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
San Francisco’s Solar Initiatives
The map of the city makes radiation data much more easily available to consumers which is key to figuring out the payback time on a system.
SC Looks to go Solar with Public Financing
In Santa Cruz, millions in public financing may become available to homeowners who want solar power but don’t have the cash to get panels installed on their roofs.
San Jose Gets Lion’s Share of Energy Stimulus Dollars
The city will spend $2 million for municipal solar energy — both solar electric and some solar hot water — on 25 fire stations throughout the city.
NATIONAL NEWS
Pa. Starts Rebate Program for Home Solar Systems
Home or small-business owners who go solar can get more than a third of their money back under a new Pennsylvania rebate program.
MGE to Expand Solar Power Program
Regulated utility Madison Gas & Electric has received permission from state regulators to triple the size of its Clean Power Partners solar energy program.
Solar Energy Systems Announces Opening of Newark, NJ Office
Solar Energy Systems has signed a lease acquiring new space in Newark’s central business district. In addition to two locations in New York, the commercial solar power integrator has established an office in downtown Newark’s Academy Building.
Solar Energy Initiatives Get US $6M Solar Contract
Solar Energy Initiatives has finalized a contract with a school district in the western United States to install and operate a US$6.0 million PV [photovoltaic] system on school facilities.
UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
NREL Releases Analysis of Renewable Electricity Standards
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has completed a study comparing three proposed national renewable electricity standards, also known as renewable portfolio standards.
FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Solarfun Reports First Quarter Results
Net revenue was RMB 684.2 million (US$100.1 million), a decrease of 43% from the first quarter of 2008, and a decline of 39% from the fourth quarter of 2008.
JA Solar Announces First Quarter 2009 Financial Results
JA Solar today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2009.
REC Boosts “Head Room” With $1.4B Financing Plan
Norwegian solar energy equipment group Renewable Energy Corporation on Tuesday announced plans to gain 7-9 billion Norwegian crowns ($1.08-1.38 billion) in long-term financing by issuing new shares and debt.
MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
PVResources Publishes Global Market Review on Large-Scale PV Power Plants
It highlights the key findings on installed capacity, capacity by region / country, solar cell and mounting technologies, investment costs and electricity price.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
GOP Looks to Expand Renewables Mix, Stress Economy During Climate Bill Fight
The House Energy and Commerce Committee begins the long slog today through hundreds of Republican amendments to change a 946 page energy and global warming bill even as Democrats appear to be lining up behind the measure.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Consortium Plans PV Project in Jordan
A consortium of Jordanian and global organizations has announced the planned launch of Shams Ma’an, a photovoltaic project. These entities are proposing a capacity for the photovoltaic system of 100 MW to by constructed by 2012. It would be located in the southern part of Jordan.
4.2MW Solar System in Provence Goes Online
Solaire Durance, a joint venture between Caisse des Dépôts and Solairedirect, developed the project.
Kyocera to Supply Solar Modules for Toyota Prius
The output of the system will be 56 watts and the cell conversion efficiency will be 16.5%.
Italian Solar Energy Rush Risks Overheating
Italy, a growing market for renewable energy, is on the road to becoming the first country to achieve “grid parity” – the Holy Grail of solar power, where costs of producing photovoltaic energy finally fall below retail electricity prices.
