Living in America and Australia can be seen penumbral lunar eclipse

Crisis as a catalyst for a breakthrough in the field of photovoltaics

Continuing the analysis of the prospects. solar Energy. in the former Soviet Union, I want to turn to the experience of Armenia and to start I suggest you read a little interview with the CEO of Technopark ' Viasfer ', doctor of technical sciences, professor Aram Vardanyan, which was published in March 2009:.

- What happens in the sphere of high technologies in a crisis? .

- Of course, that the economic crisis is gradually penetrating into all areas, but feels that the phase of negative influence in Armenia, it is late. All companies of Technopark can be divided into two groups: companies with Armenian origin, and in which investors and founders, local, and companies that are subsidiaries of foreign companies. I can say that January and February were industrial park for companies without significant losses, although there are some negative signals. For U.S. ' daughters ' situation depends on the capacity of the parent company and how they keep. Currently, in addition to developing software products and chip design in the industrial park developed microwave technology, scientific instrumentation, microelectronics, alternative energy, energy saving, laser and vacuum technology.

I recently traveled to the United States, Silicon Valley, and had the opportunity to see the place which the negative and positive effects we can expect. It's not so clear, and if there is a crisis, it is not necessarily that we will have negative consequences. On the contrary, I felt that the intellectual potential, low labor costs and all the papers give us an advantage and real prerequisites for the increase in outsourcing, t. e. transfer of business or orders from the developed world to us. In this regard there is great potential. I even got accustomed to a few projects in the field of high technologies that soon may be able to transfer to Armenia. And it's not the companies that are already working in our industrial park and new. Moreover, it is now because of the economic crisis, many companies sell their equipment and other assets. Possible for very low prices to buy modern equipment and to arrange a similar manufacture or introduce advanced technology.

I believe that the recent decision by the Government on the exemption from VAT import of technological equipment was very useful. But, unfortunately, the threshold at which the decision takes effect, is too high - 1 million. dollars, and medium-sized businesses in the main importing used equipment valued at 100 thousand. up to 1 million. dollars and is not subject to this benefit. Case study: a complete production line with a snap- on assembly of chips on a substrate of semiconductor elements can now be purchased for 100 thousand. dollars, while its real value is between 1 million. up to 1.5 million. USD. For us, this is a finding that it is now organized in Armenia is the production of. And to enhance this activity, you need to lower the threshold.

In the U.S., I pursued a specific objective - to test the possibility of entering the market for photovoltaic solar systems. I think that now there was this very favorable situation, because on the one hand, the crisis, on the other - President Obama announced that a lot of effort and resources will be directed to the fact that the U.S. became the world leader in solar energy. I am a member of the European Association of photovoltaic inverters have information about what is the annual increase (40% ) of production systems for solar energy. It's just a crazy pace, and it is expected that by the year 2020 will be put into operation a total solar power capacity of 55 GW. For comparison, the power of one reactor unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant of 400 MW.

Establishment of the Armenian industry closed-loop systems for the production of photovoltaic solar power plants would be very beneficial. Especially because we have all the prerequisites for this, including staff and facilities. Requires only a certain modernization of equipment and. Then each year in Armenia could make solar systems with a total capacity of more than 100 MW. This is a very important figure for our country. Some of these systems can be operated directly in Armenia, and some - to export. Currently, my colleagues and I, along with the best forces in the country working on these issues to make this area one of the locomotives of the Armenian economy. This project connected and Universities.

The cost of photovoltaic solar systems is sharply reduced because of the use of new technologies that were previously used exclusively in aerospace systems. Now they are introducing a ground-based. It is expected that by 2020 some countries will produce up to 40% of electricity from solar energy. In addition, the application of new multi- trehperehodnyh semiconductor materials instead of traditional silicon allows to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells to nearly 40%.

- Aram Ambartsumovich you think that the crisis provides an opportunity Armenia to make a breakthrough in solar energy? .

- The solar energy is actually. In November last year, the initiative group, which I chair, presented this project to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and it approved the project. It is important that the government has supported our initiative. This project will deal with the new Armenian company, which is very important.

If we talk about the problems, it is first necessary to note the fact that most of the companies operating in Technopark ' Viasfer ', owned by foreigners. Of course, the arrival in Armenia ' daughters ' of large foreign companies, world-renowned brands - mere pleasant in many ways. However, in this case, the Armenian economy is slightly involved in the implementation of development. Therefore, it is important that there were domestic companies, which would create a complete knowledge-based product designed for the mass market, and would ensure its distribution in foreign markets, including through the sale of licenses. With this approach, local companies will earn real money, which will remain in the country. That is why today in Technopark implemented the second phase of development, stimulating the creation of the Armenian high-tech companies that are themselves able to sell their products. One such company in the future may become a manufacturer of photovoltaic solar systems.

The crisis is a huge mobilization of forces and resources, because we are talking about the survival of. Now the world's major powers throw huge resources that, on the one hand, to support the financial system and prevent its collapse, and on the other - actively looking for ways to temporarily reduce the cost, which can be considered a luxury these conditions. That's what we need to use. In addition, the crisis has a beginning and an end. According to experts, from the end of this year until mid- next situation will be stabilized. Our people are able to adapt, as highlighted by Russia, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund stabilization loans to Armenia, I hope, will soften the impact of the crisis on our economy and country as a whole.

Interviewed by Julia Kuleshov.

Attention!. On our site survey is conducted on the topic '. Are there any prospects for solar power in Russia or Ukraine?. '. The form of the survey is located on the main page in the sidebar on the right - you go, look, leave your voice. Responses received 2 more days.

In Minsk, again, mass arrests - (Photo Video )

As always on Wednesday, July 20 in Minsk, in fact, entered the military situation.
Recall that a group of 'Revolution through social networks ' encouraged people to come in 19. 00 on October Square in Minsk center. People intend to continue to just clap their hands in protest against government policies.
Even an hour before the rally in October Square area was a large concentration of police officers in uniform and in civilian clothes with loud speakers, radios, cameras, and even, as the ' Radio Liberty ', with the gas cans. Lane closed on Independence Avenue - A special machine has placed cones - to reduce traffic flow. In the past actions of the protesters kept passing cars signals.
Buses with riot police were also in all the yards next to the October Square. Journalists were warned that they should be in the ' safe place ' during the event. They were ordered to retreat 30 meters from the square to the street Engels. This means a de facto ban on shooting the action itself and the actions of police officers.
Meanwhile, down the avenue, from the GUM department store, has already gathered a group of young people. People were standing in the supermarket and McDonald's ' Central '. Police shot the operators of the video.
When people began to leave on October Square, they immediately flew riot police in black, and began to displace. The Special Forces have become a chain and pushed the audience. Squeezed out from the area of ​​people clapping.
' Were cleaned ' even the steps of the Palace of the Republic. Sitting there with a youth driven square.

Nearby, in the vicinity of the hotel ... People crammed into buses and taken away.

' The ban on the profession ' for journalists is still in force. When they were interviewing one of the protesters on the square, they were immediately approached the police. Deputy Head of the Minsk police Igor Evseev began to shout in order to stop an interview with journalists. Yevseyev also ordered journalists to leave a hundred meters, otherwise it will be treated as unauthorized action.
On the approaches to the GUM department store before the turn of men in civilian clothes blocked the road protesters, mostly young people, who clapped their hands. Protesters chanted ' Change! '. There and then drove the bus without license plates. They seized about 10 people.

Reported arrests in the theater ' Victory '.