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
Bechtel to Build Solar Plant in California
Bechtel Enterprises will take an equity stake in the solar project known as the Ivanpah Solar Electricity Generating System. The collection of three solar power stations will deliver electricity to PG&E and SCE. Bechtel is teaming up with BrightSource Energy.
SunPower Foundation Launched Supporting the Next Generation of Solar Advocates
SunPower Corp. has launched the SunPower Foundation a nonprofit organization focused on empowering, inspiring and motivating a new generation of solar leaders in communities around the world. It is the first organization of its kind entirely funded by a major solar company.
SunPower Receives 14 MW Order from French Supermarket Conglomerate
Casino Group will use the panels to install solar power systems ranging from 900 kilowatts to 5 megawatts on rooftops and parking structures on supermarket locations in mainland France and the islands of Mayotte and La Reunion.
NATIONAL NEWS
First Solar to Build 2GW Solar Power Plant in China
Arizona-based First Solar signed a deal with Chinese officials to build a 2,000 megawatt solar-power plant in Inner Mongolia over the next decade at an estimated cost of $5 billion to $6 billion. The project could supply enough power for 3 million homes.
Solar Panels Kept Efficient by Sheep!
Sheep are being used to trim the weeds around the solar panels – they can reach tight places between solar panels not easily touched by landscaping equipment.
MEMC Ceases Ingot/Wafer Production in Texas and Missouri
MEMC today provided an update on guidance for the current quarter in light of recent events, and also announced that it will cease production of silicon crystal ingots and wafers at facilities in Sherman, Texas and St. Peters, Missouri.
MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Renewables Global Status Report 2009 Update
Future targets for renewable energy now exist in over 73 countries, up from 45 in 2005. Many such trends continue and are documented in this summary of the REN21 annual report.
UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
Xcel Energy Says Boulder SmartGridCity is Live
The milestone is important because it shows how quickly utilities are now moving to get smart grid projects deployed.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
US, China Must Coopreate on Clean Energy
China and the United States should dismantle outdated trade barriers and cooperate in developing clean energy to help battle climate change and tap job-creating market opportunities, Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington state, said Monday.
FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Energy Conversion Devices Shares Soar on Acquisition Rumors
Shares of Energy Conversion Devices rocketed some 25 percent along with heavy options activity yesterday amid rumors that Applied Materials may be interested in buying the solar panel maker.
Solar Credit Crunch Will Ease in 2010
China’s export-dependent solar panel makers are seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel after a difficult year fighting a global credit squeeze and a spate of project delays, a senior industry executive said.
TECHNOLOGY
Teenager Invents Solar Panel That Could be Solution to Developing World’s Energy Needs
The young inventor says hair is easy to use as a conductor in solar panels and could revolutionise renewable energy.
Innovalight Ups Silicon Ink Cells Efficiency to 18%
The California startup CEO Conrad Burke talks about its manufacturing plans and the six customers who plan to make cells with Innovalight’s silicon ink technology.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Sunnybrook and Honeywell Complete Innovative Solar Installation Comprehensive Facility Renewal Program to Deliver $2.7M in Annual Energy Savings
The new installation, part of a $28-million facility renewal program that also includes a variety of energy-efficient upgrades, will help the hospital cut energy costs and reduce its environmental impact.
Aleo Solar Supplies to “Highly Promising Market” Australia
Aleo solar AG today announced its entry into the highly promising Australian photovoltaics market. The first modules have already been delivered, with orders including polycrystalline solar modules for a school in the state of Victoria.
Reuters Summit – “Dramatic” Rise in Renewables Needed for 2C Goal
The share of renewable energy will have to rise “dramatically” if the world is to have a chance of limiting global warming to a maximum 2 Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) temperature rise, a leading expert said on Wednesday.
