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
Mayor Defends Success of City’s Pilot Solar Program
In a letter to the East Bay Express, Bates says he believes Berkeley FIRST might be the city’s “most important contribution to combating climate change” and says it has laid the foundation for a larger scale state-wide program.

NATIONAL NEWS
NREL Launches Strategic Energy Analysis Institute
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has established a new global institute dedicated to analyzing, speeding and smoothing the transition to sustainable energy worldwide.

Small Businesses Find Success with Renewable Energy
As of early March, small businesses have been selected to receive nearly $5.4 billion in funding across a number of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and related programs.

Texas Cities, Schools, State Park Win $32M in Funding for Solar Projects
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has announced that 32 solar photovoltaic projects across the state have been awarded $32 million in grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

3 out of 4 Americans Approve of Solar Energy Development on Public Lands
The survey also revealed that solar power was the top choice (38 percent) as the best use of public land.

SEIA on Utility Scale Solar
There are over 100 utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. totaling 17,000 MW now in the planning stage.

Belgian Solar Company Chooses Atlanta
A department spokeswoman said Enfinity received no tax breaks or state incentives. At least 30 jobs will be created.

Bill Would Extend Solar Benefits to Communities
Mark Udall yesterday announced a bill that would extend the tax credit available to homeowners who put solar panels on their roofs, to those homeowners who collectively own small solar arrays located somewhere other than their own property.

Catholic Schools are Installing Roof Based Solar Panels
Crews already have installed solar panels at elementary schools in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Amherst, Hamburg, Lancaster and Lockport, and the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo hopes to have 43 solar projects installed during the next several years.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
LA Utility Approves First of 4 Panned Rate Hikes
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power board has approved the first of four planned rate hikes that would help fund the city’s transition to renewable energy.

S.F. Sues Over PG&E Backed Ballot Measure
San Francisco and a group of government-owned utilities from around California took their campaign against a Pacific Gas and Electric Co.-sponsored ballot measure to court Thursday, arguing that Proposition 16 is a power grab dressed up as an expansion of taxpayers’ rights.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
SunPower to Revised Earnings; Costs Understated
The restatement will lower SunPower’s profits for 2008 and the first three quarters of 2009 by $16.9 million, based on generally accepted accounting principles, the company reported Thursday.

Trina Solar to Offer 8M American Depository Shares
Chinese solar power company Trina Solar Ltd. said it plans to offer 7.9 million American depositary shares, each representing 50 ordinary shares of the company.

BrightSource Raising $150M Mezzanine Rounde
The solar thermal player, fresh from $1.37B in Fed loans, needs to raise a mezzanine round.  En route to IPO?

General Electric Invests in Thin Film Solar Tech
GE plans to harness cadmium telluride technology from PrimeStar Solar Inc., a start up firm that GE holds a major stake in.

Acro Energy Receives Stock Exchange Approval to Close Private Placement
The sale of 1,086,044 units at CAD0.29 per unit raised gross proceeds of CAD314,953 for Acro Energy.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Germany to Add Record 5 GW Solar Power in 2010
Karin Freier, head of the Environment Ministry’s solar energy department, said planned cuts of 16 percent in state subsidies that will take effect in July were fuelling the boom as investors rush to beat the deadline.

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
Major California Solar Project Moves Ahead
California regulators on Wednesday recommended that the state’s first new big solar power plant in nearly two decades be approved after a two-and-half-year review of its environmental impact on the Mojave Desert.

CB Richard Ellis Goes Solar
The Los Angeles-based company launched its CBRE Solar program Wednesday, offering services such as solar power purchase agreements, project development and management services, and investment opportunities to clients in the U.S. and Canada.

SPG Solar Completes Large Scale Solar System for JMB Realty
One of the Most Powerful Urban Solar Systems in the Western United States.

Victor Valley College Goes Solar with SolFocus Power Plant
New Solar Plant Uses Earth-Friendly Concentrating Photovoltaic Technology to Supply 30 Percent of Campus Electricity Demand.

Southern California Edison Launches Request for Offers form Independent Power Producers for Solar Program
Last year, the California Public Utilities Commission approved SCE’s plan to generate hundreds of megawatts of emission-free solar power from the rooftops of large industrial buildings in SCE’s service territory.

NATIONAL NEWS
Akeena to Provide Installation Services for Lowe’s
Akeena Solar this week said that it will provide residential installation services for Lowe’s customers in 21 California stores.

Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy Hosts Conference
Energy Security, Job Creation, Investments, and the Family Farm will take center stage at this special event.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
PUC Listens to Proposition 16 Debate
Critics of a PG&E-backed ballot measure that would hamper public power efforts want California energy regulators to jump into the fray.

kWhOURS Aims to Modernize Energy Audits
In the system developed by kWhOURS, auditors can export their Excel spreadsheets or instantly plug it into benchmarking and analysis software like Energy Star and DOE-2.

California’s Smart Meter Battle: Google vs. Utilities
There’s a battle looming in California over smart meters and energy prices.

If You Modernize the Grid, Will Consumers Care?
Part of the problem is the nature of the product–electricity is the ultimate commodity that consumers in the U.S. simply expect to work.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Senators Share Emission Bill’s Details With Industry Groups
Lawmakers at the heart of Senate energy and climate negotiations revealed key details today of their legislative proposal during a closed-door meeting with major industry groups they are courting in hopes of winning over Senate moderates and avoiding an expensive advertising war.

Obama’s Nuclear Madness and the Future of “Clean”
Obama announced the first loan guarantee to the nuclear industry in nearly three decades – a conditional guarantee of $8.2 billion for two proposed nuclear power plants in Georgia.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Agile Energy Secures Funding from Good Energies
Agile Energy’s near-term pipeline consists of approximately 400 MW of solar projects.

Iosil Secures US $13.5M for Polysilicon Production
The investment will allow the company to its polysilicon production pilot facility in one of several locations under consideration.

TECHNOLOGY
Aluminum Maker Eyes Solar Industry
Alcoa, the aluminum giant, is testing a new type of solar technology that it believes will lower the cost of renewable energy.

Intermolecular’s PV Development: R&D in Hyper Drive
Dozens of photovoltaic process experiments on a single wafer.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Morocco: A Sunny Disposition
A solar-powered bonanza beckons. Morocco has virtually no oil or gas of its own and imports 98% of its energy.

Czech Parliament Approves Bill to Scale Back Solar Subsidies
The Czech lower house of parliament Wednesday approved a bill to allow the local energy regulator to sharply reduce the high fixed sale price for electricity produced at new photovoltaic solar generators.

Sahara Desert Solar Project Unlikely to Happen, Liebreich Says
A 400 billion-euro ($550 billion) plan by companies including Siemens AG and Munich Re to develop solar-electricity generators in the Sahara Desert is unlikely to come to fruition in its present form,

Suntech’s Dr. Shi Applauds Australian Feed-in Tariff
Chinese solar PV powerhouse, Suntech, has applauded the Australian state of New South Wales for its adoption of a feed-in tariff (FiT).

Q-Cells Declares 2009 Loss of $1.8B; CEO Resigns Amidst “Huge Loss of Confidence”
They were the number-one cell producer in the world in 2008. What went wrong?

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
In Recession’s Shadow, Solar Power Shines
The companies appear to be riding a wave of good fortune for the solar-power industry.

NATIONAL NEWS
Evergreen Solar Panels Now Powering Five Megawatt Italian Solar Power Plant
It is the largest installation of Evergreen Solar panels in the company’s history.

Suniva® Solar Cells Power 3 MW Solar Project in India
The 3MW, ground-mounted system is the largest grid-connected solar field in India, covering more than 12 acres.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
Greening the DWP
The mayor’s plan, correctly, is for clean, renewable energy. So why the lack of transparency?

DWP Rates May Rise Between 8% and 28% to Pay for Mayor’s Green Initiatives
The hike would pay for more aggressive conservation programs and a solar plan designed to create 16,000 jobs as well as cover the fluctuating price of coal and natural gas.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
World Solar Photovoltaic Market Grow to 6.43 Gigawatt in 2009
The PV industry generated $38 billion in global revenues in 2009, while successfully raising over $13.5 billion in equity and debt, up 8% on the prior year.

Clean Energy 2010 Trending Up
Clean Edge’s annual trends report finds clean-energy markets holding up in tough economic climate — thanks to a lot of help from China.

Renewable Energy Strong Despite Recession
A devastating recession slowed but did not stop the clean energy industry’s growth in 2009, a report issued Tuesday found.

China to Restrict Polysilicon Production
Solar demand is growing, but China wants to prevent a bust.

China’s Policies Fuel its Renewable Energy Sector
The Chinese government has helped turn the country into an alternative energy powerhouse using a slew of policies that support domestic renewable fuel industries, according to a study released Monday.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Group of 29 Governors Seeks Renewable Power Standard
Schwarzenegger and others say a U.S. guideline would help spur job growth and economic development. They also say the current fragmented system is pushing investments abroad.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Solyndra Generated Over $100M in Revenue Last Year
Solyndra brought in revenues of $100.47 million for the fiscal year that ended on January 2, 2010, up from $6.01 million for the fiscal year that ended on January 2, 2009.

CPV Semi Startup Solar Junction Gets More Funding
A $13.3M inside round keeps the firm going while they wait for the CPV market to emerge.

TECHNOLOGY
RF Micro to Develop Solar Cells
In cooperation with the National Renewable Energy Lab, RF Micro Devices soon will develop a new generation of solar cells that produces far more energy than today’s solar panels.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
CNPV Signs Long-Term Strategic Partnership with Sinatis Europe
CNPV Solar Power SA has entered into a long-term strategic partnership sales agreement with Sinatis Europe, a French project development and distribution company.

Suntech Selected to Power Taiwan’s Largest Solar Power Plant
Owned and operated by the Taiwan Power Company, and developed by Fortune Electric Co., Ltd., the new 4.7MW solar plant in Young’an, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, will nearly double the island’s current installed solar capacity of about 5MW.

Siliken to Build 9.8 MW Solar Power Plant
The Spanish renewable energy company, Siliken has entered into an agreement with the company FRV -Fotowatio Renewable Ventures to set up a 9.8 MW power PV plant in the Italian city of Fiumicino (Rome).

9REN Completes Permits Three Projects in Italy
Two of the three projects are in the Apulia region, one in Latium, close to Rome: San Trifone (2.4MW) in Lizzano and Masseria Martellotta (8MW) in Palagianello (both in the Province of Taranto) are located near the 7MW already in operation.

Czechs Seek to Temper Solar Investment Boom
The Czech Republic does not spring to mind as one of Europe’s hot spots, yet an over-used subsidy scheme has created a bonanza for solar power that has ignited fears of a spike in energy prices and grid instability.

Ireland’s Surface Power Signs Major Strategic Partnership Agreement with Solar Energy Initiatives
Agreement will place the company’s industry-leading SP501 solar collector in all 50 states.

First Solar Joins Desertec Solar Project
U.S. solar power company First Solar (FSLR.O) has joined the Desertec solar power project, which hopes to supply 15 percent of Europe’s power by 2050 via a network of renewable energy sources.

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
Clouds Hold Clues for Power
The University of California San Diego has received a grant to battle one of the biggest enemies of solar-power generation. Clouds.

Solar Power Inc. Awarded Contract to Develop World’s Largest Elevated Solar Recreational Vehicle Parking Structure
Award marks second project for Solar Power, Inc. with management group developing the Temescal Canyon RV storage facility.

NATIONAL NEWS
For Renters, Solar Comes in Shares
Sometimes called solar gardens or farms, the idea is that utilities build the arrays, and customers — renters, people with shady roofs and even condo owners — can buy a share.

First Solar Sells 30 Megawatt Solar Photovoltaic Power Project
First Solar has sold a 30 megawatt (AC) photovoltaic solar power project to Southern Company and Turner Renewable Energy. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Kyocera Supplies Solar Panels to Georgia’s Largest Commercial Solar Project
USFloors commissions state’s largest commercial sector solar array.

PV Powered Inverters Used in 1MW Solar Project at the University of Toledo
The 1.12 MW system was installed by Advanced Distributed Generation LLC (ADG) of Toledo, Ohio and will be owned and operated by Constellation Energy Projects & Services of Baltimore, Maryland.

Solar Group Taps Energy Dept. Vet for Top Policy Slot
The Solar Energy Industries Association, the industry’s main Washington, D.C.-based trade group, on Monday said it has hired Thomas P. Kimbis as both its new director of policy and research and general counsel.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
Privacy and the Smart Grid
Some technology policy organizations are worried that smart meters pose a potential threat to privacy.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Analysis of US Concentrated Solar Power Market
CSP Today catches up with Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s solar associate, Nathanial Bullard, to discuss issues currently affecting the US CSP sector.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Applied Materials Ups Lobbying Effort on Energy
Applied Materials Inc. ramped up its lobbying effort during the last three months of 2009, spending close to a half-million dollars trying to sway lawmakers on energy policy and other issues.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Day4 Energy Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2009 Results
Day4 Energy today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full year 2009.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
China Sunergy Announces to Acquire Two Solar Module Manufacturers
China Sunergy announced today an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of two related module manufacturers

Statkraft Opens Its First Solar Power Plant in Italy
Norwegian power generator Statkraft opens its first solar power plant, Casale in Aprilia, Italy. Statkraft has also signed an agreement with Siemens Energy to build more solar power plants in Italy..

ABB Awarded $30 MW Solar Contract
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won a $30 million order from GA Solar, part of the Gestamp Corporation, to deliver a 13 megawatt photovoltaic power plant in northern Spain.

BKK Power Plans Solar Farm
Bangkok Solar Power, a leading producer of electricity from solar energy, will spend Bt100 million to build a large solar farm in Lop Buri province this year.

Atlantic Wind and Solar Inc. Signs $120M Project Financing Agreement with Canada Green ESCO Inc.
The Agreement paves the way for Atlantic Wind and Solar, and its wholly owned subsidiary Atlantic Solar Inc., to aggressively proceed with its many solar projects and to expand its business in the Ontario rooftop solar business with funding as required.

FITs, PV and the UK
A response to the current feed-in tariff/ PV debate in the UK.

Solar Choice Welcomes Feed in Tariff
Solar panel installation specialists, Solar Choice have praised the forthcoming introduction of the UK feed-in tariff, which will come into effect in April 2010.

German Solar Cuts Grounded
Piper Jaffray produced a research note on Monday morning quoting German press reports that the feed-in tariff (FIT) cuts for ground-based solar, including farmland solar projects, might be delayed until Oct. 1.

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
Port of Sacramento Now Operating on Solar Power
The Port of West Sacramento today unveiled a newly installed solar power system that will provide all of its electricity needs over the next 25 years.

Volunteers Complete First ‘Solar Build’ In Sunnyvale
SunWork Renewable Energy Projects, a South Bay nonprofit dedicated to spreading solar power with the help of trained volunteers, completed its first “solar build” in Sunnyvale.

Escondido Council Approves Solar Retrofit
Escondido will spend $1.2 million to retrofit its facilities for energy efficiency with solar panels, “cool” roofing and sensors that turn off lights.

NATIONAL NEWS
Not So Fast – Solar Installation Costs are Not Dropping
In an article stating that Cost of Installed Solar Fell 30% in Past Decade, there is a strong inference that the entire cost of installing solar is going down. This is not entirely accurate.

Residential Solar Customers Creating a Gold Mine in Arizona
Arizona Invites Solar Companies Worldwide to Tap into Arizona’s Booming Residential Solar Market; Now more than 600 Solar Related Businesses Are Scrambling to Meet the Demand.

PV Powered Supplies Inverters to Largest Rooftop Solar Installation in Pacific Northwest
PV Powered’s commercial inverters are being installed in a new 2.4 MW project in Portland, Ore., the largest rooftop solar project in the Pacific Northwest.

Executive Departures at Clean Energy Firms
The past week has brought a spate of executive departures at renewable energy start-ups, with the president of SolarReserve, a power plant builder, and the chief executives of Clipper Windpower and Aurora Biofuels stepping down.

Solar FlexRack Chosen for One Largest Solar Projects in North America
The Blue Wing Solar Project in Texas will use 214,500 photovoltaic modules.

Why Applied Materials Should Curb its Solar Plans
It’s crystalline clear: the amorphous business isn’t working for Applied.

US Firms Working to Lower Cost of Solar Energy
Ohio One piece of the American effort to find a way to make solar energy cheap enough that everyone will want it is unfolding in a modest redbrick building in this Midwestern city once known as one of the nation’s top makers of glass.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
Marin Officials Lodge Complain Against PG&E
Marin County energy officials have filed a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission over what they claim are attempts by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to quash their plans to offer an alternative, cleaner energy source to county residents.

PG&E Customer Refuses to Take Smart Meter, Locks Up Old Meter
Dieteman’s beef isn’t with his bill. It’s with issues of privacy and Big Brother. And to show PG&E he’s serious, he locked up his old meter.

T-RECs Invade California Energy Market
To meet renewable goals, California utilities can buy power from Arizona households. It’s a new ball game.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Solarbuzz Reports World Solar Photovoltaic Market Grew to 6.43 Gigawatt in 2009
World solar photovoltaic (PV) market installations reached a record high of 6.43 gigawatt (GW) in 2009, representing growth of 6% over the previous year.

Booming Residential Solar Market in Arizona Drives Growth, Creates 50 Additional Jobs
Executives Cite Top Rated Solar Incentive Programs, Utility Co-op Marketing Programs and the Rising Residential Interest in Solar Power to Save Money and Reduce Electric Bills.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Energy Bill More About Jobs
Sen. John Kerry, hoping to win over wavering senators, said he is pushing environmental reforms to create jobs and spark energy independence, with climate benefits along “for the ride.”

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Solar Energy Firms Seen Vulnerable
Shares of a number of solar energy companies have become vulnerable as the Obama administration has turned out to be a lot less lucrative for green investors than originally hoped, Barron’s said.

TECHNOLOGY
Solar Panels Made Three Times Cheaper and Four Times More Efficient
In this latest news, scientists are using current technology in a new type of concentrating array which they say is four times more efficient and three times cheaper than current solar cells.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SMA Plans Ontario Manufacturing Facility
Inverter manufacturer, SMA Solar Technology AG is to strengthen its presence in North America with the foundation of a subsidiary in Canada. The site will be selected during the course of the first half of 2010.

Moser Baer Makes Solar Breakthrough
Moser Baer PhotoVoltaic, the solar module manufacturing arm of Moser Baer India, has increased its thin film solar module manufacturing capacity by 20%.

Span & Germany Forecast to be Renewable Powerhouses of Europe
The EU will surpass its target to consume 20 per cent of its energy from renewable energy by 2020, according to national forecasts submitted to the European Commission.

Canada’s Largest Supermarket Chain Going Solar
Ontario’s got a new feed-in tariff, and the largest supermarket chain in Canada, Loblaw, is looking to take advantage of it.

Trina Increased Module Shipments to Enerqos
Trina Solar Limited announced that its subsidiary, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. Ltd., has increased its yearly shipments to Enerqos SPA.

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
Ventua Dedicates Two New Photovoltaic Installations
California’s Ventury County, Solar Power Inc. (SPI) and Solar Power Partners (SPP) have completed the installation of two photovoltaic systems at county facilities.

Chevron Energy Solutions to Build 3.7MW Solar Project
Chevron Energy Solutions and East Side Union High School District in San José, California, today announced the start of construction on a 3.7-megawatt solar project.

SolarCity Opens Office in Pomona That Will serve the Inland Empire
SolarCity, a Foster City-based installer of solar systems, opened an office in Pomona that will support its business in the Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley and the foothill communities as far west as Pasadena.

No Money Down Solar is Now Available Online
Sungevity, the leading online provider of residential solar installations, announced that it has the industry’s best solar finance solution combined with its industry leading online quoting service.

Solar Panel Equipment Arriving for Sunset Resevoir Solar Panel Plant
Solar panel mounting equipment is being shipped to the Bay Area to prepare for construction of a large solar power plant.

NATIONAL NEWS
SolarCity Expanding in Phoenix
SolarCity plans to open an additional operations facility in the northern part of Phoenix to accommodate increasing installation volume.

Renewable Energy Solution Systems, New York Stone Form Strategic Alliance
This strategic alliance will provide installation of commercial solar energy systems for the tri-state area, the companies state.

Solar Manufacturing Plant Set for New York State
A new solar module manufacturer is opening up a $10 million production facility in upstate New York to become the only American-owned solar panel manufacturer in the eastern US.

83 Acre Solar Farm Proposed
A Marlton-based landowner wants to use nearly 90 acres here, part of it farmland, to generate about 20 megawatts of electricity from solar panels.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
SDG&E Gets OK to Use Renewable Credits
After four years of often-contentious regulatory proceedings, the CPUC voted yesterday to allow SDG&E and other California utilities to use tradable energy credits to meet state requirements that they obtain an increasing amount of their power from renewable energy.

State Regulators Approve $9M in Solar Research Grants, PG&E Solar Contract
The California Public Utilities Commission approved more than $9 million in solar research grants Thursday and also gave the go-ahead to a solar contract for the Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

NC Utilities and Regulators at Odds Over Smart Grid Reporting
Commissioners to decide whether deployment plans, interactivity details must be disclosed.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Australian Solar Shines in 2009
Despite the global financial crisis, the Australian solar power industry grew a phenomenal 366% in 2009.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Sen. Sanders, Solar Execs Present 10×30 U.S. Solar Plan
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and solar business executives have teamed with Environment America to present a plan for solar energy to meet 10% of the U.S.’ energy needs by 2030.

Colorado Legislators Give Final Approval for Stronger RPS
Gov. Bill Ritter, D-Colo., congratulated legislators for giving final approval to H.B.1001, which will increase the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 30% by 2020.

Delaware Governor Introduces Clean Energy Jobs Act
The Clean Energy Jobs Act would facilitate the potential installation of approximately 300 MW of new solar photovoltaic systems by 2029.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
LDK Solar Provides Updated Outlook for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2009 Financial Results
For the fourth quarter of 2009, LDK Solar revised its expected ranges for revenue, wafer shipments and module shipments.

TECHNOLOGY
A 3D Nanostructure for Improved Solar Cell Efficiency
Nanostructured materials grown with low-cost, bottom-up approaches usually have crystalline nature and, therefore, are promising candidates to achieve cost-effective PV cells.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Applied Materials Expands Solar Equipment, Display Manufacturing Capability in Taiwan
The nearly 15,000 square meter facility will enhance Applied’s capability to serve its FPD and thin film solar PV customers in Asia while capitalizing on Taiwan’s excellent location, strong talent pool and supply chain efficiencies.

AMAT Adds Solar Capability in Taiwan
nearly 15,000 square meter facility employs approximately 150 people and is expected to build and ship about 100 new plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and PVD systems this year – a 400% increase in shipments from last year.

ABB Wins $30M Solar Power Plant Order in Spain
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won a $30 million order from GA Solar, part of the Gestamp Corporation, to deliver a 13 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power plant in northern Spain.

Solar Prospectors Chase “Gold Mine” Deals in China, Israel
Olivier de Vergnies quit managing family fortunes at Dexia Private Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. in 2008 to run a New York start-up at 100 Wall St. that’s trying to tap riches in solar energy.

Solar Systems for Telecommunications Plant in Burka Faso
The solar modules will produce electricity for telecommunications plants and will be finished at the end of March.

Ontario Reaches 46MW of Solar PV in 2009
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) reports that 40 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) contracts were in commercial operation by the end of 2009. This represents about 46 MW of installed DC capacity in the industry’s standard notation.

Trina Solar Announces Increased Module Shipments with ENERQOS in Italy
Under the terms of the agreement signed in November 2009, Trina Solar is increasing its 2010 committed quantity to ENERQOS to 23 MW of PV modules in 2010 from 2 MW in 2009.

EU Names and Shames Renewable Energy Laggards
The data shows that 12 of the 27 member states are on target to meet their renewable energy targets, while 10 countries are in a position to exceed their targets.

German State Premier Seehofer Objects to Solar Cuts
Bavaria state premier Horst Seehofer said on Friday that the German government’s plans to cut state-mandated solar power incentives are excessive.

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
Kyocera Solar to Begin Solar Module Manufacturing in San Diego
Kyocera Solar Inc. plans to begin manufacturing solar modules in San Diego this year, the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company said Wednesday.

Can Tax Incentives Bring Back Manufacturing to California?
The Energy Commission has $95 million more in incentives. And Governor Arnold is developing his own spiffs, too.

The Outlook for Solar: Q&A with Borrego Solar CEO
Borrego is a fast-growth company that finances, designs, and installs grid-connected photovoltaic solar systems. Much of Borrego Solar’s business is concentrated in New England and California.

California Proposes First Renewable Energy Storage Requirements
California Attorney General Jerry Brown has announced a completely new kind of renewable energy legislation, introduced by State Assembly member Nancy Skinner (D) – designed to add more renewable energy storage to the grid.

Alcatraz Island to Get Solar Panels
The National Park Service, which oversees the island, said Friday it will fund a project to put more than 1,000 solar panels on the main prison and laundry building.

NATIONAL NEWS
Senator Harry Reid Named 2009 National Solar Energy Champion of the Year
SEIA awards Senate Majority Leader for national and state leadership.

SunPower Awarded 200 MW Contract
SunPower Corporation has won a contract from Southern California Edison to provide solar technology for generating up to 200 megawatts, or 80 percent, of the solar power capacity needed for the utility’s large solar photovoltaic installation program.

SunLink Starts Shipping Mounting Solution to 5 MW Project
SunLink® Corporation today announced that its roof module mounting solution has begun shipping for one of the nation’s largest municipal solar installation, a five megawatt project located on the Sunset Reservoir in San Francisco, California.

Pursuing Solar Energy
13 states, including neighboring Michigan and Pennsylvania, now have more solar manufacturers than Ohio.

First Solar Signs 300 MW Contract with PG&E
First Solar today announced a power purchase agreement to supply Pacific Gas and Electric Company with renewable electricity from a 300 megawatt (AC) utility-scale photovoltaic solar power facility that First Solar is developing in Southern California.

Massachusetts Homeowners Cut Electricity Rates up to 50%
Alteris Renewables partners with SunRun to let homeowners go solar for only $3,000 down with locked-in rates for 18 years

Arizona Corporation Commission Approves APS AZ Sun Solar Program
Until the time that the costs of the first 50 MW of the AZ Sun program are recovered in base rates, the costs will be recovered through the existing Renewable Energy Surcharge.

World Class Flowers Unveils 178kW Solar Energy System
World Class Flowers expects to reduce its electricity costs by more than $130,000 and generate close to $600,000 in SREC revenue over the next five years, with its new solar energy system installed by Mercury Solar Systems.

Chicago Ventures into Distributed Solar Energy
Chicago utility company ComEd (an arm of the energy giant Exelon Corporation) has a new pilot project in this field that will outfit 100 Chicago-area homes with solar photovoltaic panels and “at least 50 of those with ’smart’ meters.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
Planned Electric Rate Increase in Los Angeles May Affect Solar Power
LADWP is poised to pass a roughly 5 percent rate increase on electricity use. The proceeds would be earmarked for renewable energy purchases and programs, including one that would repay people or businesses that use solar panels to contribute to the power grid.

Probe of PG&E Meters to Begin Soon
California energy regulators say they will soon begin investigating new Pacific Gas and Electric Co. meters that some customers have blamed for higher energy bills.
DWP Drops Plan to Build 85 Mile Power Transmission Line Across the Desert
Facing enormous costs and fierce opposition from environmental groups, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on Wednesday announced that it has dropped plans to build an 85-mile-long “green” power transmission line across desert wilderness preserves and scenic ridgelines.

Smart Meter Backlash, Again: This Time in Texas
The Dallas Morning News reports that “hundreds” of Texans who received smart meters in Oncor’s service territory are complaining about the accuracy of the meters after receiving unusually high energy bills after the meters were installed.

PG&E May give Consumers Data on Daily Power Consumption
Now you’ll have to keep up with the Joneses when it comes to power consumption.

Japan, New Mexico Collaborate on Smart Grid Tech
Officials with Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization were in New Mexico on Friday to sign a memorandum of understanding that spells out the four-year demonstration project.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Solar Power Could Provide 10% of US Energy
The United States could source 10 percent of its electricity from solar power by 2030, a report said Tuesday, winning support from a US lawmaker who wants to boost the number of US solar panels.

After Boom and Bust, Solar Power Has a Place in the Spanish Sun
Puertollano’s wrenching fall points to the delicate policy calculations needed to stimulate nascent solar industries and create green jobs, and might serve as a cautionary tale for the United States, where a similar exercise is now under way.

Will Agribusiness Be a Growth Market for Solar?
Two businesses that depend on the sun come together.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Solar Power, Inc. Receives Initial $24.7M Commitment from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Solar Power, Inc. has received an initial commitment of $24.7 million in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds (RZFB) by Sacramento County.

Canadian Solar Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results
For the fourth quarter of 2009, net revenues were $287.0 million, compared to net revenues of $68.8 for the fourth quarter of 2008 and $213.1 million for the third quarter of 2009.

Suntech Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Financial Results
Total net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $583.6 million, an increase of 23.4% from $473.1 million in the third quarter of 2009.

Phoenix Solar AG Releases Preliminary Figures for 2009 Financial Year
Phoenix Solar AG generated consolidated revenues of EUR 473.0 million in the financial year 2009, which corresponds to the upper range of the corridor forecast for revenues.

TECHNOLOGY
1366 Tech Leaping from Pure Silicon to Solar Wafer
Solar start-up 1366 Technologies is developing a technology to convert raw silicon ingots directly into solar cells, a process that could slash solar manufacturing costs.

Showa Shell Shows Off Second Gen CIGS Panel
Efficiency in the champion cell is at 16 percent.

Solar Inverter News Roundup
There has been a furious flurry of activity in the PV inverter market of late, including design wins, funding, personnel moves and earnings reports.

Jewel-like Curtains on Windows Create Solar Energy
A prototype gets a real-world tryout after the opening this week of an eco-friendly research building in Syracuse.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SMA to Launch Facility in Ontario
SMA Solar Technology AG this week announced plans to form a subsidiary in Canada. The company plans to invest between €5 and 10 million initially and a site is expected to be chosen in the first half of 2010.

Solar Prospectors Chase ‘Gold Mine’ Deals in China, Israel
Olivier de Vergnies quit managing family fortunes at Dexia Private Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. in 2008 to run a New York start-up at 100 Wall St. that’s trying to tap riches in solar energy.

Canadian Feed-in Tariff Approves Solar Projects
The feed-in tariff in the province of Ontario has approved the first trache of larger solar energy projects.

SunEdison to Build Europes Largest Solar Power Plant in Rovigo, Italy
When completed, this is expected to be the largest photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant in Europe.

DelSolar to Proceed with 900 MW Cell and Module Manufacturing Plant
The Board of DelSolar has approved the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Jhunan, Taiwan. The HsinChu Science Park Administration has already approved DelSolar’s proposed rental of 1.8 hectares of land for the construction of a new plant.

Trina Solar Signs Sales Agreement with US Distributor Essco
Trina Solar’s subsidiary has signed a sales agreement with Essco Wholesale Electric, Inc., the southwest US company of Sonepar USA, a full-service commercial, utility and residential electric distributor with locations throughout the United States.

SOLON SE Signs 20 MW Framework Agreement
The total quantity of the contract amounts to approximately 20 MW, or 90,000 modules, for the first year.

ReneSola Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results
Total solar product shipments in Q4 2009 were 202.9 MW, an increase of 38.1% from 146.9 MW for Q3 2009, exceeding the Company’s guidance.

CNPV Solar Power Signs Module Supply Agreement with South Korea’s Techbank
Under the terms of this strategic agreement, CNPV will supply Techbank with a total of 36MWp of PV Modules from 2010 to 2012, which includes 10MWp of scheduled delivery during 2010.

SunPower and K6 Partner on Two Solar Power Plants in Italy
SunPower Corporation and K6 S.a.S. today announced an agreement under which the companies are building two 1-megawatt photovoltaic solar power plants in the Puglia region, Italy.

Prothea S.r.l. Developing Three Photovoltaic Projects in Central and Southern Italy
They are located in Calabria Region, Catanzaro Province, Municipality of Cropani and two in the Lazio Region, Viterbo Province, Municipality of Viterbo.

Aleo Solar Announces 2009 Financial Results
Aleo solar AG has announced revenue of EUR 376.1 million (previous year: EUR 360.5 million) and EBIT of 16.0 million (previous year: EUR 23.8 million) for financial year 2009, according to preliminary calculations.

Yingli Announces Fourth Quarter Results; Expands Production Capacity
Total net revenues were RMB 2,530.9 million (US$370.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2009, an increase of 13.7% from RMB 2,225.2 million in the third quarter of 2009 and an increase of 43.7% from RMB 1,761.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

China Gogreen Assets Starts Construction on 100MW Thin Film Plant
The Group also announced the entering of purchase and operation contracts with Apollo Precision (Fujian) Limited and GS-Solar Company Limited respectively.

Czech Renewable Energy Exceeds Grid Limit
The installed capacity of wind and solar energy projects approved in the Czech Republic is nearly four times what can be safely fed into the country’s electricity grid, energy distributors said.

The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.

NATIONAL NEWS
ProLogis to Develop 2.4MW Rooftop Solar Project in Oregon
Once completed, this project will be the largest rooftop solar system in the Pacific Northwest.

Geoscape Solar Continues its Residential NJ Solar Leasing Program Despite Uncertainty about the Future of State Subsidies
Possible N.J. Clean Energy Budget Cutbacks Reinforce and Increase Value of Leasing for Consumers.

Hoku Solar to Install a 339kW Solar Power System for New Diagnostic Laboratory Services Facility
Hoku reported it had been selected by Diagnostic Laboratory Services through a competitive bidding process, and that it had entered into a subcontract with Allied Builders System to install the 339-kilowatt, turnkey PV system.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
Chicago Utility to Test Distributed Solar
ComEd is planning a distributed solar array that will involve outfitting 100 Chicago-area homes with solar photovoltaic panels.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
UK Solar Industry May Grow 50-fold, Create Jobs
Britain’s solar industry may create thousands of jobs and expand by a factor of 50 after the government guaranteed above-market prices for clean power sources, the head of Sharp Corp.’s U.K. solar division said.

Japanese Solar Power Groups Lift Capacity
Japanese solar-panel manufacturers are expanding capacity in spite of concerns about oversupply in the sector, as they eye long-term growth in demand for renewable energy.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Cap and Trade to be Left Out of Latest Senate Climate Bill
In the latest effort to craft a climate bill capable of passing the Senate, the trio of senators at the center of the legislative push—John Kerry (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (R-NC), and Joe Lieberman (I-CT)—have gotten rid of cap and trade in favor of a plan that would target sectors of the economy most responsible for carbon emissions

Save the Climate Bill – Rebrand Cap and Trade
Think growth, not tax, says Matt Lecar.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
SolarCity Creates New $90 Million Fund
SolarCity yesterday announced a new fund to finance an additional $90 million in commercial and residential solar projects in 2010 with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC), a division of U.S. Bancorp.

Konarka Gets $20M More for Organic Cells
$150 million raised, so far, on a decade-long quest for low-efficiency, niche market solar cells.

Canadian Solar Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results
For the fourth quarter of 2009, net revenues were $287.0 million, compared to net revenues of $68.8 for the fourth quarter of 2008 and $213.1 million for the third quarter of 2009.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Bosch & Sustainable Energy Partner in Canada
The two companies have set installations targets of between 10 and 15 megawatts (MW) for 2010 and between 50 and 75 MW for 2011.

Q-Cells Largest PV System Integrator in 2009
Q-Cells International was the largest PV system integrator in 2009 having gained significant market share according to a recently released study by IMS Research.

France Builds Biggest Ever Solar Plant
French energy giant EDF is building the world’s biggest photovoltaic solar power plant at an abandoned NATO air base and plans to have it open by 2012.

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
What Berkeley Can Teach Us About Taking Clean Energy Programs to Scale
With Berkeley’s pilot program now completed, it is time to take stock of what was learned through the experiment.

Generate Renewable Energy on Bay Bridge Span
Imagine, for instance, that experimental wind turbines dotted the structure, corkscrews whirling in the stiff afternoon wind. Or a thin-sliced row of photovoltaic solar panels stretched across the top of the span, harvesting the sun on all but the foggiest days.

NATIONAL NEWS
Konarka Announces Business Collaboration and Strategic Investment with Konica Minolta
The companies reached agreement to start full-scale collaboration in April in the joint development and distribution of organic thin-film photovoltaics.

Second Large-Scale Solar Project Completed at Denver International Airport
1.6 MW System at Airport’s Fuel Facility is Comprised of more than 7,300 Sharp Solar Panels.

Xcel Energy Launches Solar Rewards in Minnesota
Xcel Energy is now offering incentives to Minnesota electricity customers to install solar panels on top of their homes and businesses.

Illinois Green Energy Finance Initiative
A recent initiative from Illinois may serve as a model for other states that hope to attract green energy projects and stimulate economic development.

Solar Energy Initiatives Announces rand Opening of Technical Solar School
The new school is funded by stimulus dollars provided to the Company by collaborating public partners.

NPD Group Acquires Solarbuzz Market Research Firm
Market research firm The NPD Group said Monday it has acquired Solarbuzz, a solar energy market research and consulting company.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
Utilities Push Back on FERC’s Transmission Authority
The Coalition for Fair Transmission Policy — an industry group made up of 10 big utilities including Southern Co., Consolidated Edison, Alliant, DTE Energy, PPL, Progress Energy and PSEG — says it will lobby to change proposed Senate legislation that it says could unfairly spread the costs of building big new transmission lines across multiple states.

PG&E Plans to Spend $7B to $10B on Projects Over Next 2 Years
PG&E Corp. (PCG) executives said Monday the company’s utility plans to spend between $7 billion and $10 billion over the next two years, on its electricity and natural gas distribution system, building new transmission and generation facilities, installing smart meters and other projects.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Solar Market Competition Set to Intensify
Even though installations of photovoltaic solar systems will rise in 2010, a sharp drop in solar components prices will lead to intense competition, as per iSuppli Corp.

TECHNOLOGY
Renewables Well Represented in MIT Technology Review’s 2010 TR50
The energy companies in the TR50 reflect both the invention of exciting new technologies and progress in deploying more mature technologies.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Kyocera Plans 1 GW Production Capacity by 2013
Kyocera Corporation has recently completed construction of a new solar cell manufacturing plant; further increasing the company’s production capacity to meet the growing demand for solar energy products in the global market.

India Proposes Coal Tax for Clean Energy
The Indian government proposed a coal tax Friday aimed at creating a fund for promoting clean energy.

Qatar to Tap Solar Power in a Big Way
A state-run foundation in the natural gas-rich state of Qatar says it is setting up a joint venture plant with Germany’s SolarWorld to produce the main ingredient in solar panels.

Yingli Green Energy to Supply 10MW of PV Modules to SunDurance Energy
Under the terms of the agreement, Yingli Green Energy will supply more than 10 MW of PV modules to SunDurance Energy through the third quarter of 2010.

Sustainable Energy Bets on Ontario Solar Market
The company, whose shares have risen 150 percent in the past year, also expects to announce a tie-up soon with a top European solar panel maker to supply the Ontario market with thin-film panels carrying Sustainable Energy’s power inverters, its chief executive said on Monday.

GTZ Plans 15,000 Solar Projects Per Month
The GTZ is planning to install 15,000 solar systems per month in Ethiopia, where only less than one per cent of the rural population uses solar power because of low investment in the sector.

Maratifer Solar’s Solar Roof System Resists Hurricaine Force Winds
Martifer Solar, the Portuguese photovoltaic (PV) specialist, has developed a new solar roof system capable of withstanding winds of up to 200 km/h.

Suntech Recognized for its Bold Business Strategy
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., the world’s largest producer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, was recently handed the 2009 FT ArcelorMittal Boldness in Business Environment Award in London for its inspired approach to business.

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
SunPower Signs 32-Megawatt Solar Power Supply Agreement With Toshiba
The SunPower panels will form the cornerstone of Toshiba’s new residential solar offering in Japan, to be launched on April 1.

NATIONAL NEWS
Solutia Announces Agreement to Acquire Etimex Solar
Solutia Inc. has reached a definitive agreement to purchase Etimex Solar GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Etimex Holding GmbH, which is controlled by funds affiliated with Alpha Gruppe.

Michigan Investing in Dow Solar Shingle Production Facility
Combined, the 11 projects are expected to create 17,321 new jobs and generate over $804 million in new investment in the state.

Hawaii PUC Approves New Electric Rate Method to Help Spur RE
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a new method for setting electric rates designed to encourage a clean energy economy for Hawaii.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
PG&E Rate Cut Would Help Bakersfield, Hot Areas
The proposed rate cut would average 2.5 percent and would take effect on June 1.

California Energy Commission Announces Clean Energy Program
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced the $90 million Clean Energy Manufacturing Program, which will provide financing to manufacturers in the clean energy sector.

Villaraigosa Considers a Carbon Surcharge for DWP Customers
The extra revenue would be used to move the utility from coal to wind, solar and geothermal sources of energy.

Smart Meters replacing Meter Readers in Southern California
SCE, PG&E and San Diego Gas and Electric are among those making the switch. Utilities hope this will lead to reduced power demand.

Bakersfield’s SmartMeter Trouble Worries Industry
Kern’s SmartMeter backlash has raised red flags around the world and sparked debate within the electric utility industry.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
US Backs Loans to Build World’s Largest Solar Power Complex
The Obama administration gave preliminary approval Monday for $1.4 billion in federal loan guarantees to help build what it says will be the world’s largest solar power complex — in California’s Mojave Desert.

Feingold, Ensign Introduce Renewable Energy Bill
U.S. Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and John Ensign, R-Nev., are introducing renewable energy legislation that would ensure all forms of renewable energy meet a potential renewable electricity standard (RES).

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
SolarWorld AG Reports 2009 Results
The Group outperformed its revenue target in spite of an industry-wide decline of prices by one third due to a shipment increase by 38 per cent.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SolarWorld Participates in Polysilicon Joint Venture in Qatar
The joint venture built there the first production of polysilicon in the Arabian Peninsula. Partners are the Qatar Foundation (70%) and the Qatar Development Bank (1%).

Showa Shell Solar Changes Name to Solar Frontier
The move will be accompanied by a global branding consolidation under a single name, Solar Frontier (the original name of its international sales subsidiary), and a new logo.

Mitsubishi Electric Expands Production Capacity
By March 2011, the company will raise its annual PV cell/module production capacity by 50 MW to 270MW, and ultimately plans to reach an annual capacity of 600MW at an early stage.

Toshiba Makes Full Scale Entry into Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems Business
Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that it will make its full-scale entry into the residential solar photovoltaic systems business in Japan on April 1st 2010.

PV testing and Certification Center Opens in Singapore
The Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (the VDE Institute) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have partnered with the Solar Energy Research Institute Of Singapore (SERIS) to open what the organizations say is the first testing and certification center for photovoltaic modules in southeast Asia.

New Energy Loan Designe to Help Rural Canada Increase RE
Canadian agriculture producers and agribusiness operators who are considering the use of renewable energy sources in their business will soon have a new financing option, thanks to a new energy loan.