Solar Power, Inc. to Host Second Quarter 2010 Earnings Conference Call on August 16, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. EDT
ROSEVILLE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Solar Power, Inc. (OTCBB:SOPW), a vertically integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules and marketer, designer and installer of PV solar electric systems for commercial, public and residential customers in the United States announced today it will release its Second Quarter 2010 results on Monday, August 16, 2010 after the market close. In conjunction it will host a conference call to discuss Second Quarter 2010 results and give a general business update. The conference call will take place at 4:30 p.m. EST on Monday, August 16, 2010. Interested participants should call 1-877-941-2322 when calling within the United States or 1-480-629-9715 when calling internationally.

A playback will be available through August 23, 2010. To listen, please call 1-877-870-5176 within the United States or 1-858-384-5517 when calling internationally. Utilize the pass code 4346492 for the replay.

This call is being webcast by ViaVid Broadcasting and can be accessed by clicking on this link: http://viavid.net/dce.aspx?sid=00007987, or visiting www.solarpowerinc.net, or at ViaVid’s website at www.viavid.net, where the webcast can be accessed through August 23, 2010.

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Solar Power, Inc. to Host Second Quarter 2010 Earnings Conference Call on August 16, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. EDT
ROSEVILLE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Solar Power, Inc. (OTCBB:SOPW), a vertically integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules and marketer, designer and installer of PV solar electric systems for commercial, public and residential customers in the United States announced today it will release its Second Quarter 2010 results on Monday, August 16, 2010 after the market close. In conjunction it will host a conference call to discuss Second Quarter 2010 results and give a general business update. The conference call will take place at 4:30 p.m. EST on Monday, August 16, 2010. Interested participants should call 1-877-941-2322 when calling within the United States or 1-480-629-9715 when calling internationally.

A playback will be available through August 23, 2010. To listen, please call 1-877-870-5176 within the United States or 1-858-384-5517 when calling internationally. Utilize the pass code 4346492 for the replay.

This call is being webcast by ViaVid Broadcasting and can be accessed by clicking on this link: http://viavid.net/dce.aspx?sid=00007987, or visiting www.solarpowerinc.net, or at ViaVid’s website at www.viavid.net, where the webcast can be accessed through August 23, 2010.

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LDK Solar Reports Financial Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal 2010
XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (“LDK Solar”) (NYSE:  LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers and PV products, today reported its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010.

All financial results are reported in U.S. dollars on a U.S. GAAP basis.

Recent Highlights:

•      Record quarterly revenue of $565.3 million, an increase of 62.7% sequentially and 147.6% year-over- year;
•      Shipped 510.5 MW of wafers, 73.9 MW of modules in the second quarter;
•      Gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was 18.0%;
•      Net income was $45.0 million, or $0.36 per diluted ADS for the second quarter;
•      Increased wafer capacity to 2.3 GW in June 2010;
•      Produced a total of approximately 1,200 MT of polysilicon during the second quarter; and
•      Entered into two solar module supply contracts totaling 35.8 MW during the second quarter.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 were $565.3 million, compared to $347.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and $228.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2010, gross profit was $101.8 million, compared to $54.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, and a gross loss of $205.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

Gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was 18.0%, compared to 15.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and negative 90.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. 

Income from operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was $78.6 million, compared to income from operations of $33.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, and compared to a loss from operations of $235.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009. 

Operating margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was 13.9% compared to 9.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and negative 102.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

Income tax expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was $7.7 million, compared to income tax expense of $3.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and an income tax benefit of $29.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was $45.0 million, or $0.36 per diluted ADS, compared to net income of $7.2 million, or $0.06 per diluted ADS for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and a net loss of $216.9 million, or $2.03 per diluted ADS for the second quarter of fiscal 2009.  The number of shares for calculating diluted ADS was approximately 125.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010, 125.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and 108.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

LDK Solar ended the second quarter of fiscal 2010 with $443.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $126.8 million in short-term pledged bank deposits.

“We were very pleased to exceed expectations for the second quarter which reflected the continued improvement in the operating environment for the solar industry and consistent execution by our team,” stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar.  “Our business momentum remained strong across key metrics.  We achieved record quarterly revenue, robust growth in wafer shipments, stable ASPs and improved profitability.

“We continued to extend our leadership position in solar wafer production and ended the quarter with 2.3 GW of annualized wafer capacity.  We were pleased to achieve this wafer capacity expansion with minimal capital expenditure.  Our vertical integration plan also continued to track well during the second quarter.  Just one quarter after acquiring our crystalline module manufacturing plant, we more than doubled our module shipments sequentially.  Demand for our modules remained robust and we signed two new supply contracts in Europe during the second quarter. 

“Improving operating efficiencies and cost structure remain a top priority for the Company.  During the second quarter, profitability improved significantly as we continued to tightly manage expenses and pricing stabilized. We experienced an increasing contribution from our in-house polysilicon production.  We produced nearly 1,200 MT of polysilicon in total between our 1,000 MT plant and the first 5,000 MT train of our 15,000 MT plant during the quarter.  We remain optimistic about the improving PV industry trends,” concluded Mr. Peng.

Business Outlook

The following statements are based upon management’s current expectations. These statements are forward-looking in nature, and the actual results may differ materially. You should read the “Safe Harbor Statement” below with respect to the risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2010, LDK Solar estimates its revenue to be in the range of $570 million to $600 million with wafer shipments between 520 MW and 550 MW, and module shipments between 75 MW and 85 MW.  For fiscal 2010, we expect our revenue to be in the range of $1.95 billion to $2.0 billion with wafer shipments between 1.95 GW and 2.0 GW and module shipments between 250 MW and 300 MW.

Conference Call Details

The LDK Solar Second Quarter 2010 teleconference and webcast is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), on August 10, 2010.  To listen to the live conference call, please dial 877-941-8418 (within U.S.) or 480-629-9809 (outside U.S.) at 5:00 p.m. ET on August 10, 2010. An audio replay of the call will be available through August 12, 2010, by dialing 800-406-7325 (within U.S.) or 303-590-3030 (outside U.S.) and entering the pass code 4336990#.

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Ford, Detroit Edison, Xtreme Power to Build One of Michigan’s Largest Solar Energy Systems
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ –

•      Ford, Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power are teaming up to establish one of Michigan’s largest solar power generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.
•      Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly.  The system will be integrated with a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year
•      Renewable energy generated by the solar energy system will help power production of Ford’s new Focus and Focus Electric cars as well as its next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles
•      Michigan Assembly solar energy systems are projected to save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is teaming with Detroit Edison, Xtreme Power and the state of Michigan to establish one of the largest solar power generation systems in the state at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.

The renewable energy captured by the project’s primary solar energy system will help power the production of fuel-efficient small cars, including Ford’s all-new Focus and Focus Electric going into production in 2011, and a next-generation hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle coming in 2012. A secondary, smaller solar energy system will be integrated at a later date to power lighting systems at Michigan Assembly.

The combined systems are expected to give Michigan Assembly the largest solar power array in Michigan and save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs. Installation of the system begins later this year.

“With this solar energy system, we will be able to gain vital understanding about the integration of renewable power, smart-grid technologies and energy storage at an industrial facility,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president, North America Manufacturing. “This project is a part of the transformation of Michigan Assembly from a large SUV factory to a modern, flexible, and sustainable small car plant.”

SolarCurrents and the future of sustainability in Michigan

Ford will work with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly. The system will be integrated with a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year. Xtreme Power of Austin, Texas, is supplying its Dynamic Power Resource on-site energy storage and power management system.

The solar energy installation is part of Detroit Edison’s pilot SolarCurrents program that calls for photovoltaic systems to be installed on customer rooftops or property over the next five years to generate 15 megawatts of electricity throughout Southeast Michigan.

The Michigan Assembly project is made possible by a $3 million investment by Detroit Edison’s SolarCurrents program, a $2 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission in support of the state’s smart-grid initiative, and approximately $800,000 from Ford.

“Our partnership with Ford is just the latest example of how our companies have worked together to power the economic engine of Southeast Michigan,” said Trevor Lauer, Detroit Edison vice president, Marketing & Renewables. “Building solar energy systems on the scale we’re pursuing will increase demand for these technologies, and we’re working with the governor’s office and various economic development organizations to attract renewable energy manufacturers and green jobs to Michigan.”

A model for sustainable energy use

Michigan Assembly will operate on a blend of renewable and conventional electricity. The renewable energy collected by the solar system will go directly into the energy-efficient microgrid to help provide power to the plant. When the plant is inactive, such as holidays, the collected solar energy will go into the energy storage system for later use, providing power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight.

Michigan Assembly’s energy storage system will be able to recharge from the grid during off-peak hours when energy is available at a lower cost. This in turn will provide inexpensive power during peak operating hours when the cost per kilowatt-hour is higher, and reduce peak demand on the grid.

“We share a commitment with Ford to fostering an environmentally sustainable model of energy use in the U.S., and this joint project is indicative of just how far we’ve come,” said Carlos Coe, CEO, Xtreme Power. “We are proud to work together to help transform vehicle manufacturing into a sustainable process powered by clean, renewable energy.”

Solar Power to be used for electric vehicle battery charging

Ford also will install 10 electric vehicle-charging stations at Michigan Assembly to demonstrate advanced battery charging technologies using renewable energy and other smart-grid advances. The stations will be used to recharge electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. Xtreme Power will provide an active power management system on the charging stations. Ford also will demonstrate the possibility for using electrified vehicle batteries as stationary power storage devices after their useful life as vehicle power sources is over.

“Ford is strongly committed to its sustainability strategy to support positive social change and reduce the environmental impact of its products and facilities,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Michigan Assembly is the latest Ford manufacturing facility to utilize renewable power for production.”

Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre in the United Kingdom was the first automotive plant in the world to obtain all of its electrical power needs from on-site wind turbines. In addition, Ford’s Bridgend Engine Plant in Wales was the first site retrofitted with one of the largest integrated, grid-connected solar photovoltaic installations at a car manufacturing plant in Europe.

Since 2008, Ford has sourced renewable electricity to cover the full electric power demand at its manufacturing plant in Cologne, Germany. Through this initiative, the company is reducing its CO(2) emissions 190,000 tons per year. Renewable or green power supplies 3 percent of Ford’s energy needs worldwide.

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Real Goods Solar Launches Free Solar Sweepstakes!
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Real Goods Solar announced today its FREE SOLAR SWEEPSTAKES for a chance to win a 4kW home solar electric system estimated at a retail value of $30,000. Qualifying homeowners can enter to win at www.RealGoodsSolar.com or call 1-800-760-9700. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The Sweepstakes expires at 6:00 pm PST September 15, 2010.

Based on average electricity usage, homeowners are likely to spend $100,000 on electricity bills over a 25 year period. The Sweepstakes brings attention to rising utility costs and renewable energy solutions to mitigate these increases. One lucky homeowner will have the ability to save thousands of dollars on electricity over the lifetime of their system.

In a time when most homeowners are still reeling from the economic downturn, solar electricity can offer relief from increasing monthly expenses. Homeowners can opt for solar as a utility service for as little as $250 up front, or in many cases, no money up front.

Many customers are looking for energy independence as a solution to oil spills. Outrage over the Gulf Coast has increased the volume of phone calls at Real Goods. Homeowners are asking for modern solutions to modern problems, and solar energy is seen as an alternative now in reach for most homeowners.

John Schaeffer, President and Founder, commented: “During these hot summer days, our customers often complain about high electric bills due to summer air conditioning loads. What better way to lower utility bills than with solar? Our customers frequently see a 10% – 25% return on investment for a purchased solar system, or a low money down and lower monthly bills on a power plan purchase. We’re happy to offer this sweepstakes to highlight the importance of converting to a solar economy!”

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SunRun Brings Pennsylvania Homeowners Clean Alternative to Utility Electricity
PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SunRun, the nation’s leading home solar provider, launched this week in Pennsylvania, bringing homeowners the choice of clean, affordable electricity. SunRun offers solar service plans, similar to a lease, allowing homeowners to go solar for as little as $0 upfront after state rebates. More than 5,000 homeowners have chosen SunRun for clean electricity across New Jersey, Massachusetts, Arizona, California, and Colorado, and SunRun is now available for the first time in Pennsylvania.   

With SunRun, homeowners pay a controlled rate for solar electricity generated on their roof, protecting them from unpredictable rate increases common in Pennsylvania. In the first year, a typical homeowner can save 5-15 percent on electricity costs, and much more over time. SunRun customers never have to worry about the solar system on their roof because SunRun takes care of maintenance, monitoring, repairs, and insurance on every system as part of the service plan.

“We are excited to welcome SunRun to Pennsylvania to grow the solar industry and drive local job creation,” says John Hanger, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “Third-party ownership provides a valuable service to homeowners by taking the worry out of investing and making solar more affordable and reliable.”

SunRun partners with leading regional solar integrators for sales and installation, creating local green jobs in the state. In Pennsylvania, SunRun will partner with Alteris Renewables, groSolar, Mercury Solar Systems, and Trinity Solar, four of the highest quality solar integrators in the mid-Atlantic region.

“Thousands of families across the country are choosing clean, locally-generated electricity,” said Lynn Jurich, President of SunRun. “We applaud the state of Pennsylvania for supporting the solar market and making it an attractive place for companies like SunRun to do business. We expect our partners will be able to reach more homeowners with SunRun and expand their local workforce as a result.”

To learn more about SunRun and request a free quote, please visit: www.sunrunhome.com.

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AQT Solar’s First CIGS Manufacturing Facility Goes Online
SUNNYVALE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AQT Solar, a leading developer of low-cost CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-diselenide) thin-film solar cells today announced the opening of their new fully-operational facility in Sunnyvale, California. The facility has already begun production to fill current customer orders of 20 MW, with substantial purchase orders in the pipeline. AQT also released the name of its first customer installation, Sol Pacifico, a large property development, which has ordered 2 MW of energy to power its gated community in Baja Mexico, on the Pacific coast. AQT’s rapid path from inception to production in two years is unprecedented in the solar industry, and illustrates how its technology and business model, dubbed CIGS 2.0, are charting new territory in the market.  

AQT’s new facility, fueled by a recent $10 million round of funding, currently houses a 15 MW manufacturing line, and can easily scale up to 60 MW of production capacity. The manufacturing line’s modular design allowed for quick on-site deployment and is a result of the company’s partnership with Intevac, a leader in high-productivity manufacturing equipment. The preparation, build-out, line implementation and qualification, and production initiation was completed for the Sunnyvale location in less than eight weeks. The small footprint of each highly-automated machine provides an efficient use of space within the 20,000 square foot facility. As a result, AQT can produce up to 60 MW in an area many times smaller than its nearest competitors.

“Starting commercial production so early in our company’s lifecycle is a confirmation of our business model, the leverage we receive from world class partners like Intevac and our breakthrough CIGS production process,” said Michael Bartholomeusz, CEO of AQT. “We have set aggressive production goals for the remainder of 2010 and beyond and are excited to kick it off in California, the heart of the solar industry.”

AQT’s first installation, Sol Pacifico, is scheduled to break ground in 2011. The 2 MW project, which will potentially grow to 9 MW, will support a large high-end resort development in Baja Mexico. “This project represents a concerted effort at renewable and responsible resort development,” said Antonio Cordova, project manager, Sol Pacifico. “Our vision was of a sustainable and eco-friendly project and we are excited to work with AQT to make this vision a reality.”

AQT expects to move the company’s headquarters and research and development from its original location to the current site in August of this year. It expects to add 40 green jobs over the next six months in Silicon Valley. AQT Solar is currently engaged in site evaluation for its second high-volume facility and expects to break-ground on this site early next year.

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AQT Solar’s First CIGS Manufacturing Facility Goes Online
SUNNYVALE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AQT Solar, a leading developer of low-cost CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-diselenide) thin-film solar cells today announced the opening of their new fully-operational facility in Sunnyvale, California. The facility has already begun production to fill current customer orders of 20 MW, with substantial purchase orders in the pipeline. AQT also released the name of its first customer installation, Sol Pacifico, a large property development, which has ordered 2 MW of energy to power its gated community in Baja Mexico, on the Pacific coast. AQT’s rapid path from inception to production in two years is unprecedented in the solar industry, and illustrates how its technology and business model, dubbed CIGS 2.0, are charting new territory in the market.  

AQT’s new facility, fueled by a recent $10 million round of funding, currently houses a 15 MW manufacturing line, and can easily scale up to 60 MW of production capacity. The manufacturing line’s modular design allowed for quick on-site deployment and is a result of the company’s partnership with Intevac, a leader in high-productivity manufacturing equipment. The preparation, build-out, line implementation and qualification, and production initiation was completed for the Sunnyvale location in less than eight weeks. The small footprint of each highly-automated machine provides an efficient use of space within the 20,000 square foot facility. As a result, AQT can produce up to 60 MW in an area many times smaller than its nearest competitors.

“Starting commercial production so early in our company’s lifecycle is a confirmation of our business model, the leverage we receive from world class partners like Intevac and our breakthrough CIGS production process,” said Michael Bartholomeusz, CEO of AQT. “We have set aggressive production goals for the remainder of 2010 and beyond and are excited to kick it off in California, the heart of the solar industry.”

AQT’s first installation, Sol Pacifico, is scheduled to break ground in 2011. The 2 MW project, which will potentially grow to 9 MW, will support a large high-end resort development in Baja Mexico. “This project represents a concerted effort at renewable and responsible resort development,” said Antonio Cordova, project manager, Sol Pacifico. “Our vision was of a sustainable and eco-friendly project and we are excited to work with AQT to make this vision a reality.”

AQT expects to move the company’s headquarters and research and development from its original location to the current site in August of this year. It expects to add 40 green jobs over the next six months in Silicon Valley. AQT Solar is currently engaged in site evaluation for its second high-volume facility and expects to break-ground on this site early next year.

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Intevac Receives Lean Solar™ Order
SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Intevac, Inc. (Nasdaq:IVAC) announced today it has received an order for a LEAN SOLAR™ deposition system for shipment in the first quarter of 2011.   

“We are pleased to announce this purchase order from a new customer for use in the manufacturing of crystalline silicon solar cells,” commented Kevin Fairbairn, president and chief executive officer of Intevac. “Our LEAN SOLAR thin film deposition system is capable of depositing both metal and transparent conductive oxide films, enabling high cell efficiencies and low costs per watt.”

About Intevac

Intevac was founded in 1991 and has two businesses: Equipment and Intevac Photonics.

Equipment Business: We are a leader in the design, development and marketing of high productivity lean manufacturing systems and have been producing Lean Thinking platforms since 1994. We are the leading supplier of magnetic media processing systems to the hard drive industry and offer high productivity solutions to the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries.

Intevac Photonics: We are a leader in the development and manufacture of leading edge, high-sensitivity imaging products and vision systems, as well as table-top and handheld Raman instruments. Markets addressed include military, industrial, medical and scientific.

For more information call 408-986-9888, or visit the company’s website at www.intevac.com.

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Luke Air Force Base to Receive Solar Power System

Arizona Utility Arizona Public Service Company is set to develop and operate a new 15-megawatt photovoltaic power plant on Luke Air Force Base located in Glendale AZ. Arizona Public Service Company or APS has agreed to have SunPower Corp. design and build the power plant which will become the largest solar power plant on United States government property to date.

Environmental assessments and site permits will be the first steps toward a projected completion date of summer 2011. The plant will be built on just 100 acres and will use 52,000 high-efficiency SunPower solar panels. In addition, a single-axis tracking system will allow the panels to follow the sun across the sky, capturing 25 percent more energy than if the panels were stationary.

Approximately 50% of the base’s energy will be derived from the new plant.

“The project and our long-term agreement with APS will benefit the American tax-payer,” said Air Force Lt. Col. John Thomas, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron commander at Luke. “The Base will receive stable energy costs and increased energy independence associated with using reliable, emission-free solar power.”

Visit:
Luke Air Force Base.
Arizona Public Service Company.
SunPower Corp.

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Obama Talks Clean Energy Manufacturing But What about Hydrogen

Yesterday, President Obama signed into law the Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010. He says he wants to spur the growth of manufacturing jobs inside the U. S. and in particular clean energy jobs.

According to President Obama’s speech before signing, “The extraordinary growth we’ve seen in the clean energy sector is due first and foremost to the entrepreneurial drive of our businesses and our workers … I believe that if an American company wants to innovate, grow, and create jobs right here in the United States, we should give them the support they need to do it. That’s why I’m urging Congress, once again, to invest $5 billion in these clean energy manufacturing tax credits. It’s an investment that will generate $12 billion or more in private sector investment and tens of thousands of new jobs.

“And as I’ve said before, the nation that wins the race for the clean energy economy will lead the 21st century economy. Other nations know this. They’ve been investing heavily in that future. They want those jobs. But the United States of America doesn’t play for second place. We compete to win. And we will win this if we move forward free of politics, focused on just what it takes to get the job done.”

Okay, from the sound of it this appears to be an “all hands of deck” approach to the clean energy sector including hydrogen. But, does this include hydrogen? And, if it doesn’t include hydrogen then why not?

Clean energy manufacturing jobs within the hydrogen sector will include producing stationary and mobile fuel cells, H2 cars and hydrogen fueling stations. It will provide jobs for those engaged in varying methods of producing hydrogen.

If hydrogen is produced using renewable energy, then additional jobs in solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric will need to be added. Sometimes when President Obama talks I would like to read the “thought bubble” above his head that may say something like, “…the nation that wins the race for the clean energy economy (except hydrogen) will lead the 21st century economy.”

If this were the case then at least hydrogen proponents would know where we stand. Right now, those in the hydrogen industry are like the sad kid looking inside his best friend’s window only to find out he hasn’t been invited to the party. The hydrogen industry needs to be invited to this party.

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Feed-in Tariffs Responsible for Three-Quarters of World’s Solar PV

A new report out by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) takes a close and deep look at feed-in tariff programs around the world.

Feed-in tariff programs exist in 75 countries, states and provinces around the world, and they are having a huge impact.

(more…)

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Audience applauds end to coal at Charter plant

From an article in the Wisconsin State Journal by Ron Seely:

Compliments far exceeded complaints at a hearing Wednesday night on a plan by the state and UW-Madison to rebuild the Charter Street Heating Plant, eliminating the use of coal and replacing it with natural gas and Wisconsin-grown alternative fuels such as wood chips and switch grass.

Nearly 100 people attended the hearing on the final version of the environmental impact statement for the $250 million project.

Though the plan will bring some challenges for the neighborhood around the plant — more train traffic and noise, for example — most comments at the hearing focused on the positives of getting rid of the dirty pile of coal that now towers over North Mills Street.

In fact, when Al Fish, head of facilities and planning management for the UW-Madison, mentioned that no coal will be burned at the plant a year from now, the audience erupted in applause. He seemed shocked.

“I don’t think there has ever been applause at a environmental impact statement hearing before,” Fish said. “This truly is a historic moment.”

Nearly all of the comments from the public were regarding some aspect of the plan to burn biofuels, which will be hauled by train from farms and forests across the state. The plant will require 250,000 tons of biofuels a year.

Gary Werner, with the John Muir chapter of the Sierra Club, praised the switch to cleaner fuels.

“I’m happy and proud that the University of Wisconsin chose to use this as an opportunity to move into a whole new era of energy generation,” said Werner.

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Sector Snapshot; Sector Research for Investors – Agriculture, Gold, Solar and Biotech Lead
August 12, 2010 (Investorideas.com renewable energy/green newswire) Investor Ideas global investor research portal covering leading sectors, focusing on environment and water release a Sector snapshot for trading August 12th.

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