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.
