Rise & Shine: January 14, 2009
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
Akeena Solar Powers Commercial Solar Installation in San Francisco
Akeena and Solar Power Partners have completed of the largest commercial solar installation in San Francisco. The project totals 385 kW across four commercial buildings in the Hunters Point/Bayview neighborhood.
Roth & Rau AG and Innovalight Complete Silicon-Ink Solar Pilot Production Facility
This first pilot manufacturing line has been built and installed at Innovalight, in Sunnyvale, California and has been qualified to operational capability over the last two months of 2008.
Solar Energy’s Darker side Stirs Concerns
Cells contain toxic materials that could end up in landfills. Some firms are taking steps to help keep the industry’s reputation green.
Extreme Makeover Home Gets Green Technology
The builder, De Young Properties of Fresno, is incorporating energy efficiency and green components that it also includes in its traditional models. But this house includes a few added features, including a solar-energy system valued at $30,000 to $40,000 that was donated by SolarCity and First Solar.
Milano Santa Monica: An Eco-city Within a City
Energy conservation will be another hallmark of the project, with plans to generate both electricity and warm water using strategically placed solar panels.
NATIONAL NEWS
Governor Dedicates Solar Power System at Colorado State University-Pueblo
Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU), BP Solar and Black Hills Energy yesterday joined Gov. Bill Ritter and other dignitaries to dedicate a new solar power system that will provide more than 10 percent of CSU-Pueblos future power needs.
Idaho Power Enters Energy Education Discussion
The state Public Utilities Commission is considering whether to spend money on energy-efficiency and solar education at schools in Idaho Power’s service territory. The funds are left over from the sale of sulfur dioxide emission allowances last year.
FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS
Will the Fortune 500 Save the Solar Industry
At a time when analysts are predicting shrinking venture capital investment and companies are shelving plans for new factories, some industry insiders are predicting at least one financing trend that could increase renewable energy projects: tax equity financing.
MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
A New Study from the German Environment Ministry Bestows Solar Electricity as Subordinate Role
PV plays a subordinate role above all, when the discussion turns to the significance of its contribution to the countrys electricity supply. Solar funding is still primarily seen as a means of economic policy, aimed at helping German companies capture export markets.
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Obama Climate Change Agenda Could Start Day One
The biggest focus by environmentalists is on allowing California and some 19 other states to begin regulating carbon pollution from cars to address global warming. California says that its proposed standards would reduce greenhouse gases considerably.
Stimulus Proposal Aims to Aid State, Local Government
State and local governments would benefit from more than $160 billion in federal aid under a plan pushed by House Democratic leaders in negotiations over the economic-recovery package taking shape on Capitol Hill. Beyond aid to states, the spending package will include investments in renewable energy, such as wind and solar power.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
ET Solar Signs Module Supply Agreement with German Integrator, USE
ET Solar will deliver a total of 13MW of high-efficiency solar modules to USE between January and November 2009.
TATA Power Signs MOU for 5 MW Solar Project
Tata signed an MOU with Government of Gujarat for developing a 5 MW solar power plant in Gujarat. Tata will also explore the possibility of setting up a 5 MW Geothermal Power plant at a suitable location in Gujarat.
Phoenix Solar AG Extends Agreement with KGAL
The parties to the contract have agreed that the Phoenix Solar Group will develop large photovoltaic plants on behalf of KGAL and build them in the capacity of general contractor.
Phoenix Solar Acquires Project Company, Scarlatti
These companies will develop a total of five projects for the construction of photovoltaic systems in Sicily with an overall peak power output of around 27 megawatts.
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