China-based concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) module maker Suncore Photovoltaic Technology Co Ltd, which is owned by Xiamen-based San'an Optoelectronics Co Ltd (the largest LED maker in China), has acquired the assets of Israel-based ZenithSolar Ltd, including intellectual property, inventory, and equipment, through its US subsidiary Suncore Photovoltaics Inc (SPI).
Suncore was founded in July 2010 as a joint venture owned 40% by Emcore Corp of Albuquerque, NM, USA (which makes components, subsystems and systems for the fiber-optic and solar power markets) and 60% by San'an Optoelctronics Co Ltd of Xiamen, China (which designs and manufactures products including full-wavelength-range high-brightness LED chips and wafers, solar cells, and PIN photodiodes). Suncore is targeted at the manufacture and distribution of CPV receivers, modules and systems for terrestrial solar power applications. In June 2013, Emcore exited the JV by selling its stake to San'an.
Formed in 2006, ZenithSolar has developed a combined heat and power (CHP) product based on CPV technology, and demonstrated more than 70% combined solar energy conversion efficiency (21% electric and 49% thermal). The system provides electrical output from a photovoltaic array and concurrently generates hot water at a temperature suitable for domestic andindustrial applications. However, ZenithSolar filed for bankruptcy and entered liquidation this June.
Suncore now plans to set up a production line and start mass production of the CHP product in its facility in Huainan, China in 2014.
"The potential of this technology to provide a low-cost source of renewable energy is significant," believes Dr Charlie Wang, vice chairman of Suncore and CEO of SPI, "The CHP technology developed by ZenithSolar is an excellent complement to Suncore's CPV product portfolio," he adds. "In addition to our existing high-efficiency CPV products targeted for mid- to large-scale utility or distributed solar power plants, we are now able to provide solar-generated electrical and thermal power to customers ranging from industrial and commercial, to residential and agricultural."
Emcore and San'an to form JV for terrestrial CPVs
