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
Solar Land Bank Introduces Solar Energy Site Database
The database is designed to serve as a one-stop resource for energy production companies looking for sites that are available for the construction of solar PV developments.
State Leaders Explore Job Creation
The agency could start by installing solar roofs on all new schools and government buildings, and retrofitting existing ones, he said.
NATIONAL NEWS
Ameren’s Solar Initiatives
Ameren Corporation (AEE) launched its solar initiative in the states of Illinois and Missouri. As a first step, the utility is installing solar energy systems at its downtown St. Louis headquarters campus, while its subsidiary — Ameren Illinois Utilities — will install solar systems at one of its facilities in Illinois.
If Solar is the Future, Proceed Carefully
Building a solar power plant in Front Royal also is a good idea — in theory. It could mean jobs, cheap electricity and new investment for the community.
Governor Strickland Announces $13 Million in Grants for Green Projects
Governor Ted Strickland today announced $13 Million in grant money going towards 25 green projects throughout the Buckeye State. Wind, solar, and thermal projects are being lined up throughout the state.
Springside School Unveils Solar Array
Springside School, a Pre-K-12 school for girls committed to educating enlightened leaders for the 21st century, unveiled the largest solar array in Philadelphia at the end of last month.
UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
NStar Ordered to Refund $20M
State cites charges, also OK’s rate hike for National Grid
Exelon Closing Two Pa. Fossil Fuel Plants
Exelon Corp. announced yesterday that it would shut down two aging fossil-fuel power plants in Phoenixville and Eddystone in 2011, eliminating 280 jobs.
PG&E Says tests Show SmartMeters Are Accurate
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has found multiple reasons why customers believe they have been overcharged by the utility’s new SmartMeters, but faulty equipment isn’t one of them, a company executive said Wednesday.
MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Thin Film Players Feeling Beseiged
Execs at a solar conference give pep talks about how to beat back crystalline silicon competitors, who have slashed prices and taken away business.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Keeping Up the PACE
New York allows municipal finance programs for solar and efficiency retrofits on private property.
Sen. Kerry Sees ‘Definite Republican Votes’ for Climate Change Legislation
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), a major architect of Senate climate change plans, on Wednesday said there are already GOP supporters of the legislation.
FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
FinSoul: The Future of Solar Investment Looks Bright Heading Into 2010
After a bumpy 2009 the sola rindustry seems to have settled down for a smooth run into next year.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
China Solar Panel Makers See Boost from Copenhagen
In Trina Solar’s brilliant white factory in eastern China, masked workers in lab coats turn silicon wafers into solar power cells capable of harnessing the sun’s clean and limitless energy.
Solar Power Expands Into Belgium
Solar Power Inc. has entered an agreement with BNL Tactics Group International, which will establish a dealership network for the solar-panel system company in Belgium.
Solar Industry “in Limbo” As Grants Dry Up
Renewable energy manufacturers have warned of their “frustration” after the government’s flagship grant scheme for solar power ran out of money less than halfway through the financial year.
UK Solar Firm Outlines Global Ambitions
Fresh from today securing £2.7m in new investment, UK solar panel specialist Whitfield Solar has set out plans to expand its operations in Spain and build a presence in emerging solar markets including Portugal, Greece, Italy, Australia, India and China.
Egypt Eyes Solar Power Exports, Costs Too High Now
Egypt, which plans to start its first solar power unit in 2010, said on Tuesday it wanted to expand solar power production for export but that costs of the technology would need to fall first to make it feasible.
Chile Looks to China’s Harnessing of Solar Power
Chile has much to learn from China’s application of solar energy in its efforts to help curb the effects of climate change, said the Chilean Ambassador to China Wednesday.
China’s Power Generators Mull Building Concentrated Solar Power Projects
Five Chinese power generation groups are carrying out feasibility studies on the construction of concentrated solar power (CSP) farms, said an industry insider on Wednesday.
Oerlikon Systems and Meyer Burger Enter Strategic Cooperation
Oerlikon Systems and Meyer Burger have signed a strategic distribution and cooperation agreement for the SOLARIS thin-film coating equipment.
