Karl Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit International Award for Antonio Luque

Professor Antonio Luque, founder and president of the Solar Energy Institute has been awarded with the "Karl Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit" award, given by the University of Delaware (USA), for his contributions to the development of photovoltaics. worth $60,000, the prestigious award recognizes the most outstanding international careers in the field of solar energy.

Thanks Professor Luque

Karl Böer prizes are awarded every two years in honor of the scientist, who was a member for years at the University of Delaware, founder of the Institute of Energy Conversion EE (UD's Institute of Energy Conversion) and one of the great researchers in solar cells. The jury awarded prizes consists of a committee which includes representatives of major US solar companies and government Department of Energy.

"Professor Luque has made outstanding contributions in the field of solar energy," said Michael Klein, Executive Director of Karl Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit, announcing the winner in this edition. "In giving this award, we recognize the impact their work has had on the scientific and technological development of renewable energies. The selection committee is proud to make this announcement. "

A successful career

Karl Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit recognizes the many achievements of Antonio Luque, who has several decades researching and improving solar PV technology, and turning these achievements into practical applications. In fact, Luque is one of the researchers who owes its solar energy development.

For years working in intermediate band cells, of which he has always said he is a real sun revolution. In 1969, Professor founded the Semiconductor Laboratory of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) and ten years later became the laboratory at the Institute of Solar Energy (IES), a highly recognized worldwide in photovoltaic research center.

Antonio Luque developed in 1976 Si - bifacial solar cells, which are active on both sides and are able to collect as much direct light as part of it is reflected on the front face, resulting in cells with very high efficiency. In order to manufacture these solar cells, Professor founded the company Isofotón in Málaga and became its first president until 1990.

CPV : Antonio Luque, Viacheslav Andrew

In its appreciation to the Spanish scientist, US jury award also highlights that Luque supported the adoption of a generous Feed In Tarifs System for the Spanish photovoltaic, which led in 2008 to 2.6 Gw commisioned to the Spanish Electrical network by producing more electricity with this technology than the medium nuclear power plant production (500 Mw).

Many awards

This is not, of course, the first award for Antonio Luque. Professor has many other national and international awards: the SolarWorld Senior Einstein Award SolarWorld (2008); the IEEE's William Cherry Award for Photovoltaic Science and Technology (2006); the Juan de la Cierva to Technology Transfer (2003) National Award; King James I to Research in the Environment (1999); the Edmond Becquerel Prize for Outstanding Contributions to the Development of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (1992); and the National Technological Research Prize Leonardo Torres Quevedo (1987).

Among the winners in previous editions of Karl Böer Solar Energy Medal of Merit include, among others, the German Hermann Scheer (2009), for his long contribution and commitment to the diffusion of solar energy, and Adolf Goetzberger (1997), founder of Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems; David Carlson (1995), inventor of thin film solar cells; and US President Jimmy Carter (1993), who encouraged the development of this technology and aroused worldwide interest in photovoltaics.

Spanish Source: http://www.energias-renovables.com/articulo/nuevo-premio-internacional-para-antonio-luke--20141124

Ernesto Guillamo is registered as 14.302 engineer at COITIM

While Commissioning PV systems:

To connect a PV array to the electricity net involves visual observations as well as tests and measurements to verify the safe and proper operation of the system.

Commissioning is performed immediately after PV installations are completed, prior to being operated and put into service for the first time and is a big responsibility.

A thorough commissioning process helps improve safety and quality control, provides verification the installation matches the plans and code requirements, and is performing as expected.

Some of the tests conducted during commissioning may be repeated during periodic routine maintenance to help ensure that the system remains in a satisfactory operating condition over its 25 years lifetime.

Key steps of a PV system commissioning procedure typically include:

■ Completing final installation details.

■ Completing visual inspections.

■ Verifying compliance with NEC requirements.

■ Conducting electrical verification tests.

■ Vo/c, Is/c, insulation resistance, polarity.

■ Verifying system functionality including start-up, operations, shut-down and emergency procedures.

■ Verifying system power output and energy production meet performance expectations.

■ Completing system documentation, including changes for as-built drawings.

■ Conducting user orientation and training on system operations and safety.

1 Final Installation Checkout

A final checkout confirms that the installation is complete before conducting any testing and beginning operations.

Typically, the installation contractor will perform the final checkout, prior to formal inspections by building officials.

With the exception of the PV array, all circuits should be de-energized wherever possible in preparation for system testing.

A punch list can be used to help check off items as they are completed, and typically includes the following items:

■ Verifying that all structural and electrical components are properly installed and secured.

■ Verifying that all components are installed in a neat and workmanlike manner, including wire management practices.

■ Verifying proper connections and terminations, including terminal torque specs.

■ Verifying that all required system and equipment labels, marking and placards are correct and in the proper locations.

■ Verify that any calibrations or adjustments for inverters, charge controllers or other equipment are properly set or programmed.

■ Verifying that all disconnects are open, fuses are removed and lockout/tagout procedures are in place.

■ Identifying and completing any unresolved items.

■ Completing site clean-up and restoring site to original conditions.

2 Visual Inspection

Visual inspections of PV systems should be performed as part of commissioning and carried out routinely over the system lifetime to verify and ensure that the system remains in a safe and properly functioning condition.

There are many areas to evaluate with visual inspections, with the frequency and level of detail depending on the type and size of the system involved.

Visual inspections are supplemented with other observations, test measurements and performance data to fully evaluate the safety and condition of PV systems.

Initial inspections are primarily used to identify unfinished installation details and verify compliance with the applicable code requirements.

Visual inspections conducted after installation during periodic routine maintenance tend to look for physical damage or degradation of equipment from extreme temperatures, moisture or other environmental conditions.

Prior to initial operation, all PV systems should be inspected for full compliance with the many NEC requirements.

Checklists are often used to review and verify these requirements at the time of inspection, for examination and approval by local authorities.

Among the key NEC requirements covered in Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations include:

■ All equipment shall be properly listed, identified and labeled, suitable for the conditions of use, and be installed according to the listed product instructions [110.3].

■ All equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner, consistent with quality craftsmanship standards in the electrical construction industry [110.12].

■ All equipment shall be mechanically secured and provided with adequate ventilation or cooling as required [110.13].

■ All electrical terminations and connections shall be made using approved products and installation methods [110.14].

This includes consideration of conductor and terminal materials, temperature ratings, and use of specially approved terminals for use with fine stranded conductors or more than a single conductor.

Pressure connectors using a set screw have required tightening torques, and these values should be recorded and verified at commissioning.

■ All electrical equipment shall be marked with the manufacturer’s identification and applicable specifications and ratings [110.21].

■ Sufficient working spaces shall be provided about any electrical equipment that is likely to be serviced or maintained while energized [110.26].

Clear spaces and dedicated spaces are also required about certain electrical equipment, such as panel boards or switchgear.

NEC requirements covered in Article 690: Solar Photovoltaic Systems should also be evaluated and verified during visual inspections.

These requirements address the following areas:

■ Calculating circuit voltages and currents

■ Determining conductor and over current device sizes and ratings

■ Locating disconnecting means

■ Wiring methods and connectors

■ Equipment and system grounding

■ Markings and labels

■ Connecting to other sources (also Art. 705)

■ Installing batteries and charge controllers

Some sources for PV system inspection checklists and guidelines include:

■  http://catalog.nfpa.org/

■  http://www.irecusa.org/publications/a-regulators-guidebook-calculating-the-benefits-and-costs-of-distributed-solar-generation/

■  http://www.irecusa.org/publications/connecting-to-the-grid-guide-6th-edition

■  http://www.jimdunlopsolar.com/vendorimages/jdsolar/PVInspectionChecklist.pdf

Many articles in the first four chapters of the NEC also apply to most PV installations, including but not limited to:

■ Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations

■ Article 230 Services

■ Article 240 Overcurrent Protection

■ Article 250 Grounding and Bonding

■ Article 300 Wiring Methods

■ Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring

■ Article 314 Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes

■ Article 338 Service-Entrance Cable: Types SE and USE

■ Article 344 Rigid Metal Conduit: Type RMC

■ Article 356 Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit: Type LFNC

■ Article 358 Electrical Metallic Tubing: Type EMT

■ Article 400 Flexible Cords and Cables

■ Article 408 Switchboards and Panelboards

■ Article 445 Generators

■ Article 450 Transformers

■ Article 480 Storage Batteries

■ Article 705 Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources

2.1 Labels and Markings

Numerous markings, labels and signs are required to identify PV systems and their components, and to warn operators, service personnel or emergency responders of hazardous conditions.

Manufacturer markings and labels identify the size, type, specifications and ratings for PV modules, inverters, controllers, combiner boxes, conductors, raceways, overcurrent devices, switchgear and all other electrical components.

These markings are placed on the product at the time of manufacture, and include listing marks from the approval agency.

Building officials may verify these markings during inspections, and rely on them for their approvals [110.2, 110.3, 100.21].

Additional markings and labels are required for the overall system and certain components in PV systems, and are to be provided and placed by the installer.

These include additional labels on dc-conductors and raceways [690.4, 690.31], connectors [690.33], disconnecting means [690.14, 690.17], and at the point of utility connection [690.54, 705.10, 705.12].

Labels and markings are also required on PV modules [690.51], alternating-current modules [690.52], the PV power source [690.53], ground fault protection equipment [690.5] and battery storage systems [690.55].

Special labeling is also required for bipolar arrays [690.7], ungrounded PV arrays [690.35], facility with either stand-alone systems or multiple power sources [690.56] and stand-alone inverters providing a single 120-volt supply [690.10].

31 Pages full of Hope

Paris agreement has missed an opportunity to strengthen and internationalize a paradigm shift based on renewable energy sources, underground keep 80% of fossil resources, halt the extractive industry to fit planetary boundaries. Instead nearly 200 countries have opted to devote the marketing commodification of the climate and "cheat solutions"

Climate justice, decarbonization, adequate funding, human rights, gender, climate refugees ... there are many kpi's that have been left out of the final text "agreement".

In addition, it has opted for the formula with less legal force (agreement) to a dangerously vague and open to interpretations text, in which emission reduction commitments of greenhouse gases are not binding. The review of the commitments will be too late when we are close to having already issued a number of greenhouse gases that would involve exceed the limit of 1.5°K.

Overall this is an agreement of intent without mechanisms to regulate or penalize for noncompliance, but includes important points and gives us the framework for action in a global struggle to stop climate change, giving a key message towards the end of the era of fossil fuels.

So in the agreement two very important points are included:

1.- Commitment to keep the increase in global average temperature "well below 2°K compared to pre-industrial levels, and continue efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5° K above pre-industrial levels"

2.- 195 countries plus the EU intend to achieve quickly reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, according to the best scientific information available in order to "achieve a net balance of emissions of greenhouse gases to be zero in the second half century "

Both points are very important because they make long-term objectives in line with scientific advice and to get CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels will have to be zero by 2050 at the latest.

Furthermore, the Agreement states that countries must improve their commitments to reduce emissions every five years beginning in 2020. Certainly very late and very weak, given that these commitments are not binding and penalty mechanisms and commitments reduction submitted by countries currently lead to nearly 3°K temperature rise.

So with this we enter the area of ​​commitment, responsibility, morality and national policies of each country both the Agreement and its inhabitants, as the most vulnerable countries already suffering frontline change impacts climatic.

We have heard hundreds of countries, including the EU as a whole and in its public statements emphasized that takes little more ambition, so we demand that those words have failed to be reflected in the text and enhance commitments will be reduction of emissions before and after 2020.

Less than a week before the general elections that will give Spain a new government for the next four years, climate action has to be on the agenda of all political agendas and with the agreement of Paris freshly cooked in hand we want to see a roadmap with specific targets and dates from the beginning of his term to ensure achieving the goal of 100% renewable future free of coal, oil and gas by 2050.

The primary goal of decarbonisation of our economies has ended in a vague reference to the need to reach peak emissions "as soon as possible" and "a balance between emissions and anthropogenic sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse greenhouse". That is, the fulfillment of commitments to offset emissions, rather than trust their significant reduction, through a change in the way we produce and consume. In other terms: Would be instead of Will be.

This 31 pages does not include emissions from the bunker, opens the door to accounting tricks in calculating emissions and leaves unprotected struggles as the divestment of fossil fuels and brake fracking and oil shale tar sands.

The "agreement" also maintains commodifications mechanisms of climate enrolled in previous treaties, such as carbon markets, that encourage speculation and politics of the book versus actual efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Nor should provide guarantees for the financing mechanisms. The funding for adaptation to the most vulnerable countries has been relegated to a decision of the summit, not the binding agreement, which enables turning back in the future. Moreover, much of this funding may be used to drive the said false solutions such as geoengineering or carbon capture and storage, which is a major obstacle to the development of renewable energies.

The most interesting elements are only in the preamble, that is, in the declarative part lacking legal force. This is the case of the appeal to "many more efforts to reduce" emissions. This makes the agreement more like a statement of intent than a text to the challenge posed by climate change, in clear contradiction to the origin of the climate negotiations and the direction of the United Nations itself.

World leaders have opted in Paris for the same resource eater model that has brought us to the current situation and leads us to the environmental collapse. It once again shows that many citizens have clear which path to follow while negotiating these frames continuously those voices go unheard and lack the necessary leadership to the greatest challenge of the century.

This is no time to lose arms or to be pessimistic in the fight against climate change. What happened in Paris shows the need to continue keep pressing for the necessary action to be taken against a deal that condemns us from moment to an increase of more than three degrees. It also underlines the importance of empowerment of change driven by citizens against global warming, with thousands of struggles, as articulated against TTIP, fracking and nuclear power. To pollute is still free of charge as no penalties or sanctions are going to be taken into account against partners of this global-legally-vinculant agreement.

A green window has been closed, the door to citizenship, the street and the everyday struggles are more open than ever. Experiences such as organic agroecology, food sovereignty, sustainable mobility and the divestment of fossil fuels will bring out the lack of ambition of political leaders. Only a genuine change in the production pattern and near consumption will effectively mitigate global warming.