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
Online Vt. Atlas Aim to Promote Renewable Energy
People curious about installing a solar electric system can find their location on the map, roughly measure annual sunshine and find links to local companies that do solar installations.
Earth Day 2010: Solar Panels Provide Electricity, Profit for Homeowners
Spinney, who participates in the SunRun program, loves the lower electric bills.
For a 40th Anniversary Earth Day Gift, Solar Companies Offer Free Solar System to the White House
A group of solar manufacturers, installers, and solar advocates from across America are offering the White House a unique Earth Day gift: Free solar power systems.
New York Gets US $40M in PACE Funds
The programs are entirely voluntary. There is no requirement for municipalities to create PACE programs, or for homeowners to participate in them.
Wisconsin Warms to Solar Energy Development
Wisconsin ranks eighth in the nation in solar installations with 724
Businesses Wait for Green Energy Payback
In recent years, several federal and state programs have emerged to help owners cover part of the cost of pricey alternative-energy investments such as solar panels and wind turbines.
Furniture Maker’s Solar Plans Will Boost Bottom Line
A Holly Springs furniture company is going green in a big way, and getting some national attention for it.
Echo Molding Celebrates One Year Anniversary of their Solar Power Installation
Echo Molding Inc., an industry leader in injection molding, is celebrating the one year anniversary of their solar energy system installation.
UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
GE to Study Impact of High Solar Energy Penetration on the Grid
GE researchers are working with Arizona Public Service, the state’s largest electric utility, to understand how large amounts of solar can best be integrated into today’s grid. APS, along with four partners, including GE, recently was awarded a $3.3 million High Penetration Solar Deployment grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Duke Energy Selects 10 Additional Sites for Innovative Solar Program
The company launched the program in October 2009, when roof space was leased from four large manufacturing and commercial facilities for placement of solar panels. Today, the company is advancing the program by announcing 10 new sites.
PG&E to Run SmartMeter vs. Analog Test
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced Wednesday that it will test its controversial SmartMeters side by side with older analog meters at 150 homes, in the utility’s latest effort to defuse public suspicions about the new devices.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Obama’s Gambit to Marry US Policies on Environment and Energy
The president has integrated energy security goals with environment policy, focusing on renewable power. But his effort won’t succeed, analysts say, unless Congress agrees to put a price on carbon emissions.
FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Amonix Secures $129.4 Million in Private Equity Financing
Amonix, Inc., a manufacturer of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems, has raised a $129.4 million Series B financing round led by Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Construction Starts on 4 MW of PV Systems in Puglia, Italy
Etrion Corporation, a Canadian energy company, announced today an update on the construction of its initial 4 megawatt (MW) solar power project in Puglia, Italy.
Trina Partners with Enfinity for Solar Rooftop Projects
The Belgian-Euro Pavilion will use about 700 Trina modules for the 160kW system.
Ontario’s FIT Program: Domestic Content and Other Conundrums
On Thursday evening, April 29, Ontario Solar Network will host its inaugural monthly networking event in which leaders within the province’s solar energy industry will discuss Opportunities & Challenges in Ontario’s FIT Program.
