the feed in tariff in July 2008, now standing at 1.97 NIS (0.34 €). Other factors are the economic crisis that hit the real estate market, great advances in both technology and aesthetics and naturally the general green trend. This year, an unexpected boost came to assist the industry, the Israeli Presidential conference that took place in October and the president focused on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency as the future of the Israeli economy.
Despite these, there are difficulties the industry must tackle. The Spanish PV market grew by more than 2661 Megawatts of new installed power in 2008. As a result, the global PV market has grown by around 5600 Megawatts. This enormous 100 percent increase compared with the 2007 figure explains part of the scarcity and high module prices in 2008. But, with a cap of 500 MW in 2009, it also means that the Spanish market will decrease in size by at least 80 percent (or more than 2100 MW) this year.
In Israel the situation is very unique. The UN Environmental Protection program manager referred to it as the “Israeli paradox”. While Israel is a pioneer and a renown innovator in the Renewables industry, it is far behind in installations. In response, the Israeli ministry of environmental protection, backing the governmental decision from last year, still maintains that Israel will achieve its 2020 goal (10% of Israel’s energy is to be produced from renewable energy systems) and has showcased its flag project – the Ashalim - a colossal thousands of acres PV system. The area has already been allocated and approved, and tenders have been drafted. The Ashalim project is being championed by the Israeli Ministry of Finance. Additionally, three other areas of landed are being contemplated for similar 250MW facilities.
These governmental initiatives are supplement to the prosperous operations of the business sector. Siemens has invested in Israel over 430 million USD by in acquisitions and merges (Solel was completely bought out by Siemens for 418 million USD, Arava power is now 40% owned by Siemens for 15 million USD), Pretrium signed a contracting deal with SE Solon, to name a few. The future is bright for this young and exciting industry in Israel. To assist the industry grow Quantum Business Group is producing the Energytech 2010 Exhibition and Conference on the 27-28 of October 2010 in Tel Aviv. Currently 18 companies have secured positions, and more are underway.
An exhibit on "Jewish Energy" will be displayed at the International Exhibition and Conference for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency - EnergyTech, by Mr. Shmuel Levin, architect for Or Avner - Chabad.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Professional Convene at EnergyTech 2011 (4:27 PM, 08/28/2011)
On 21st and 22nd of September 2011, 2nd International Exhibition and Conference for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency – EnergyTech, will open its doors at Israel Trade Fairs & Convention Center (Ganei Taaruha) for professional audience and end customers.
Advice Electronics Ltd. registers to EnergyTech (11:46 PM, 05/15/2010)
Traditionally (since 1978) specializing in the Israeli Market on UPS, power supply and communications solutions Advice enters the PV market and chooses to exhibit, with its German partners Deihl Ako GmbH and Solare Datensysteme GmbH, at EnergyTech
Ketura Sun - the first commercial solar field in Israel (10:58 AM, 09/02/2011)
With Ketura Sun, Arava Power Company has set a precedent for the solar industry both in Israel and around the world by building a solar field with a neshama (a soul).
Suntech's new 300W Vd Series Solar Module Achieves Up To 15.5% Conversion Efficiency (10:50 AM, 09/02/2011)
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest producer of solar panels, unveiled the Suntech 300W Vd series, a new generation high-efficiency solar module, for Israel, available immediately.
Suntech Panels Power Israel’s First Large Scale Solar Array (3:47 PM, 06/26/2011)
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) delivered 18500 solar modules to Ketura Sun, Israel’s first solar plant, a 4.95MW photovoltaic array in the Negev desert.
EnergyTech Exhibition and Conference for Alternative Energy Sources, Renewable Energy, Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal, BIPV, Wind Energy, Energy Efficiency, Bio Fuel, Bio Gas, Green Building, Solar Energy
Traditionally (since 1978) specializing in the Israeli Market on UPS, power supply and communications solutions Advice enters the PV market and chooses to exhibit, with its German partners Deihl Ako GmbH and Solare Datensysteme GmbH, at EnergyTech
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) delivered 18500 solar modules to Ketura Sun, Israel’s first solar plant, a 4.95MW photovoltaic array in the Negev desert.
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