Explosive Solar Industry Growth in Michigan for 2010: Michigan Solar Solutions

Michigan Solar Solutions is anticipating a big surge in the solar industry in Michigan for the year 2010. Michigan Solar Solutions is a leading alternative energy company in Michigan.

Mark Hagerty, President of Michigan Solar Solutions, said that many people are under the wrong impression that generating renewable solar energy is not very effective in Michigan because it’s very cold and the state does not receive as much as sun as other places. When compared to the “Sunshine State” Florida, which receives 5 hours of peak sunlight per day each year, Michigan receives 4.2 hours. Solar panels produce more electricity when it is cold and its efficiency decreases when it gets hotter. Even though the Southwest may be receiving more hours of sunlight, the solar panels are affected by the heat and produce less voltage per peak hour, according to Mark Hagerty. He further commented that Michigan Solar Solutions’ solar panels produced power more than the rated output by 1.2 times at 10 degrees below zero degree in the year 2008.
Mark Hagerty said that increasing state and federal incentives for renewable energy and rising electricity costs has made renewable energy cheaper in Michigan. He said that the $2,000 limit on the 30% tax credit for renewable energy has been removed by the federal government recently. Net Metering Law in Michigan enables the owners to put electricity produced from any source into the grid and the utility companies have to accept them. Increasing number of people have adopted the renewable energy strategy realizing its economic value, he commented.
In addition to many factors that will help Michigan state to increase its renewable energy production, additional incentives are also provided utility companies. “Solar Currents” from DTE Energy is one such initiative to make renewable energy from solar more affordable. Customers will be partially reimbursed for installing solar systems on their businesses or homes. This program has been authorized by Michigan Public Service Commission. Customers who take part in the program, in addition to local incentives and federal tax credits, for the next 20 years will receive credit on their energy bills.
Consumers Energy is another utility in Michigan that is advancing the use of renewable energy by introducing a feed-in-tariff program. Customers, who install approved solar systems by May 2010, will be reimbursed 65.0 cents per kilowatt hour and 52.5 cents per kilowatt hour for solar systems that are installed after May 2010 through this program.
Michigan Solar Solutions has been growing at an increased rate; it is at present doing business in one month as it had done in the whole year of 2008. This provides further evidence to show that Michigan’s use of renewable energy is advancing rapidly.
http://www.azocleantech.com/Details.asp?newsID=7691

Rising Stars of the Solar Industry

Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd (NYSE: STP) shares spiked by 7.49% to $13.78 in the early afternoon trade today. STP aims to develop roughly 20% of the 91 megawatts of solar projects under China's solar rooftop program launched in March. The program was launched to raise the efficiency of buildings through photovoltaic (PV) solar systems.
Canadian Solar Inc (NASDAQ: CSIQ) shares appreciated by 6.88% to $17.87 in the early afternoon trade today. CSIQ had raised its revenue guidance for Q3.
JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd (NASDAQ: JASO) shares have risen by 6.70% to $4.14 so far trade. JASO had reported surprisingly better-then-expected Q3 results and also raised its revenue guidance for Q4.
First Solar Inc (NASDAQ: FSLR) shares rose by 3.29% to $119.17. Despite FSLR announcing healthy Q3 numbers and raising guidance for Q4, the company’s shares fell off on October 28. Since November 13, FSLR shares seem to be making up for the that fall.
Share price of Ascent Solar Tech Inc (NASDAQ: ASTI) rose by 2.53% to $4.77 in the early afternoon trade. Ever since SmarTrend has given a downtrend alert on October 16, 2009 at $5.83, ASTI shares had declined by 20.1% until November 11. ASTI’s share price is now trading below its 50-day moving average of $6.14.
http://www.benzinga.com/market-update/41238/rising-stars-of-the-solar-industry

Solar returns can spawn big rush

The fledgling Indian solar industry is eagerly looking forward to the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (NSM), which will suggest ways to increase the use of solar energy and to make it affordable.
http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_solar-returns-can-spawn-big-rush_1311349

Solar water heating for homes

Johannesburg - A solar water heating framework has been put together by government, the Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters announced on Thursday.

She was addressing about 500 delegates who had gathered for a solar water heating conference at a hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg.

Peters said the framework would be used by her department in its quest to install one million solar water heaters in households and commercial buildings over a period of five years.

Peters said a detailed framework would be presented to delegates to give their input. The draft would then be updated with the delegates' input so that the framework could be implemented soon.

Peters pointed out that big strides had been made in the development of Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs (Refit) to offer incentives to the renewable energy industry to generate electricity.

Action plan

She said focus would be given to the non-grid side, where water heating falls.

Quoting from her budget speech, she said interest parties in the solar energy industry would be meeting sometime this year to develop an action plan in this regard.

The stakeholders have since met at a concentrated solar power workshop which led to a memorandum of understanding with the Clinton Climate Initiative programme of the William J Clinton Foundation.

"We expect that the Foundation through their expertise will assist us to assess opportunity in renewable energy, more especially in the field on concentrated solar power," Peters said.

She said her department's intentions, together with the Clinton Foundation was to explore the possibility of building solar parks.

"We may need to explore the concept of solar parks for industrial or commercial parks application in respect of water heating."

Job creation

Peters said the programme to install solar water heaters in households had the potential to create up to 100 000 jobs across the value chain that included manufacturing, installation and maintenance.

"A typical residential solar water heating system reduces the need for conventional water heating by approximately two-fifths".

"It minimises the expense of electricity of fossil fuel to heat the water and reduces the associated environmental impact," Peters said.

She, however, acknowledged that though solar heating systems saved money, the upfront costs discouraged many households from installing them.

Peters said appropriate policy and incentives could, however, increase public uptake awareness.

- SAPA

http://www.news24.com/Content/SciTech/News/1132/8098665f8a3045fb927b76e3aebc0834/05-11-2009-04-01/Solar_water_heating_for_homes

Solar Power International: Taking the Pulse of the Solar Industry

The solar industry has gone through one of the most eventful – and frightening – years in recent history. The last 12 months have brought financial chaos, falling demand for solar products, rising inventory and rounds of consolidation. Yet today, because of continued political support for solar, the industry is moving into 2010 with strong momentum.

That's not to say the next 12 months will be easy. Electricity and heating fuel prices have fallen substantially, and many consumers are still holding off big purchases like solar PV or solar thermal. At the same time, the price of solar technologies like PV have fallen 35% since this time last year. That could make for a dramatic rise in solar adoption as home and business owners see prices bottoming out.
In 2008, the U.S. industry put 1,265 MW of solar PV and solar thermal capacity online, even with all the financial troubles that companies and customers faced. However, the recession has certainly had an impact on the industry in 2009. Most analysts predict the U.S. will install less capacity this year than last year.
In order to encourage the continued adoption of solar and other renewable energy technologies, the U.S government has rolled out new support mechanisms through the stimulus package. Without the creation of this program, the industry might have suffered far worse in 2009. It will also help create strong growth into 2010, which most people believe will be another record-breaking year as utilities get serious about solar PV and Concentrating Solar Power. Meanwhile, companies continue to break efficiency records and roll out new products that make solar more cost-competitive.
The SPI event is getting massive: There will be over 25,000 attendees, 900 exhibitors and 65 sessions on new technologies, policy developments and the financial markets. This is the perfect place to get the pulse of what's happening in the solar industry.
Keep your eye on the website next week as we roll out interviews with leading analysts and professionals on the road ahead for the solar industry.
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/10/solar-power-international-taking-the-pulse-of-the-solar-industry

Colliers International, solar experts team on state-of-industry report

Arizona could become a hub for solar energy businesses in the Southwest, according to experts in a new report compiled by Colliers International.
The report, “Solar Energy Network — Partners for Change,” features a host of Arizona officials who promoting solar energy as a major economic driver, making a case for what Arizona has done to promote the industry.
“I think it’s going to be the biggest industry to hit Arizona in the next 10 to 20 years,” said Matt Fitz-Gerald, team leader for Colliers Solar Energy Network. “Arizona has the business infrastructure, trained and available work force, economic climate, and tax and investment incentives to attract solar energy companies and provide them with a competitive edge.”
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, Greater Phoenix Economic Council President and CEO Barry Broom, and Arizona Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kris Mayes are among 25 industry leaders discussing the state’s effort to provide a better landing spot for solar companies in the report.
Officials have been pushing to put Arizona in a better position to land solar companies as other states lure manufacturing with heavy incentives. The state this year enacted a law providing renewable energy industries with incentives based on the high-paying jobs they bring in.
Fitz-Gerald said in the two years he’s been working to find real estate for renewable energy companies, he has seen a growing desire from business owners to take a look at Arizona, particularly in the wake of the incentives bill’s passage.
Arizona’s good climate for businesses also is a draw for the renewable energy industries, Fitz-Gerald said.
The state has instituted a renewable energy standard that requires local utilities to generate 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2025, 30 percent of that from rooftop solar systems.
The report features a cross-section of contributors from the solar industry, government, business development, utilities and academia.
For more: www.colliers.com/phoenix.
http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/10/05/daily25.html

Saft supplies battery for solar photovotaic scheme

Saft is cooperating with Schneider Electric to deliver solar photovoltaic energy in rural Madagascar.

This project is the first step in Schneider Electric's energy access programme - known as Bipbop.

Saft's role in the project is to supply the battery, based on its Sunica.plus cells, for the off-grid electrification of Marovato, a village on Madagascar's east coast.
The 24V battery system, comprising 18 Saft Sunica.plus 920 Ah cells, stores energy generated in the daytime by 24 BP Solar photovoltaic panels with an average output of 7kW/h.
The system is optimised for use in PV and wind-energy applications.
The Sunica.plus design ensures 20 years of reliable operation, even in the harshest conditions, with minimal maintenance.
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/skv/skv145.html

Union endorses solar industry

A Victorian trade union says 22 ,500 new jobs would be created over 10 years if the Rudd government boosts the installation of rooftop solar panels.

The Electrical Trades Union of Victoria launched its Job Creation report today on the solar panel industry with the support of Greens leader Bob Brown.

Senator Brown says thousands of new jobs would be created for installers, electricians, retailers and marketers.

And ETU state secretary Dean Mighell says the only way to create jobs in the industry would be to pay people and businesses for the electricity they'd produce from their panels.

http://www.skynews.com.au/eco/article.aspx?id=368846

China's ban on scrap polysilicon imports divides solar industry

China's recently imposed ban on imports of scrap polysilicon – a waste material that can be used to make solar wafers and panels – has closed off a market for overseas chipmakers but may prove a boon to domestic firms, according to industry insiders.

The ban, which came into effect at the start of last month, is in accordance with China's solid waste pollution laws, according to a notice posted earlier this month on the Ministry of Environmental Protection's website.

When scrap polysilicon is reused to make solar panels and wafers, it comes in contact with heavy chemicals that could be harmful to the environment, the ministry said. The ban does not apply to pure, or virgin, polysilicon.

However, industry insiders suggested the move could be the latest example of the Chinese government rolling out protectionist measures to limit competition for its emerging clean tech industries.

Low-grade silicon that is deemed unsuitable for semiconductors is typically sold by chipmakers to solar wafer manufacturers and has proved particularly popular with smaller Chinese solar equipment firms.

KK Chan, chief executive of Nature Elements Capital, a Beijing-based private equity firm that invests in the renewable energy and clean tech sectors, told the Reuters news agency that the desire to protect Chinese polysilicon manufacturers may have played a part in the decision.

"In a way, the ruling was designed to protect [China's] very young polysilicon industry," he said. "The sector needs all the help it can get, given a supply glut of the material."

Eurasia Group, a global political risk research and consulting firm, similarly argued that the ban "likely portends a broader trend: Beijing will seek to expand protections for domestic suppliers in clean technology industries in the years ahead as these producers become increasingly competitive".

In a report to clients last week, the group also noted that "[China's] leadership will be wary of igniting a protectionist debate due to the large export markets for many of these technologies".

A representative from Canada's Targray Technology International – which supplies polysilicon to solar firms in China – told Dow Jones that shipments of both pure and scrap varieties of the material were held up at Chinese customs.

It is believed that customs officials have taken the measure in order to sort waste polysilicon from the pure form.

However, others within the industry sought to downplay the implications of the ban. Rick Doornbos, chief executive of US-based Hemlock Semiconductor – one of the world's largest polysilicon producers – told Dow Jones news service last week that the restriction applies only to "tops and tails from silicon ingot production, broken silicon wafers, and the small fraction of polysilicon production that does not meet quality specifications".

He added that the amount of scrap polysilicon affected by the new rule is only used in about 10 per cent of Chinese solar cell production. The proportion is relatively small and was already on the decline prior to the ban, said Doornbos.

http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2248737/china-ban-scrap-polysilicon

Asian competitors shadow German solar industry

BERLIN — Germany's solar power industry, until recently the world leader in the technology, is facing an unprecedented crisis, analysts say, outshone by cheaper competitors from Asia, most notably Chinese firms.

Q-Cells, the world's biggest solar cell producer, last week issued a far from glowing set of results, with losses of 700 million euros (984 million dollars) in the first half of the year.

As a result, the German firm said it would cut 500 jobs from its workforce of 2,600 and put others on part-time working arrangements.

The crisis in the German solar industry is affecting small companies as well as giants such as Q-Cells. Only three months ago, start-up Sunline declared bankruptcy with the loss of all its 78 employees.

A glance at the TecDax, Germany's tech-heavy stock market index, nicknamed "SunDax" for the predominance of solar firms, tells the story, with some companies losing around 30 percent of their value since the start of 2008.

"The fact is that Germany is losing more and more of its market leading position in renewable energy production to the United States and China," said Matthias Fawer from Swiss bank Sarasin, quoted in German weekly Die Zeit.

"Asian cell and module producers are going to squeeze out the Germans," Anne Kreutzmann, the chief editor of solar trade newspaper Photon, told the Financial Times Deutschland.

The main reason is simple: Chinese solar power companies are able to produce cells much more cheaply, due to lower labour costs and also the plummeting price for silicon, the raw material for solar cell manufacture.

Whereas German firms are tied in to long-term contracts for silicon deliveries, Chinese firms have been sourcing it from the spot market, where the price has dropped by around 70 percent in the past few months.

According to a survey from Photon Consulting, while it costs a German firm such as Ersol 1.01 dollars per watt to produce a solar cell, Chinese company Suntech can manufacture the same cell for 35 cents per watt.

All in all, production costs for the solar industry are as much as 30 percent lower in China than in Germany, according to a UBS study.

Chinese firms also benefit from state support and the effect has been to push prices for solar cells down significantly in the past few years.

Adding to its troubles, the German solar industry's export market, which accounts for over 40 percent of turnover, is beginning to dry up in key areas.

For example, following the decision by the Spanish government to stop subsidies for installing solar panels, the market there, which had previously enjoyed 200-percent growth rates, has crashed.

The consequences could be severe for the industry, which in 2008 employed around 75,000 people and turned over approximately seven billion euros, according to the latest data from industry association BSW.

"A large proportion of German solar cell and solar module producers will not survive," Patrick Hummel, an analyst from UBS, told the Financial Times Deutschland.

China's market share for solar cells is already on the increase, with around one in three cells already produced there, according to industry estimates.

And faced with this competition from the east, the attitude of many firms has been: if you can't beat them, join them.

Q-Cells is shipping solar cells to China to transform them into solar modules and recently announced a tie-up with Chinese solar wafer firm LDK Solar. The firm has also opened a production line in Malaysia.

Another German firm, Solarworld, has already built a factory in South Korea.

Kreutzmann, from Photon magazine, said German industry will be pushed out of the way "unless the Germans in future also shift their production to Asia."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ifL9BAx8mjEl4W4cO0CLXI0hrvLg

UK Solar PV Industry Welcome DTI's Report

The UK solar PV industry has welcomed a DTI report highlighting the contribution that PV can make to UK PLC.

The DTI Global Watch Service Report, "Developments in solar photovoltaics in Japan," concludes that "the current PV market stimulation programme in the UK should be developed long term to give confidence to the industry and satisfy the needs of investors.

The Report sets out a series of specific policy recommendations for the future of PV in the UK.

These include: * "appropriate targeting of resources" to "allow the UK to build a strong domestic market and to compete internationally in certain sectors" * further support for development of thin film technology "ideally suited to the UK climate." * UK expertise in the area of flexible PV cells and roll to roll fabrication "should be exploited." * UK companies could develop a "niche market advantage" in advanced electronic designs Jeremy Leggett, solarcentury Chief Executive and chair of the Renewable Power Association solar resource group said, "this report should be essential reading for Ministers and Whitehall officials.

It demonstrates that the UK PV industry is already delivering high levels of innovation, investment and new product development.

But now, further investment and job creation in the UK PV industry is threatened by continued uncertainty over the future of the DTI's solar PV Major Demonstration Programme.

Recent major investments by Sharp and BP/Romag in UK PV manufacturing are a vote of confidence in the Government's repeated public commitments to a second phase of the MDP from 2005.

We now need to see those commitments delivered." The report is published as the UK government decide whether to extend it's current market-enablement programme, the Major Demonstration Programme, beyond 2004.

For a copy of the report visit www.solarcentury.co.uk/news.

http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/sla/sla101.html

Solar Industry Earnings Will Disappoint (FSLR, SPWRA, ENER, CSIQ, ESLR)

Deutsche Bank solar analyst Steve O'Rourke is warning clients to watch out for weak Q2 results in the solar industry.

Module shipments and installations are up, but not in line with what many people are expecting. The continued drop in module prices, as well as limited availability to credit are going to weigh on solar earnings. O'Rourke sees write downs in inventory and receivables.

The second half of the year will be better, but not be good enough to match guidance provided by most solar companies. So, watch out for lowered guidance numbers. Also, he warns that margins and profits will be squeezed.

On a company by company basis:

SunPower (SPWRA): There is a risk the company will lower guidance once again. The company's premium pricing is under pressure, but overall O'Rourke likes this company. He says it has a strong operational record and is likely to benefit greatly from the stimulus. Further, it's got a good business selling premium panels. O'Rourke says the company can command a premium to its rivals. He has a $24 price target on the company.

First Solar (FSLR): O'Rourke loves them, saying they've managed the shake out better than anyone else. No changes in guidance expected, just look out for cautionary comments on the market. The near term demand might weaken. He's got a $170 price tag on the stock.

Energy Conversion Devices (ENER): A very negative outlook. Big concerns on the margins, as plummeting prices will hit them hard. A $20 price target

Canadian Solar (CSIQ): The company already lowered its guidance once. O'Rourke thinks the stock is worth $9, and sees the company posting a loss for the year. Lower module prices are troubling as is demand.

Evergreen Solar (ESLR): A $4 price target and doubts about whether it can hit profitability. Ouch.

Seeds: Sun's again rising for area solar industry

Ed Murray remembers the dark days of solar energy. During the Reagan presidency in the 1980s, federal rebates and other incentive programs disappeared, and so did many solar companies.

"The number of solar companies in California went from 650 to 30," recalls Murray, president of Aztec Solar in Rancho Cordova. "Almost everybody went out of business overnight."

Murray, who has been selling and installing solar equipment for more than three decades, and Aztec Solar managed to survive that upheaval. And thanks to new tax credits and rebate programs, solar power is rebounding in a big way.

"It's coming like a freight train," he says, "and we're not ready. There won't be enough installers to handle all the work."

Sunday is the first national Solar Day, celebrated on the first official day of summer. Sacramento, where the sun shines about 325 days a year, could reap the benefits of this clean energy source.

Only about one-half of 1 percent of U.S. homes have plugged into solar power, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Sacramento falls into that same demographic, with most solar systems used to heat swimming pools.

"There are so many pools in our area," says Jonathan Gemma, also of Aztec Solar. "People buy a home with a pool and use the gas heater once. They freak out when they see the bill. With solar, you can extend pool use from mid-April to mid-October, and the system will pay for itself in only a couple of years."

Made primarily of black plastic tubing, solar systems for pools cost $4,000 to $6,000, depending on the size of the pool. They weigh only about 50 pounds. New techniques also make them easier to install on tile roofs.

For most homeowners, solar water heaters offer the biggest potential for savings, according to Solar Energy International, a nonprofit proponent of alternative energy use.

The average household with an electric water heater spends about 25 percent of its home energy costs just on heating water. A solar water heater can save 50 percent to 85 percent annually on that cost and can pay for itself in four to eight years.

There are more financial incentives. The federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit for replacing an electric water heater with a solar system, which costs on average $7,000, Gemma says. Several utilities offer rebates, too. For example, SMUD has a $1,500 rebate plus low-interest financing.

In addition to savings, solar power offers feel-good dividends. Solar water heaters don't pollute. Replacing its electric counterpart, a solar water heater will eliminate 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over 20 years.

Using photovoltaic or PV cells, home solar systems can produce electricity for general use and actually can spin the meter backward. Such systems are expensive to install, often $30,000 or more. But facing sky-high electric bills, customers can look to the sun for some relief.

Two years ago, Clark and Jayne Mehan installed a full solar-energy system for their El Dorado Hills home. One part warms water for their pool, another heats water for the house, and a third generates electricity for use throughout the home. They still have to pay for a some electricity (primarily in the cloudy winter months). But in the bright summertime, PG&E owes them money for the electricity they generate.

"We were paying $8,800 a year for electricity," Clark Mehan says. "The first year, it dropped to $1,200, then $1,400 last year. That's a big number. I'm excited.

"We figured we'd be in this house for a while and, with the incentive programs, it cost less (per year) than not doing it," he adds. "We love it."

The Mehans, who have three children, wondered what such a system would look like on their roof.

"We were a little worried about that, but it is on the back side of the roof," Clark Mehan says. "It's become a conversation piece. We don't mind it at all. And every Saturday and Sunday, I check the meter to see how much electricity we're generating. It's kind of fun."

Excess electricity goes back out to the grid and helps utilities supply other customers. So far, PG&E has helped more than 30,000 of its customers install PV systems – almost half of such systems in the United States.

California utilities are feeling extra pressure to tap the sun's power. By next year, all public utilities in this state must get at least 20 percent of their power from renewable sources such as water, wind and sun. That's expected to rise to 33 percent by 2020.

New technology may make reaching that goal easier. For example, Aztec Solar is testing a solar-powered air conditioner at its Rancho Cordova headquarters.
http://www.sacbee.com/livinghere/story/1961048.html

High hopes on solar energy go unfulfilled this session

It wasn’t solar’s time to shine, after all.

The 81st Texas Legislature began with strong interest in cleaner energy — lawmakers filed at least 69 bills related to solar and other forms of renewable power — but ended Monday without the boost for the emerging industry that advocates wanted.

A bill to provide $500 million in rebates for solar panels died late in the session on a procedural maneuver. Without the incentives, the state will likely fall behind others in both harnessing the sun for power and reducing reliance on carbon-emitting fuels, solar-industry backers and environmentalists said.

“Our argument was that this could be our one shot to take the lead, like with wind,” said Luke Metzger, director of the group Environment Texas. “Hopefully, I’m overstating that argument, and there’s still an opportunity two years from now” when the Legislature meets again.

Solar advocates had hoped that lawmakers would repeat their efforts a decade ago to create a wind-power industry that now leads the nation.

But it didn’t happen, even with bipartisan support.

Concern for the poor

Rep. Sylvester Turner, a Houston Democrat, raised a point about how much low-income consumers would pay to fund the rebate program and used a procedural tactic to delay a vote on the bill until it was too late.

“We can push solar, and that’s great,” Turner said. “But somebody’s got to pay for it. You can’t have those who can barely afford their energy bills subsidizing it.”

The House also didn’t vote on a bill that would mandate the development of 1,500 megawatts of electricity from solar and other renewable sources by 2020.

The Texas Association of Manufacturers opposed the bill because of concerns over rising energy costs for businesses.

But with the passage of the right mix of solar-related bills, Texas could anticipate the addition of 123,000 jobs, according to a University of Texas at Austin analysis.

“We’re missing out on a lot of clean-tech jobs,” said Jim Marston, Texas director for the Environmental Defense Fund, an advocacy group. “They’re jobs that we need but didn’t have the political will to create.”

The state of Tennessee, for one, noticed.

Lawmakers there are considering a bill that would use $600 million to fund a solar farm and other related projects.

“To any company that had an eye on Texas, we say come on up to Tennessee,” state Sen. Jim Kyle, a Memphis Democrat sponsoring the bill, told the Memphis Business Journal this week.

‘No regrets’ bill passed

The loss was tough for environmentalists who had been encouraged by the election of Republican Rep. Joe Straus, an energy efficiency advocate from San Antonio, to House speaker.

“What started with the promise of a good session,” Marston said, “ended with a whimper.”

Still, the Texas legislative session didn’t turn out to be a complete loss for environmental causes.

The Legislature passed a “no regrets” bill, which calls on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to identify cost-effective ways to reduce emissions of gases that contribute to climate change. Sen. Kirk Watson, an Austin Democrat, introduced the same bill in 2007 without success.

Environmentalists said the bill’s passage represented a critical step for a Republican-controlled Legislature that has spurned several efforts to deal directly with global warming in previous sessions. That’s in part because the state is America’s power plant and gas pump and thus leads the nation, by far, in emissions of climate-altering gases.

A partial success

A sweeping clean air bill, authored by Sen. Kip Averitt, a Waco Republican, didn’t pass, but parts of it survived in another bill.

What’s left of Averitt’s bill, pending the signature of Gov. Rick Perry, includes the creation of a grant program for new emissions-reducing technologies and a call for state officials to be part of any federal effort to tackle climate change.

But other issues from the bill, including more stringent building codes to promote energy efficiency and a call for state regulators to develop a registry to track emissions of climate-altering gases, passed the Senate, but didn’t make it out of the House.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6461726.html

UPDATE 1-Applied Solar to seek bankruptcy protection

Applied Solar to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy in next month

*Reached loan deal with primary investor The Quercus Trust

*In talks about extension of DIP financing

LOS ANGELES, May 22 (Reuters) - U.S. solar company Applied Solar Inc (APSO.OB) said on Friday it will seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the next month as part of a loan agreement with its largest investor, The Quercus Trust.

The San Diego maker of building-integrated solar products said it borrowed $698,000 from Quercus, an investment firm that focuses on clean technology companies. Quercus is run by investor David Gelbaum.

As part of its agreement with Quercus, Applied Solar is required to file for bankruptcy within 30 days following the date of the loan.

Quercus officials were not immediately available for further comment on the announcement.

"The current state of the financial markets combined with a difficult and complicated capital structure have made it extremely challenging for the company to secure needed financing," Chief Executive David Field said in a statement.

"We are hopeful that a restructuring will enable the company to emerge stronger and in a better position to capitalize on the anticipated future growth in the solar industry."

Earlier this month, Applied Solar said Quercus had advised the company that it was unwilling to fund its operations at current expense levels.

On Feb. 28, the company had $900,000 in cash, it said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company is in talks with potential financing sources, including Quercus, concerning the extension of debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing.

Applied Solar, formerly known as Open Energy, earlier this year struck an exclusive licensing deal with Chinese solar company Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd (STP.N). Under that deal, Suntech said it would manufacture, distribute and market Applied's lightweight solar roofing products.

Suntech officials were not immediately available to comment on Applied Solar's planned bankruptcy. (Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Richard Chang)
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2239436820090523

German Solar Industry Predicts Turnaround

The German solar industry expects a recovery in the second half of this year, according to a Reuters report.

German solar firms like others around the globe suffered in the first quarter. But executives seem to think that period marks the bottom and that business is picking up in the second quarter.

Dieter Ammer, Chief Executive of Conergy--Germany's second-largest solar company by revenue--said, "We have already seen a slight upturn in the market in March. In the second half of the year, at the latest, we expect business to pick up considerably."

Phoenix Solar, Aleo Solar and analysts support the view.

Read the full story at the link below.

Website: planetark.org/wen/52894

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/18191

Suniva CEO: Solar industry closer to grid parity

When it comes to the solar industry, the holy grail is achieving "grid parity” -- or being able to generate electricity with solar energy at the same cost as by burning fossil fuels.

While the industry isn’t quite there, it’s getting close, John Baumstark, CEO of Suniva Inc. told a gathering of tech entrepreneurs and investors at the ATDC Entrepreneurial Showcase on Wednesday.

Baumstark should know. He steers a Georgia Tech startup that claims to have a lower-cost way to make solar cells.

Suniva, which developed technology to make solar cells that can transform more of the sun’s energy into the juice that powers today’s plugged-in world, has racked up $1 billion in orders from Indian and European solar module makers.

In a high-profile deal in March, Suniva inked a deal worth “tens of millions of dollars” to supply solar cells to Aerotropolis Atlanta -- a planned 130-acre mixed-use redevelopment of the former Hapeville Ford plant.

“Solar has gotten a knock about cost,” Baumstark said.

In about 25 percent of the U.S. today, solar energy-fueled electricity “costs about the same as producing electricity from the local utility,” Baumstark said, waving a Suniva cell.

“By the end of the year, “ he said, “based on price drops we’ve seen, half the country will be at grid parity.”

Suniva’s cell’s sell for $6 today -- down from about $12 a year ago.

“I think it’s wonderful for the industry,” Baumstark said. “It makes it interesting running a company in that type of an environment.”

In addition to buzz, Suniva has raised lost of capital -- about $50 million last year -- and an adviser team of industry stars.

PM Pai, former chief operating office of Silicon Valley-based SunPower Corp., has joined the Suniva’s board. Also on Suniva’s board is Kedar Gupta, co-founder and former CEO of GT Solar,

“These guys have helped open doors for us,” Baumstark said.

The Suniva CEO left the gathering at the Biltmore hotel with some well-worn advice.

“Cash is king in this environment,” Baumstark said. “You have to raise the money and you’ve got to be really careful how you spend it.”

Differentiation is key -- when fundraising, Baumstark suggested.

“Before you go in for money, be sure that you’re going out and talking about is different,” he said. “If you can’t articulate how you’re different, how you’re better or how you can beat somebody else out there, they’re not going to fund you."

http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2009/04/27/daily41.html

UPDATE 1-Jetion profit soars on solar industry growth

Profit and sales boosted by growing solar industry

* 2009 outlook positive

(Adds details)

LONDON, April 24 (Reuters) - Jetion Holdings (JHL.L), the British manufacturer and supplier of solar cells, on Friday said its annual profit more than trebled after it expanded its capacity and took advantage of the growth in solar industries. The AIM-listed group posted a pretax profit of $20.1 million for 2008, 328 percent up on last year's $4.7 million, on sales 141 percent higher at $250.9 million.

The company said market conditions became tougher towards the end of last year but that it was confident it would continue to grow in 2009.

"Despite the turbulent market conditions that emerged in the fourth-quarter of 2008 ... I continue to be optimistic about the company in 2009 and strongly believe that we will continue to move forward in accomplishing our goals," Chairman Gabriel Kow said in a statement.

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSLO06191620090424

Actuator permits bigger solar panels

Linak's sturdy LA36 actuator has made it possible for German company Lorentz to increase the size of its solar panels from 18m2 to 22m2.

Lorentz wanted to minimise the need for maintenance on its solar tracking system, which had to be strong enough to function in all weathers.

The Linak LA36 actuator delivered more power to the solar tracking system, allowing panel size to be increased.

http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/lna/lna108.html

GE lays off 85 at solar panel plant

General Electric Co. has laid off about 30 percent of its work force and cut two shifts at a solar panel facility in Newark, the result of a slowdown in the market for solar power.

About 85 workers were let go as the plant cut production to a single shift, said Tom Rumsey, a spokesman for GE Energy. He said the facility now employs about 200.

Rumsey said orders have been falling and inventory piling up as potential customers struggle to find financing for photovoltaic installations, which convert sunlight to electricity.

"It's unfortunate, but we have to align our manufacturing output with the demand that we have," Rumsey said.

The credit crunch has slammed the brakes on the solar industry after several years of rapid growth, as fewer banks are willing to finance large solar arrays. GE's production cuts are part of an industrywide trend, with several large solar-panel makers announcing layoffs in recent months.

"There's clearly an oversupply right now, and it's because solar growth is not as pronounced as it was a year ago," said Jesse Pichel, a senior research analyst for Piper Jaffray & Co. who covers the renewable energy industry.

Pichel said the solar industry is expected to post "incredibly weak" results in the first half of 2009, but should begin to recover in the second half as U.S. and Chinese stimulus packages encourage growth in the market. He expects the solar industry to grow at least 50 percent in 2010.

But Pichel said the cost disadvantages of making solar components in the United States are becoming pronounced, and he believes more companies will outsource production to China.

"We believe that the installation of solar panels and the supporting infrastructure ... will create more jobs than the actual production of the panels themselves, and are certainly better jobs for American workers," Pichel said.

GE Energy, a business unit of the industrial giant, began operating in Delaware in 2004 after buying the assets of AstroPower Inc. out of bankruptcy. GE has received more than $1.8 million in state grants since the acquisition.

AstroPower, a pioneering solar company founded in 1983 by a University of Delaware professor, employed more than 600 workers at its peak.

Renewable energy is about a $6 billion business for GE, with wind power accounting for the majority of the sales, Rumsey said. He did not disclose sales of solar products but said they were a "small fraction" of total renewable energy sales. Rumsey said GE continues to invest in technologies that will help make solar power cost-competitive with other sources of energy.

"We're still very bullish on solar," he said.

But GE, which is a leader in traditional energy services and wind turbines, "has not stepped up" in the solar industry, Pichel said. He said GE's strategy for the sector is unclear.

"It has lagged in solar and is not a top 10 supplier," Pichel said. "It's curious why GE has not become a bigger factor."

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090408/BUSINESS/904080334

UK Solar PV Industry Welcome DTI's Report

The UK solar PV industry has welcomed a DTI report highlighting the contribution that PV can make to UK PLC.

The DTI Global Watch Service Report, "Developments in solar photovoltaics in Japan," concludes that "the current PV market stimulation programme in the UK should be developed long term to give confidence to the industry and satisfy the needs of investors.

The Report sets out a series of specific policy recommendations for the future of PV in the UK.

These include: * "appropriate targeting of resources" to "allow the UK to build a strong domestic market and to compete internationally in certain sectors" * further support for development of thin film technology "ideally suited to the UK climate." * UK expertise in the area of flexible PV cells and roll to roll fabrication "should be exploited." * UK companies could develop a "niche market advantage" in advanced electronic designs Jeremy Leggett, solarcentury Chief Executive and chair of the Renewable Power Association solar resource group said, "this report should be essential reading for Ministers and Whitehall officials.

It demonstrates that the UK PV industry is already delivering high levels of innovation, investment and new product development.

But now, further investment and job creation in the UK PV industry is threatened by continued uncertainty over the future of the DTI's solar PV Major Demonstration Programme.

Recent major investments by Sharp and BP/Romag in UK PV manufacturing are a vote of confidence in the Government's repeated public commitments to a second phase of the MDP from 2005.

We now need to see those commitments delivered." The report is published as the UK government decide whether to extend it's current market-enablement programme, the Major Demonstration Programme, beyond 2004.

http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/sla/sla101.html

Solar LED lighting for streets and parking

Carmanah Technologies launch its most powerful solar-powered LED area light to date: the EverGEN 1500 lighting system.

Designed for street and parking lot lighting applications, the EverGEN 1500 combines the performance of an AC-powered area light with the versatility of an off-grid solar-powered lighting system.

Providing up to 6,800 lumens of delivered light output, the EverGEN 1500 offers unparalleled performance for a solar-powered LED light of its size.

Using a standard pole-mounted design, the EverGEN 1500 can support up to two LED lighting fixtures to provide a reliable source of bright, uniform light wherever it's needed, without trenching, cabling or grid access.

Featuring the industry-leading LEDway and THE EDGE LED lighting fixtures by BetaLED, the new EverGEN 1500 provides superior light output and performance, in compliance with IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) standards.

By directing light only where needed, the EverGEN 1500 provides efficient "dark-sky" friendly illumination for streets, parking lots and more.
http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/caa/caa137.html

UK Solar PV Industry Welcome DTI's Report

The UK solar PV industry has welcomed a DTI report highlighting the contribution that PV can make to UK PLC.

The DTI Global Watch Service Report, "Developments in solar photovoltaics in Japan," concludes that "the current PV market stimulation programme in the UK should be developed long term to give confidence to the industry and satisfy the needs of investors.

The Report sets out a series of specific policy recommendations for the future of PV in the UK.

These include: * "appropriate targeting of resources" to "allow the UK to build a strong domestic market and to compete internationally in certain sectors" * further support for development of thin film technology "ideally suited to the UK climate." * UK expertise in the area of flexible PV cells and roll to roll fabrication "should be exploited." * UK companies could develop a "niche market advantage" in advanced electronic designs Jeremy Leggett, solarcentury Chief Executive and chair of the Renewable Power Association solar resource group said, "this report should be essential reading for Ministers and Whitehall officials.

It demonstrates that the UK PV industry is already delivering high levels of innovation, investment and new product development.

But now, further investment and job creation in the UK PV industry is threatened by continued uncertainty over the future of the DTI's solar PV Major Demonstration Programme.

Recent major investments by Sharp and BP/Romag in UK PV manufacturing are a vote of confidence in the Government's repeated public commitments to a second phase of the MDP from 2005.

We now need to see those commitments delivered." The report is published as the UK government decide whether to extend it's current market-enablement programme, the Major Demonstration Programme, beyond 2004.

For a copy of the report visit www.solarcentury.co.uk/news.

http://www.buildingtalk.com/news/sla/sla101.html

Wacker to boost ET's emerging solar industry

German chemical company Wacker Chemie AG’s plan to build a $1 billion plant in Bradley County will be another important block in the foundation of a solar energy industry taking shape in Tennessee, Knoxville economic development officials said Thursday.

Thom Mason, chairman of Innovation Valley Inc. and director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, said the Wacker plant, which will manufacture polysilicon, will draw any number of “green” companies to East Tennessee, and likely will boost the role of ORNL as a research leader for the solar industry.

Polysilicon is a material used to convert sunlight into electricity.

Innovation Valley Inc. is a regional partnership devoted to economic development in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge region.

Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber, said solar and other “green” energies are the future in terms of business growth and jobs.

“This is a big deal once people understand that this is the growth industry not just for here — this is the growth industry for the world,” Edwards said.

The Wacker plant would fit well with other solar initiatives developing across the state, Mason said. These include another polysilicon facility that Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. plans to build in Clarksville, Tenn., the existing AGC plant in Kingston that produces the “float” glass used to cover solar panels and a planned facility by the Japanese-based Sharp Electronics Corp. in Memphis that would assemble all these materials into solar panels.

Then, there is money earmarked for “green” business development in Tennessee available in the federal economic stimulus package, Mason notes.

“There is going to be a real opportunity from the stimulus package for companies that would do solar panel installation,” he said.

Mason said a Nashville company is the only one in Tennessee right now he is aware of that is certified to install solar panels.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/feb/26/wacker-boost-ets-emerging-solar-industry/

President signs stimulus, solar industry ready for job creation

The Solar Energy Industries Association applauded President Barack Obama for signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law in Denver, Colorado adding that the solar industry is poised to create 110,000 jobs over the next two years. The solar energy provisions in this bill will help create 60,000 jobs in the solar industry in 2009 alone and a total of 110,000 over the next two years SEIA president and CEO Rhone Resch said in an SEIA press release.

SEIA also called for policies such as a national renewable portfolio standard with specific mandates for solar, investment in new transmission infrastructure and a way to address climate change that gives credit to renewables and reinvests proceeds to increase solar installation.

Before the bill's signing ceremony, the president visited the solar installation at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Representatives from Namaste Solar Electric, Inc, a Colorado-based solar electric company joined President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

The 100 KW system was financed by no-interest revolving loans from the Partnership for Sustainability, a local non-profit dedicated to supporting solar energy installation. Namaste Solar installed the solar panels on the museum's rooftop.

Colorado is home to more than solar energy companies and expects to gain 14,000 permanent jobs from the solar energy industry by 2016. There are more than 3,400 solar energy companies, from manufacturers to installers, in the country.

http://pepei.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ARTCL&SubSection=
Display&PUBLICATION_ID=6&ARTICLE_ID=353665

Solar industries on upward trend

China (mainland) – Industries engaged in the manufacture of solar energy-related products are in full swing across China. The country is now taking the global lead in the implementation of programs designed to support the development of the solar industry and the adoption of solar technology.

Based in China’s numerous manufacturing centers, these industries specialize in particular solar-related products such as silicon materials, solar cells or solar-powered LEDs.

According to a report from the United Nations Environment Programme, China is committed to invest $180 billion in a long-term national goal of attaining a renewable energy standard of 15 percent in 2020. The commitment includes incubating a solid industry that could meet future solar power demands.

China’s solar industry has grown twice and four times bigger than its European and North American counterparts, respectively.

Yangzhou City is new solar industry hub
Solar industries are emerging in multiple regions in China, including Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei and Shenzhen. Through the local government’s Solar Energy Industry Development Plan, Yangzhou in Zhejiang is now developing several fast-rising solar industry clusters.

With more than 70 manufacturers in the area, Yangzhou has designated several of its districts as business clusters. The city’s Gaoyou district focuses on monocrystalline silicon materials, solar cells and solar energy-powered LEDs while Baosheng district specializes on production of amorphous silicon solar cells. Yizheng and Huaiyang districts mainly develop monocrystalline silicon ingots, wafers and solar cells.

The solar industry in Yangzhou is forecast to earn $4 billion in sales in 2010 and as much as $14.28 billion in 2012 with 10 percent year-on-year increase. The city’s solar industry is estimated to have earned $79 million in exports in 2008.

About 10 makers based in the city are capable of mass-producing solar cells. Jiangsu Shunda Group Corp., for instance, can turn out 1,100 tons of monocrystalline silicon ingots, 350 million silicon wafers and 20MW solar cells every year.

Also based in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Tianbao PV Energy Co. Ltd aims to ship 300MW solar cells by 2010 with a total production value of about $13 million. In H1 2008, it achieved $12.81 million in exports, which is nearly 500 percent higher than in the same period in 2007.

In Zhuji, Zhejiang Guangyi Optical Energy Technologies Co. Ltd is building a $32.3 million-worth 50MW solar energy battery production complex. Expected to begin operation in 2010, the new factory covers 45,000sqm and has a projected annual production value of $176.5 million.

The company produces solar panels, photovoltaic controllers, chargers and lamps.

More investments pour in
To stimulate the rapid development of the industry, transnational corporations and international lending institutions are increasing investments in China’s growing solar industry.

Intel Capital, Intel’s global investment arm, has announced cleantech investments in China, which are intended to expedite the local “green” innovation and reduce dependency on carbon-based energy generation. It will provide $20 million to Trony Solar Holdings Co. Ltd, a thin-film solar energy and solution provider from China. Trony plans to use the funding from Intel Capital to expand its production capacity to 105MW and strengthen its R&D capability.

The International Finance Corp. (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, will provide ENN Solar Energy Co. Ltd a $45 million loan from its own account, up to $76 million loans syndicated from commercial banks and other lenders, and up to $15 million stake purchase in ENN Energy. IFC said the financial package will support ENN Solar Energy’s implementation of China’s first large-scale, thinfilm- based solar module manufacturing facility to help drive down production costs and stimulate the development of the local solar photovoltaic market.

ENN Solar Energy, a member of China’s XinAo Group, plans to implement a purpose-built greenfield facility in the Langfang Economic & Technical Development Zone in Langfang, Hebei. The project is the first phase of the XinAo Group’s three-step strategic plan to build its photovoltaic thin film business.
http://www.electroniccomponents.globalsources.com/gsol/I/Solar-cell/a/9000000103436.htm

Dim days for solar industry

Front Range solar-installation companies say the industry had a dismal fourth quarter caused by the nationwide credit crunch and changes in Xcel Energy Inc.’s solar power rebate program.

Company owners say some potential customers have lost their jobs, and others are holding on to their cash. And while hope looms in President Barack Obama’s proposed federal economic stimulus package — which includes $8 billion set aside as loans for renewable energy and transmission lines — it’s unknown how that money might be distributed.

“It’s $8 billion in some sort of incentive, but who knows how that will be distributed across the U.S.,” said Scott Van Kirk, president of Denver-based Vibrant Solar LLC.

“It’s hard to tell how things are going,” said Blake Jones, president of Boulder-based Namaste Solar Electric Inc. and a board member of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association. “The past few weeks have been filled with lots of uncertainty, and we’re not sure how things will affect our business.
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/02/02/story5.html

How to Make a Solar Power Generator?

The rising cost of electricity and gas has thrown light on utilization of solar power at homes and offices. The basic strategy to make a solar power generator is to use a battery to store solar energy. You can charge this battery when solar power is available and then use the stored charge to run your appliances.

You need to charge the battery for a few hours everyday if you are interested in continuous usage. These solar power generators are handy and you can take them wherever you go. Without waiting for electric power, you can operate your appliances because you have sun all the time.

To make a solar power generator, you need to invest in a few goods that are generally available in the nearby retail stores. Car spare parts supplier can also help you get the things that you want. Solar panel is an essential item that can convert solar power to electric power. Battery is required for storing electric power to be used by the appliances.

Car batteries will not help you because you need deep cycle battery. Dc voltmeter and DC inputs are required to supply power to your appliances. The current that you get from a battery is DC but if you want to run AC appliances, then buy an inverter. A simple how to make a solar power generator guide will help you to establish connections to utilize solar power.

Depending on the amount of money you have for solar power generator, you can get power for a single appliance to up to an entire office.

Many people save money on electricity by using solar energy. Power your house with solar energy and build your own solar power generator with less than 200$. Best and unique guide reviewed.

Best guide to start using solar energy and make your own solar power generator.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Peterson