Rise & Shine: November 17, 2008
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
Hey, Your Shade Trees Are Blocking My Solar Array
State rules that take effect Jan. 1 aim to avoid another solar scandal. Violations of the Solar Shade Control Act will have to be enforced in civil court. And trees and shrubs planted before someone installs solar panels will never have to face the ax.
City Hall Flips Switch on New Green Roof
As part of its goal to become the first “green” silver-accredited civic center in Southern California, the Encinitas Civic Center has a new “cool” roof.
Real Goods Solar Adds Two Companies to Growing Portfolio
Real Goods Solar CEO John Schaeffer will become president and remain in Hopland. Tom McCalmont, founder and CEO of Regrid, will become CEO of Real Goods Solar, which will be headquartered in Campbell.
Going Green Could Put California Deeper in the Red
Reaching 33% renewables by 2020, the CPUC said, would require 70,000 GWh of new renewable energy in 2020, tripling current production, and seven new major transmission lines to carry power. And, the PUC said, “such a target may require a state investment of about $60 billion in generation and transmission from 2010 to 2020.”
Solyndra Signs Long-Terms Sales Contract With Carlisle Energy Services
The multi-year sales contract adds to Solyndra’s order backlog. The solar panels for these contracts will be manufactured at Solyndra’s facilities in Fremont and Milpitas, CA.
NATIONAL NEWS
Consumers as Producers
When homeowners supply more solar energy than they need, they want to be paid for it. Not so fast, critics say.
NREL & solar Industry Start Nationwide Measuring Network
The information will be incorporated into technical analyses that will help to minimize some of the risk associated with the launch of commercial solar energy conversion projects, including concentrated solar power plants.
Oncor Electric Delivery to Offer Rebates for Solar
Oncor - a regulated electric distribution and transmission business in TX - will promote solar power to its customers by offering incentives - $2.46/watt - to install solar panels that produce electricity.
$3M Solar and Wind Powered Billboard for Times Square
Times Square will soon get the first ecofriendly billboard that is completely powered by the sun and the wind.
Crews Installing Solar Panels at State Capitol
10kW in solar panels are being installed at the Colorado Capitol in a project that is expected to pay for itself in energy savings.
FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
NanoMas Pulls in Big Name Investor for Nano Ink
BASF’s venture capital arm led a $3.2 million round of funding, contributing $1.5 million and BASF said the investment strengthens its development work in nanotechnology and printed electronics.
MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
“Consumers and Climate Challenge,” Points to Immense Challenge Ahead for President Obama
Consumers agree on the definition of climate change, the importance of reducing climate change and the role of the individual to reduce climate change. Differences emerge on specific actions to be taken, questions of cost allocation and the role of government.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Environmental Conference Will Target Regional Governors From Around the World
The eyes of the world may be on President-elect Barack Obama, but when it comes to the issue of climate change, Arnold Schwarzenegger is muscling his way into the international spotlight.
TECHNOLOGY
New Nano Coating Boosts Solar Efficiency
Researchers have developed a new anti-reflective coating that boosts the efficiency of solar panels and allows sunlight to be absorbed from almost any angle.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
LDK Signs Wafer Supply Deal with BP Solar
Under the terms of the deal, LDK Solar will deliver approximately 435 megawatts (MW) of multicrystalline silicon solar wafers over starting in 2009 and extending through 2011.
Marburg Solar Collectors Statute Heats Up Feelings
Introducing a statute requiring solar collectors on roofs, the city of Marburg wanted to set an example for municipal climate protection. Yet the showcase project of the Red-Green city government has met with considerable resistance.
ICP Solar Reports First GreenMeter Shipments
ICP Solar ill begin shipping its new, patented, Sunsei® GreenMeter this month.
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