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
Despite Downturn, California Adopts Tough Climate Plan
The plan requires utilities to generate 1/3 of their electricity from renewables by 2020. There are also plans for a cap and trade program for greenhouse gases to start in 2012.
Wal-Mart and SunPower Complete Work on Solar Power System in Hanford Store
Wal-Mart Stores and SunPower have announced the completion of a 554-kilowatt solar power system at the Wal-Mart store in Hanford, California. The system is estimated to generate approximately 15% of the store’s electricity.
Wells Fargo Donates $80,000 to Grid Alternatives
Wells Fargo and Company contributed $80,000 to GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit that installs solar electricity systems for low-income homeowners, to expand its Solar Affordable Housing Program and build a model that can be replicated nationwide.
Leasing SolarSystem Cuts Upfront Costs
SunRun sells homeowners solar power from their installed systems at a flat rate over an 18-year period. Homeowners pay an upfront fee to lock in the rate.
NATIONAL NEWS
American Solar Industry’s Secret Sauce
A new Greentech Media market research report surveys the North American solar industry and finds the explosive growth in emerging technologies the key to U.S. dominance in the global solar market.
NM County Seeks Funding for Solar Equipment
Dona Ana County commissioners have adopted a proposal aimed at getting state lawmakers to create so-called solar districts around the state. Homeowners in such districts could voluntarily impose a tax to help pay for solar electricity and water-heating equipment, making the equipment more affordable.
Intel to Commission PV System at Jones Farm Campus
Intel’s first solar installation is nearly finished in Oregon. A 100kW electric PV system at Intel’s Jones Farm campus in Hillsboro will be turned on on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008
Bella Energy Installs Solar Electric Systems on Boulder County Buildings
the largest municipal solar electric project in the Rocky Mountain region, 615 kW of solar electric equipment mounted on eight county buildings will be capable of producing 869,100 kW hours of electricity per year.
New Jersey’s PSE&G Utility Touting Solar Energy Program/Loans
PSE&G’s solar loan program is designed so that you can use your SRECs to repay PSE&G’s solar loan. The loan typically covers 50 to 55% of the total project cost.
Heard Around Town
Unless EyeOn Energy can come up with a solar financing package by today, it appears the power purchase deal the company signed with the city to install $3.5 million worth of solar panels atop the Nock Middle School may wither on the vine.
Solar Farm Nears Completion
Workers installed the last of 466 solar panels at a new solar farm in Bloomington, UT Tuesday, as officials prepare to plug into the state’s largest solar-energy project.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Conergy to Construct 2MW PV System in Saudi Arabia
Conergy Asia-Pacific has been awarded a contract for a 2-megawatt solar power plant for Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
M+W Zander to Design and Build Thin-Film Solar Module Factory
Engineering company M+W Zander has been awarded the general contract for the design and construction of a solar module factory for an affiliate of Q-Cells AG. The new manufacturing facility, located in Thalheim, Germany, will have a production capacity of 90 MW.
GT Solar, Emcore, Advanced Energy Announce Layoffs
GT Solar is cutting 10% of its work force while Advanced energy is cutting 7%.
Extremadura, Spain Initiates BMW Park
Project operators Vasolar 2006 S.L. and Cavalum SGPS, S.A. have inaugurated four solar parks totalling 8MW in the autonomous region of Extremadura in western Spain.
Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.
