Rise & Shine: April 24, 2009
The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.
CALIFORNIA NEWS
Software Helping Sungevity Attract Customers
Sungevity launched a software tool kit to cut down the time and costs of designing a solar energy system, as well as generating a list of potential customers looking for local installers.
SolFocus Custs Ribbon on Expanded Glassworks Factory in Mesa, AZ
With over a 175 percent increase in manufacturing floor space and a new line of advanced manufacturing equipment, the SolFocus Glassworks facility will have the capacity to produce 2 million concentrating reflectors annually for 30 MW of solar power generation – over 15 times the plant’s capacity in 2008.
NATIONAL NEWS
American Solar Electric, SunRun Team to Lease Roof Panels
American Solar Electric and SunRun Inc. are offering a lease option for solar panels that could open new markets in the Phoenix area.
FPL Group Signs Supply Agreement with SunPower Corporation
Utility, FPL Group and SunPower Corporation have signed a supply agreement for SunPower’s high-efficiency solar panels and its SunPower® Tracker technology beginning in 2010 through 2012.
SolarCity’s VP Sympathizes with SRP Customers; Casts Doubt on Utility’s Reasoning
The Phoenix-based utility SRP’s claim to have reduced incentives for solar systems partly because of “falling solar prices” fails to take into account normal seasonal fluctuations.
BNY Mellon Unveils Solar Panel Array
At 5,762 square feet and 76,000 watts, the new solar panels atop the BNY Mellon Bank building here are only among the 25 biggest solar generating projects in Massachusetts.
Green Industry is What Will Take us out of the Recession
Experts hope legislation on solar panels will be another boost to growing field.
FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
SunPower Posts Q1 Net Loss, Delays Factory Plans
The solar company said it has delayed using two new production lines in the Philippines and taken other measures to cut costs. It has also reduced its 2009 sales outlook.
MEMC Reports First Quarter Results
MEMC has reported first quarter 2009 net sales of $214.0 million, which represents a decrease of 49.7% from fourth quarter 2008 net sales of $425.7 million, and a decrease of 57.3% from first quarter 2008 net sales of $501.4 million.
MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Global Solar Energy Market is in Oversupply, Say Motech and E-Ton
The global market of solar energy products is in oversupply currently and therefore the business outlook for related makers in 2009 is not optimistic.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Dingell Predicts Energy Passage
Michigan Congressman John D. Dingel said that the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to regulate carbon dioxide emissions as harmful pollutants Thursday would help push Congress to pass a meaningful energy reform bill.
TECHNOLOGY
NREL Installs iTi Solar Inkjet & Sprayer Systems
NREL will use the iTi Solar workstations to develop atmospheric processing methods and materials for use in photovoltaic applications.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Senegal Solar: Uninterrupted Power for Vital Medical Care
Beyond the important off-grid solar home system, photovoltaics can provide a stable power supply to essential services – such as the clinic featured here.
Oerlikon Solar Lays Off 60, Sales Dropped by 32%
Oerlikon Solar saw its first-quarter sales decline by 32 percent from a year ago to reach 51 million Swiss francs ($44.24 million).
Solar Thin Films Ships Equipment to Grupo Unisolar
Solar Thin Films has said that the majority of tools required for customer Grupo Unisolar’s 6MW a-Si thin-film PV plant have been shipped.
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