The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar industry-related news.
NATIONAL NEWS
Economics of Solar Power
During the next three to seven years, solar energy’s unsubsidized cost to end customers should equal the cost of conventional electricity in parts of the United States.
Solectria Signs PV Supply Deal with MMWEC
Solectria will provide all PV inverters to Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co. In this program, 40 Massachusetts municipal utilities may purchase solar panels, PV inverters, and installation services through one contract with the MMWEC.
MEMC Remains Cautious on Polysilicon Production Ramp
MEMC Electronic Materials has said that it continues to add polysilicon capacity at its Pasadena, Texas facility after several unscheduled disruptions in recent months.
State Democrats Ask for GOP Support of Solar Panel Funding
Three prominent Maryland Democratic elected officials yesterday urged congressional Republicans to stop blocking extension of federal investment tax credits for solar energy.
Energy Panel Approves Sale of NYSEG Parent to Iberdola
The state Public Service Commission voted unanimously this afternoon to sell two upstate New York utilities to Spanish-based Iberdrola.
Florida Programs Bring Solar to Underserved Communities
The Dream Reborn campaign was founded in the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is focused on eliminating environmental racism, namely providing the same green and solar initiatives to low-income communities as the more up-scale neighborhoods.
Why Are Utilities Increasingly Announcing New Solar Initiatives?
The same attributes that make solar a high value distributed generation technology, such as modularity and quick construction time, also make it appealing to utilities that rely largely on centralized generation.
FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
More Greentech Companies Go Public
GT Solar had its public debut in July, while GCL Silicon Technology Holding, Schott, and others are planning IPOs. But, not all of these plans will necessarily materialize into public offerings.
Seven Funds Known to Have Invested in Miasole?s Latest Round
California-based Miasole, which specializes in CIGS technology, as secured finance from at least seven major institutions this summer and allegedly is hoping to raise in total some $200 million.
TECHNOLOGY
Satcon Introduces 1MW Solar PV Inverter
The PowerGate Plus is delivered as a fully integrated power conditioning system for rapid and reliable installation, according to Satcon.
Out of Africa: New Concentrating Solar Tech Inspired by Congo Stint
Morgan Solar claims its new solar concentrator is simpler ? and 4 times cheaper. They?ve raised $1.5M and plan to raise an additional $10M-$12M. They also plan to install its first test panel this month.
Centria and UniSolar Carve A Niche in the Architecutral Photovoltaics Market with EnergyPeak
Several companies have quietly been making inroads into the growing BIPV market by focusing on two core principles: simplicity and low installation costs.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
CSI & GCL Silicon Announce Supply Deal
DC Chemical will supply Suntech with specified annual volumes of polysilicon with a total value of approximately US $750 million from 2010 to 2016.
LDK Solar Signs Wafer Supply Agreement with Solartech Energy Corp.
LDK Solar will deliver approximately 550 MW of multicrystalline silicon wafers to Solartech over a five-year period, commencing in 2009.
Sunwell Starts Thin Film Production
In the past month more than 10,000 solar panels were produced with an end-to-end fabrication solution. All parameters for start of production were met nearly one month early.
Yingli Green Energy Inks Contract With Fire Energy
Yingli Green Energy has entered into a sales contract with Fire Energy SL, a Spanish PV system integrator and PV devices distributor.
Solar Industry Convenes in Spain, Makes News
The world’s largest solar-industry conference gets underway in Spain this week, highlighting technology breakthroughs and dwindling government subsidies.
