Solar Power Digest

It's the Little Things When Going Green

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:51 GMT

Guest Post: Shane Shirley-Smith from Environmental Booty I don't know about you, but life seems to move very fast these days. I seem to never have enough time in my day to finish all the things that I would like to. Trying to fit in a green lifestyle, though, doesn't have to be [...]

The Skinny on DIY Solar

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:26 GMT

The U.S. is a proverbial mecca for do-it-yourselfers. From our ancestral days of pioneers and homesteaders, we've trusted nothing more than our own hands to get a job done right. America is a land of invention and innovation (even if the manufacturing has moved elsewhere). So, when the solar power took off in lieu of [...]

How Much Maintenence Will My Solar System Need In Its Lifespan?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:59 GMT

Everyone knows that solar systems save you money in the long run. But how much will you end up paying for maintenance throughout the years? Let's break down the potential cost factors. For instance, you'll need two to three inverters over the life of your panels and those inverter costs a few thousand dollars each. [...]

Coulomb Solar ChargePoint Stations in San Diego

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:56 GMT

Sequoia Solar Brings Coulomb electric vehicle
Charging StationS to San Diego

First San Diego North County Charging Station to Open to Public Nov. 11

AN DIEGO, Calif. November 6, 2009 - Sequoia Solar a leading San Diego company in the design, installation, and maintenance of turnkey, grid-connected, solar solutions today announced they will unveil their first networked solar-powered electric vehicle charging station. Powered by a combination of the sun and ChargePoint® Networked Charging Stations, Sequoia plans to extend the ChargePoint® Network and their solar technologies throughout San Diego County. Sequoia Solar will unveil the charging station at Sequoia Solar, 343 South Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA at 2:00pm on November 11, 2009.

"In 2008, Sequoia Solar built and installed the first solar powered charging station in the world," said Marty Reed, CEO and Founder of Sequoia Solar. "Today we are taking the next step to upgrade our solar-powered EV charging station to include Coulomb's world-leading networked electric vehicle charging station and further establish the ChargePoint Network throughout San Diego. The marriage of solar-generated electricity and electric vehicle charging is an exciting prospect for us and for the advancement of clean tech and reducing our carbon footprint."

Coulomb Technologies' electric vehicle charging stations address the needs of drivers, utilities, governments, and parking space owners enabling drivers to charge their electric vehicles wherever they live, work and shop. The ChargePoint Network is open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and provides authentication, management, and real-time control for the networked electric vehicle charging stations through multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet managers, Subscribers, and Utilities. ChargePoint Network unique features include: charging status by SMS text or email notification, location of unoccupied charging stations via smart phones, authenticated access to eliminate energy theft, authorized energizing for safety, and Smart Grid integration for utility load management with future V2G capabilities. The network of electric vehicle charging stations is accessible to all plug-in drivers by making a toll free call to the 24/7 number on each charging station, or signing up for a ChargePoint Network monthly access plan and obtaining a Smart Card.

Sequoia Solar is a solar photovoltaic design and installation company with offices in Solana Beach, Palm Desert and Santa Rosa, California. Our team consists of both NABCEP certified and LEED Accredited Professionals. At Sequoia Solar we walk the talk, from our solar powered headquarters and education center in Solana Beach, to our hybrid sales vehicles and biodiesel powered installation trucks, and even to system installations that are powered by our mobile solar power station. We are invested in promoting and expediting our country's switch to locally produced, non-polluting, renewable energy. For more information, please visit us at www.sequoiasolar.com.

About Coulomb Technologies, Inc.
Coulomb Technologies is the leader in electric vehicle charging station infrastructure with networked charging stations installed in municipalities and organizations worldwide. Coulomb provides a vehicle-charging infrastructure, which includes an open system driver network: the ChargePoint Network proves multiple web-based portals for Hosts, Fleet managers, Subscribers, and Utilities http://www.mychargepoint.net, and ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations ranging in capability from 120V 16A to 240V 80A AC charging to future 120kW DC charging, and all US charging stations are SAE J1772™ compliant. For more information, please visit http://www.coulombtech.com and follow Coulomb on Twitter at http://twitter.com/coulombevi.

Illinois Solar Rebates

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:29 GMT

Renewable Energy-Related Legislation and Loan programs in Illinois

To provide healthier environment, reduce operating cost and to conserve energy and resources the City of Chicago initiated Green Permit Program for building design, construction and renovation. This Green Permit Program is monitored and administered by the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). The department is responsible to provide the owners and developers of the building with incentive to build greener buildings. The permit process timeline is totally streamlined for projects which promise to maximize indoor air quality and conserve energy and resources. The permit can be achieved through this Green Permit Program within a time limit of less than 30 days and if everything goes well then within 15 days also. Allowed renewable technologies include passive solar space heat, solar space heat, photovoltaic, wind, solar water heat, biomass, geothermal heat pumps and small hydroelectric. This program is eligible in Industrial, commercial, residential and institutional sectors. The time required to avail the permit greatly depends on the number of green building elements involved in the project and the overall project complexity. There is also a possible waiver of consultant code review fees in case the project meets the most sustainability guidelines. The maximum amount that can be waived is capped at $25000. Generally all interested applicants, who want to avail this permit, are instructed to involve DOB in the early stage of their project design process. DOB will help them throughout the whole process which in return will guarantee shorter permitting process time. The green building certification involves two different Benefit Tiers. Each project is evaluated based on a series of requirements and then it qualifies for one of those two tiers. All commercial projects need to earn appropriate credits in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system which is developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. On the other hand residential projects only need to bag at least a 2 star rating under Chicago Green Homes Council. In addition to these certification requirements, projects need to have menu items which are green design strategies above certification. Both residential and commercial projects need to have 1 to 3 of these menu items in order to enter into green permit program. Chicago Department of Environment started the Chicago Green Homes program as a measure of green building's elements. It is a checklist based rating system. Till 2009, at least 200 green homes were under this program. Green homes program also provide training material free of charge.

The Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA) in partnership with the Community Energy has started the Renewable Energy Credit Aggregation Program (RECAP) in January 2009 to provide incentive to customers using renewable energy systems. This program is eligible in various sectors like - industrial, residential, commercial, schools; state government institution etc. Normally photovoltaic is accepted as an eligible renewable technology under this program. ISEA generally purchases renewable energy credits in Illinois and sell them to Community Energy. And community Energy utilizes these RECs in the City of Naperville's renewable energy program which it runs in partnership with the Naperville's municipal utility. Though incentives are available only for solar photovoltaic; but incentives for small wind and solar thermal will be available in near future. There are certain requirements which must be fulfilled by the PV systems in order to get qualified for the program. The PV system must be located in Illinois. It must also be grid connected and have passed at least one year's field testing. To retain the ownership of RECs net metering agreement will be needed. Normally there is no size limit for this program. But systems with less than 10 kW of AC capacity is being given preference by ISEA. Production of the system must be documented with quarterly estimates. But for systems with greater than 10 kW production monthly production data must be submitted to the department. The participant of this program must also get registered as the residential or commercial member of the Illinois Solar Energy Association. The amount given through incentive program is $0.065 per kWh and the maximum amount which is available in the year of 2009 is capped at $15,000. According to the terms the systems producing at least 35 Mwh will be accepted under this incentive program.

In the state of Illinois a special assessment of solar energy systems is available for property tax evaluation according to 35 ILCS 200. Under this incentive program if a property owner registers with a chief county assessment officer then the solar energy system will be evaluated at a price of conventional energy system. Eligible renewable technologies include solar water heat, passive solar space heat, solar space heat, photovoltaic etc. And this program is available in industrial, commercial and residential sectors. Equipments usable in a conventional energy system or components serving non-solar energy productions are not eligible for this exemption program.

According to S.B. 0583 enacted in August 2009, property owners can borrow money from local government to make any payments resulting from energy improvements on their real property under the Property Assessed Clean Energy or "PACE". The customer has to repay the amount through an increased property tax assessment done in the following years. City, village or incorporated town municipalities have entered into agreements with property owners and contractual assessments have been finalized. Through these assessments only the property owner will avail funding for the installation or improvement of renewable energy technologies into their property.

Public entities like local, state, federal government or public school can avail grants of worth $5 million from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic for community renewable energy projects providing energy for the applicant's own need. The funding is received from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Eligible projects under this program include solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies. Any new solar thermal system approved by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) is eligible to avail a grant up to $100,000. For solar PV system, it must be listed with UL or must have been operational for at least one year and an amount more than $100,000 can availed under this program. The grant is available under a competitive application process. Before approval of the grant a many factors are taken into consideration like application quality, applicant capacity, economic development, green house gas emission reductions, energy reduction, cost-effectiveness or project timeliness. Under this grant program at least 25% of the total project cost can be covered using the funds. Any other publicly supported programs cannot be used for this purpose.

Rebate programs

DCEO - Solar Energy Rebate Program

The Renewable Energy Resources Program (RERP) funded by the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund support promotion of development and use of renewable in Illinois. This rebate program is monitored and administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). All solar energy systems installed in Illinois after January 2008 are eligible to avail this rebate. 30% of an individual system's cost can be funded by this rebate program. The maximum amount that can be offered through this rebate program is capped at $10,000. This is applicable in public and private schools, individual, business, non-profit organization etc. project with an estimated cost greater than $50,000 cannot be considered for this rebate program. Also projects that have external private funding available covering more than 30% of the total cost are not eligible to apply for. PV systems must be listed under UL or must be operational for at least one year to be considered for this rebate program. PV systems with a capacity of greater than 1 kW are eligible. Similarly solar thermal systems must be recognized by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC). In case of solar pool heating system, the pool must be available to the general public in order to be eligible for this rebate program.

MidAmerican Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

All residential customers of MidAmerican Energy are eligible for their incentive program in order to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Under this utility rebate program, various energy efficiency technologies are eligible like - solar heaters, water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps etc. the incentive amount depends on the particular utility upon which the rebate is sought. All interested applicants must submit the equipment rebate application form to the MidAmerican after completion of installation of the energy system. The expiration date for this utility rebate program is January 2010.

Ameren Illinois Utilities - Energy Efficiency Rebates for Businesses

Non-residential customers of Ameren Illinois can easily available various incentives for installing energy efficiency improvements. The applicant must get the system pre-approved for availing any sort of rebates. All commercial customers of Ameren affiliates with an eligible rate schedule are eligible for this rebate program. The incentive amount is decided based on the equipment size, type and relative measure of energy efficiency. The maximum amount that can be availed from this incentive program is capped at $100,000 and the rebate approved for custom improvements cannot exceed 50% of the incremental project cost. Current program's time period is from May 2009 to May 2010. Equipments installed or costs incurred outside this time period are not eligible for this incentive program.

Home Solar Payback: How Long Does it Take?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:27 GMT

Home solar payback is the million dollar question for solar energy systems. Unfortunately for solar installers, it's not always an easy question to answer, as several variables affect the solution. It can be said that in general, it takes 10-20 years for an average-sized system to pay for itself in energy savings. In some cases, [...]

Virgina Tech Students' LUMENHAUS is Fantastic Functionality

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:33 GMT

The 2009 Solar Decathlon is over, and although Team Germany took home first prize this year, every one of the 20 competing teams is worthy of honorable mention. Not least of which is Virginia Tech's LUMENHAUS. The house is made with super-efficient glass walls and doors with an open-floor design to allow maximum light [...]

EarthSure’s “AirRay™ Auto”: the Car That Oil Companies Don’t Want You to Know About

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:26 GMT

WOODBRIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EarthSure, a renewable energy company and innovator in alternative energy sources introduces its most ground-breaking invention to date. Patent pending AirRay™ is the name given to the car that will produce energy through solar power and wind power; enough energy to reduce or eliminate your electric bill and eventually allow your car to solely run on electric. This is the car that is destined to be the new “Car of the Future”.

AirRay’s™ entire system is unique. The roof of the car consists of a solar honeycomb-membrane panel which collects the sun’s rays when parked and when moving, and transfers that energy to the main energy storage system located in the back of the vehicle. The front hood of the car boasts three wind turbines which transfer air into electric energy and is then stored in the main battery. The remaining wind turbine is located on the trunk of the car, grasping at the airflow that surrounds the car when driving. Engineers have incorporated the vehicle with Vehicle to Grid (V2G) capabilities which will enable the user to transfer renewable power back into their home for use in their household or right back into the electrical grid to deplete their electric bills.

The initial AirRay™ concept car will have these features incorporated within a hybrid auto or traditional gas or diesel run vehicle. EarthSure CEO Raymond Saluccio adds, “Our final masterpiece of automobile will be solely electric powered and not have any need for gas or oil. The energy the car creates through the solar panels and the wind turbines will be enough for the automobile to run without worry of losing power. Not only that, but it is a sleek looking car! The AirRay car not only turns air and light into energy, but will turn a lot of heads too!” This final version of the AirRay car is a work in progress but EarthSure has filed numerous patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to ensure their car will be able to quickly make it to market once approved.

Evergreen Solar’s Sequential Shipments Increase 35% to 31 MW for the Third Quarter

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:03 GMT

MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ESLR), a manufacturer of String Ribbon™ solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended October 3, 2009.

Key accomplishments during the quarter were:

Shipped 31.3 MW from our Devens facility, an increase of 35% over second quarter shipments of 23.2 MW;
Reduced total manufacturing cost to $2.24 per watt, down 17% from $2.70 per watt for the second quarter. Wafer manufacturing cost was approximately $0.75 per watt, down from $0.85 per watt in the second quarter;
Generated EBITDA of $6.3 million, compared to $1.4 million in the second quarter;
Finalized agreements with Jiawei Solar and the Wuhan, China Government’s Hubei Science & Technology Investment Co., Ltd. (“HSTIC”), under which:
- Evergreen Solar will manufacture String Ribbon wafers using our state-of-the-art Quad furnaces at a leased facility currently being built by Jiawei in Wuhan, China on Jiawei’s campus;
- Jiawei will convert the String Ribbon wafers into Evergreen Solar-branded panels on a contract manufacturing basis beginning in the spring 2010; and
- HSTIC provided $33 million of 7.5% financing, which Evergreen Solar must repay no later than July 2014, all of which has been received.
Hired our Chinese executive team, including Henry Ng, former General Manager of Suntech Power Company Ltd.’s factory in Wuxi, China;
Began pilot production at our Michigan high-temperature filament plant.

“Due to strong demand from our customers, we were able to increase our sequential production substantially and sell everything we produced,” stated Richard M. Feldt, Chairman, CEO and President. “While demand continues to be solid early in the fourth quarter, we expect to experience some of the typical seasonal moderation in December which we expect will extend into the first quarter.

“Our Devens facility has continuously met its key operational goals of rapid sequential production increases and significantly reduced manufacturing costs since opening in mid-2008. In particular, we are especially pleased with the success of our Quad wafer production performance, which has met or exceeded our expectations to date. However, panel prices have fallen over 30% since mid-2008 making it very difficult for manufacturers located in high-cost regions to remain price competitive. Therefore, we are accelerating our strategic initiative of increasing the focus on our unique wafer manufacturing technology; and we will begin to transition our Devens-based panel assembly to China in mid-2010,” continued Feldt.

“Until we begin this transition, we expect to produce approximately 30 to 35 megawatts each quarter at our Devens facility. After the transition is complete, we will continue to produce wafers and cells at our Devens facility and may increase capacity if market demand warrants. If long-term demand for panels manufactured in the United States significantly increases, we will be well-positioned to quickly reintroduce panel assembly again at Devens,” Feldt concluded.

Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results

Revenues for the third quarter of 2009 were $77.7 million, including $2.2 million of fees from our Sovello joint venture, compared to $63.8 million for the second quarter of 2009, including $1.1 million of fees and $22.1 million for the third quarter of 2008, including $4.3 million of fees.

Gross margin for the third quarter of 2009 was 9.7%, compared to 1.9% for the second quarter of 2009 and 5.7% for the third quarter of 2008.

Operating loss for the third quarter was $6.0 million, compared to $11.5 million for the second quarter of 2009 and $22.1 million for the third quarter of 2008. Net loss for the third quarter of 2009 was $82.4 million compared to $20.3 million in the second quarter of 2009 and $24.6 million for the third quarter 2008. Net loss for the third quarter 2009 includes a charge of approximately $70 million reflecting the write-down of our investment in Sovello to its estimated fair value. In making the assessment, we considered Sovello’s cash position, projected cash flow, comparable market data, the current investing environment, management changes and competition. If Sovello is not able to restructure the terms of its loan agreements or its operations continue to deteriorate, the carrying value of this investment could be further impaired in the future.

This press release contains both GAAP and non-GAAP financial information. Non-GAAP figures are reconciled to the closest GAAP equivalent categories in the financial attachment of this press release.

Conference Call Information

Management will conduct a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (ET) tomorrow (November 5, 2009) to review the Company's third quarter financial results and highlights. The call will be webcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by logging on to the "Investors" section of Evergreen Solar's website, www.evergreensolar.com prior to the event.

The call also can be accessed by dialing (877) 704-5378 or (913) 312-1294 (International) prior to the start of the call and refer to confirmation code 3659743.

For those unable to join the live conference call, a webcast replay will be available from 11:00 a.m. (ET) on November 5 through 8:00 p.m. (ET) on November 13. To access the replay, logon to the “Investors” section of Evergreen Solar’s website, www.evergreensolar.com.

Solar Power International Breaks Attendance Records and Reports Strong Interest in Solar Across Economic Sectors

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:02 GMT

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Power International 2009, the largest business-to-business solar energy conference and expo in North America, broke attendance records for the sixth year in a row last week. The 2009 conference drew more than 24,000 industry professionals, an increase from 17,500 in the previous year. Attendees originated from 99 countries and a broad cross-section of solar and related industries, including electric utilities, construction and investment banking. The annual Public Night event, open free to the general public, attracted an additional 2,700 people from the Southern California region.

The exhibit floor more than doubled in size from the previous year, featuring 929 companies from every part of the solar value chain. Industry leaders predicted growth in 2010 due to pent-up demand in emerging markets, the falling cost of solar electric power generation, the increased involvement of electric utility sector, and the confluence of business innovation and progressive energy policy. Politicians, dignitaries and celebrities converged on Anaheim to speak of the vast potential of solar to create a new, clean energy economy.

Growing attendance prompted the co-presenters of the conference, Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), to create a new entity, Solar Energy Trade Show LLC, which will produce future events such as Solar Power International 2010 (Oct. 12-14, 2010, in Los Angeles) and the upcoming PV America 2010 (April 8-10, 2010, in Washington, D.C.).

“Solar Power International was recently named one of Trade Show Week’s ‘Fastest 50’ growing conferences, but it is also one of the most inclusive. Year after year, our sold-out event attracts thousands of new participants from an increasing range of countries and economic sectors,” said Julia Hamm, executive director of SEPA. “The 2009 event was our most diverse yet, with 27 percent attending from outside the U.S. As the U.S. solar market matures, it is our top priority to remain vital and accessible to industry veterans and newcomers alike. We are excited to continue our partnership with SEIA through the Solar Energy Trade Show LLC, producing not just Solar Power International but a series of business-to-business events for our growing customer base.”

“The size and scope of Solar Power International reflects solar energy’s potential as an engine of economic growth,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA. “Now, as attendees head back to their offices and project sites, they need to focus the energy they felt at SPI onto their local and federal leaders, and demand policies which allow solar to compete fairly, let consumers to choose, and expand the U.S. solar market. We’re headed back to Washington ready to lead the fight to foster a policy environment that will create more jobs and more opportunities for consumers to go solar. We need everyone in the solar industry to come together and put our message into practice.”

SANYO Celebrates Grand Opening of New Monterrey Solar Module Assembly Manufacturing Plant with Ceremony

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:01 GMT

MONTERREY, Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SANYO Energy, S.A. de C.V. (SANYO Energy), a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO), has officially opened and started production in Monterrey. The plant, located in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, will be assembling SANYO’s patented HIT (Heterjunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) solar modules. SANYO’s HIT solar cells and modules have the world’s highest solar light to electric energy conversion efficiency per installed square foot. SANYO Energy will be producing at a capacity of 50-Megawatts annually, with the assembled panels to be used in installations in North America, including the United States.

“Our Monterrey plant was our first overseas module assembly facility in our solar business,” said Mr. Mitsuru Homma, Executive Vice President and Member of the Board of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. “The Monterrey plant is important and vital in North America for the assembly of our world’s highest efficiency HIT modules and the work done here has largely contributed to the growth in sales in North America, and will remain a factor as this region continues to grow.”

SANYO is augmenting its facilities with the necessary equipment and construction of new facilities for future growth in response to market demand, moving forward to reach goals set for an annual global production capacity of at least 600 MW by FY 2010.

SANYO began researching and developing amorphous solar cells in 1975 and was the world’s first to commercialize amorphous-type solar cell production in 1980. In 1997, SANYO started mass production and sales of its world-leading conversion efficiency HIT solar cells. SANYO currently manufactures silicon ingot and wafers in the US, the solar cells are made in Japan, with module assembly plants located in Mexico, Hungary and Japan.

For more information on SANYO’s solar products, please visit: http://us.sanyo.com/Solar

Satcon to Present at Thomas Weisel Partners Alternative Energy & Natural Resources Conference on November 10

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00 GMT

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Satcon (NASDAQ CM: SATC), a leading provider of utility scale power solutions for the renewable energy market, announced today that the company will be presenting at the Thomas Weisel Partners Alternative Energy & Natural Resources Conference in New York on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Rhoades will discuss Satcon’s recent business highlights at the conference. Those interested in listening to the live or archived webcasts via the Internet should log on to the “Investor Relations” section of Satcon’s website, http://investor.satcon.com.

About Satcon

Satcon Technology Corporation is a leading provider of utility scale distributed power solutions for the renewable energy market, enabling the industry’s most advanced, reliable and proven clean energy alternatives. For over 24 years, Satcon has designed and delivered the next generation of efficient energy systems for solar photovoltaic, stationary fuel cells, wind-turbines, and energy storage systems. To learn more about Satcon, please visit www.Satcon.com.

Jobs In Solar: Solar company hiring (Minneapolis / St Paul)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:55 GMT

Date: 2009-11-04, 11:07PM CST
Reply to: patrick@solargoose.com

Solar LED Innovations is hiring motivated sales people to run trade shows in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. We started our company seven months ago and have experienced tremendous growth with over $200,000 in sales, doing only trade shows. We are a team of only 7 people covering the entire continental US. What this position would require is for you to have an entrepreneurial spirit and a go-getter attitude. You would need to get sufficient inventory of solar flash lights (about $1,200) to run a show and would net out the difference between wholesale pricing and retail pricing. Wholesale pricing is about 60% of retail pricing. On average, after discounting the cost of the booth at a show, we make between $400 and $2,000 net, in cash, per show, with an average of $1,000. If you would like to get more information about this opportunity, feel free to email me your resume. We will be running the Go Green Expo this weekend. Please visit gogreenexpo dot com for the hours and location of the event. If you are interested in this opportunity, I will get you a free pass for the show and you will be able to see what this job is all about, in real time. Be prepared to see a crowd around our booth because of the quality of our solar flash lights. We patent, manufacture and assemble these lights right here in the US. For more information, email me at patrick@solargoose.com.

Location: Minneapolis / St Paul

Compensation: we make between $400 and $2,000 net, in cash, per show, with an average of $1,000
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Chemists Describe Solar Energy Progress And Challenges, Including The 'Artificial Leaf'

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00 GMT

Scientists are making progress toward development of an "artificial leaf" that mimics a real leaf's chemical magic with photosynthesis -- but instead converts sunlight and water into a liquid fuel such as methanol for cars and trucks.

Interactive Living Light Structure Maps Air Quality in Seoul

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:08 GMT

Environment, humanity and architecture are not separate entities; they are interconnected and can even interact. That is the substance behind Living Light, a structure built in Peace Park in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. Living Light functions as an interactive canopy and is a bit reminiscent of the Solar Night Garden in Jerusalem and some [...]

Chinese National Institutes Sign Collaboration Agreement with G24i to Drive Industrial Development of Dye-Sensitive Solar Cells

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:13 GMT

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just three weeks after G24 Innovations (G24i) successfully launched the world’s first commercial application of Dye-Sensitive Solar Cells (DSSC), the global pioneer of DSSC announced that it has signed a formal agreement with three of China’s most prestigious institutes to accelerate industrial development of the technology. Continuing its expansion, G24i has signed an agreement with the China National Academy of Nanotechnology & Engineering (CNANE) in Tianjin, together with the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), which is part of the China Academy of Sciences, and the Nanotechnology Industrialization Base of China (NIBC).

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells are unique in that they are extremely robust, lightweight and durable, and produce electricity in low-light conditions indoors as well as outside. G24i’s DSSC modules are so versatile that they can be used in industries as diverse as personal electronics, building and construction, and military and defense where rugged conditions and wide variations in lighting can apply.

The contract signals the intent of the parties to establish an accelerated growth platform for the industrialization of G24i’s technology. The three national Chinese institutes have agreed to commit their resources to industrializing DSSC with the objective of making significant advances in materials, manufacturing and scientific aspects of G24i’s thin-film solar technology. The agreement comes on the heels of G24i’s debut at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair where the announcement of G24i’s new solar products received widespread attention from industry and top tier media in the region.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, chief executive officer of G24i, John Hartnett, explained: “This agreement represents a very significant opportunity for G24i to tackle some developmental challenges. With the help of these major Chinese Institutes, we are confident that we can achieve significant cost reductions in the near term and drive commercialization at an even more accelerated pace.”

Inventor of the DSSC ‘Graetzel Cell’ and professor at the Swiss institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Dr. Michael Graetzel, lauded the signing of the MOU: “This agreement with G24i is a major step toward inexpensive and large scale commercialization of dye sensitized solar cells.”

The commitment to developing DSSC technology runs deep with Professor Peng Wang, the principal investigator of DSSC at CIAC and CNANE. Professor Wang was one of the principal contributors in the development of DSSC during his tenure as a postdoctoral fellow with Professor Graetzel’s group at EPFL in Switzerland, and is now China’s leading scientist for high-performance DSSC. He commented, “I am so excited and proud to be bringing Dr. Graetzel’s technology to China in a meaningful way. I am deeply impressed by the advancements G24i has made in being the first to have the capability to mass-produce flexible dye-sensitized solar cells.”

China has adopted what is effectively a hybrid model for driving economic development by blending government and market forces with scientific and professional disciplines. Professor Xu Jianzhong is president of CNANE and NIBC, located at China’s Binhai Economic Development Area in Tianjin, and is responsible for seeing that work at CNANE supports the high tech sector in which NIBC must attract industry for job creation. “I want to see manufacturing with technology invented here,” emphasizes Xu. “Peng is doing great work here as he builds up his nanotechnology team. However, the research team doesn’t focus on manufacturing and that’s why we want to work together with G24i.”

BioSolar Begins Limited Supply Production of Commercial Grade BioBacksheet™-C

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:12 GMT

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioSolar (OTCBB: BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, announced today that the research and development phase for the company’s proprietary BioBacksheet™-C has been completed. Now qualified for production, the BioBacksheet™-C, designed for traditional silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic solar panels, will be the company’s first product to become available commercially.

“Designed specifically for cost-sensitive, economical PV solar cell modules, we expect the BioBacksheet^TM-C to be instrumental in driving down the cost per watt of solar power,” said Dr. David Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of BioSolar. “An initial full production run was recently completed at one of our manufacturing partners and samples will be available for all interested PV module manufacturers shortly.”

BioSolar is working to make solar power “greener” and more affordable by developing natural, non-toxic alternatives to the petroleum-based film in use by most silicon-based solar module manufacturers today. Its proprietary line of BioBacksheets™, made from renewable plant sources rather than petroleum, meets or exceeds the characteristics of various testing and performance standards for the PV industry and are expected to cost significantly less than current petroleum-based films.

“BioBacksheet™-C meets or exceeds all industry standard qualifications,” said Dr. Stanley B. Levy, Chief Technology Officer of BioSolar. “They have been tested and passed some of the most rigorous tests of UL 1703, the Underwriters Laboratories PV certification standard, including the damp heat test, where the module is exposed to 85 degrees C and 85% RH for 100 hours and the wet Hipot test, which is a measure of short circuit resistance after the module has been submerged in water.”

“BioBacksheet™-C is a two component system that is highly water resistant and contains high dielectric strength material combined with cellulosic film,” added Dr. Lee. “The substrate is a cellulosic material coated with a proprietary material to reduce the water vapor transmission rate and to increase abrasion resistance.”

City of LA Installs Solar Powered LED Bus Stop Lighting as Part of Green Streetlight Program

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:10 GMT

VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The City of Los Angeles is working with Carmanah Technologies (TSX: CMH) to illuminate off grid locations with solar power. As part of a green streetlight program, the City is replacing high pressure sodium lighting fixtures with hardwired LED streetlights such as the LEDway™ luminaire from BetaLED® — and lighting nearby bus stops with solar powered EverGEN™ lights from Carmanah.

Like the City’s new BetaLED grid-powered LED streetlights, the solar-powered EverGEN 30 and EverGEN 1520 lights will feature LEDway lighting fixtures for a consistent look and optimum performance. In addition, the new solar-powered lights will offer the added convenience of an off-grid installation; the standalone form factor will enable the City to install lights quickly and easily wherever illumination is needed, without costly trenching, cabling or grid access. As a dependable standalone solution, the new solar lights will provide an added measure of safety and convenience at neighboring bus stops. Operating independently of the grid, each solar-powered light will incur no power bills while providing a dependable source of illumination, even during local power outages or regional blackouts.

Although a convenient and cost-effective lighting alternative, Carmanah solar powered lights deliver output and performance in accordance with IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) guidelines. A full cutoff “Dark Sky” friendly design directs light only where needed (preventing glare or spillover of light onto neighboring properties or into the night sky), while integrated energy management capabilities ensure optimal lighting performance year round.

EverGEN solar-LED lights are available now from Carmanah Technologies. For more information, visit www.carmanah.com.

enXco Enters Agreement with Suntech to Supply Up to 115 Megawatts of Solar Panels in 2010

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:08 GMT

ESCONDIDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--enXco – an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company (PARIS: EEN) announced today that it has entered into a sales agreement with Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), to supply up to 115 megawatts of photovoltaic modules in 2010.

The supply agreement will enable enXco to execute on its growing portfolio of 2010 projects in both the United States and Canada, for both rooftop and ground mounted utility-scale projects.

“We are impressed with Suntech’s record of quality and innovation and are pleased to enter into this supply agreement securing Suntech as a partner in serving our utility and rooftop customers’ needs,” said Erik Ellis, Director of Utility-Scale Solar.

“enXco has built exceptional expertise in the development of renewable energy projects over the past 20 years, and we are very pleased to partner with them in the expansion of their solar business,” said Steven Chan, Suntech’s Chief Strategy Officer. “Our commitment to continuously drive solar innovation and deliver the most cost-effective solar solutions is a key element of this new partnership. We look forward to building upon this agreement and working with enXco to promote a transition to solar energy and sustainable development in the United States.”

Project LeafDrop

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:27 GMT

NYCLeaves: Project LeafDrop, a new coalition of community gardens and
greening groups dedicated to moving fallen leaves from the trash bin to the compost bin, is building a growing network of community gardens that will take in some of the 20,000 tons of residential leaves that would otherwise go to landfills and turn them into beautiful, rich compost or mulch for garden beds and street trees. Community gardens participating in “Project LeafDrop”, welcome neighborhood residents to bring their bagged leaves (in clear plastic or paper bags without twigs or trash) to their gardens on specific dates in November.

Until 2007, NYC had collected and composted residential leaves, but since that program was discontinued due to budget cuts, some community gardens are inviting neighbors to bring their leaves to their gardens where the leaves will nourish our urban oases and be kept out of the wastestream.

Garden groups wishing to join Project LeafDrop and register as a drop-off site, to find specific drop-off dates at a participating garden near you, or for more information about the project, see the group’s website: www.nycleaves.org or email them at
compost@nycleaves.org.

Information will be available at many of the participating gardens about how to make compost in your own garden or apartment and about efforts to encourage the City to reinstate its municipal leaf collection and composting program.

Yelp's Best of Solar

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:25 GMT

Now, there's plenty of “yelping” going on about solar energy across the greater blogosphere. But what do real Yelpers have to say about it? In an effort to find out, we canvassed Yelp reviews of solar contractors in cities across the country. For solar, when reviews are given, they are [...]

Solar Powered Manure Recycling!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:41 GMT

There's a glam side to solar. We have many beautifully designed buildings, vehicles, phones, even clothes that are solar powered. All the elegantly designed and built solar powered technologies in use today and being developed for tomorrow are exciting to consider.

But, what about the practical and down to earth applications and businesses that need help from the sun's rays? What about the daily care of dairy cows, chickens and other earthy chores that have to get done on a typical farm. How would solar power possibly work in a farm setting?

The University of Delaware has their own dairy farm and came up with a master plan five years ago to integrate solar power into their farm. As time went by and funding became available they were able to acquire solar panels which they use to power the farm's feed storage and storm water treatment facilities and yes, a manure recycling facility!

Their latest project was the installation of 44 panels on the roof of the manure recycling facility. They're also utilizing green energy for a wetland project, stream restoration and a new milking parlor.

Tom Sims, deputy dean of agriculture, said this way of running a successful farm is "doable and practical."

Here we have a down to earth use of solar powered technology that directly affects the consumer. The use of solar energy is no longer considered an odd far left hippy-dippy impractical ridiculous pursuit as it once was. The cow's milk, goat's milk, eggs, etc you eat on a regular basis will be produced by farms using clean-green energy. From skyscrapers to recycling manure the use of solar power is becoming more commonplace and accepted as a practical way to improve our environment and our lives.

More details on the farm at the University of Delaware.

Toward Home-brewed Electricity With 'Personalized Solar Energy'

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:00 GMT

New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities.

GridPoint to Provide Software Solutions for SMUD’s Smart Grid Solar Project

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:12 GMT

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GridPoint, Inc., an established leader in smart grid software, announced today that it will provide storage management, renewable integration, and home energy management solutions for Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) smart grid solar project, the recipient of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding. GridPoint worked with the utility to draft the proposal, which is part of $117.6 million allocated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in support of high penetration solar deployment projects.

SMUD’s project will evaluate how the integration of energy storage could enhance the value of distributed photovoltaic (PV) resources for the community, the utility and the grid by reducing peak loads, firming capacity and maximizing overall system efficiency. It will help build a strategy that can be replicated throughout SMUD’s service territory. The project will integrate energy storage into an existing PV environment, a residential solar community in Rancho Cordova, California, and test new consumer control concepts and PV inverter control within an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system.

“Energy storage is considered the holy grail because it is the key to bringing significant quantities of renewable energy onto the grid. When it can be easily controlled by both a utility and consumers, it offers a compelling solution for optimizing the grid,” said Peter L. Corsell, CEO, GridPoint. “We are pleased to be partnering with SMUD on this deployment, which will likely provide significant lessons for the industry as a whole.”

GridPoint’s software will monitor and control solar production and storage assets in real time, allowing SMUD to determine how to make them a predictable and more valuable energy resource. GridPoint’s software will be used to dispatch stored energy from advanced batteries to reduce peak demand, power or back up homes’ critical loads, charge the batteries, or export solar into SMUD’s distribution system.

The integration of GridPoint’s software with SMUD’s AMI system will facilitate household load control via GridPoint’s home energy management portal, a critical element of the project. The portal will allow consumers to view household energy usage, PV production and output, and energy storage capacity, and also receive and respond to real-time pricing signals from SMUD to curtail usage during periods of peak demand.

GridPoint’s capabilities will also enable the utility to evaluate whether capacity firming and advanced pricing signals influence consumer behavior. And it will allow SMUD to observe consumer preferences and interaction with the technology in order to provide innovative services and increase the effectiveness of energy conservation programs.

“We expect that both SMUD and our customers will benefit from GridPoint’s capabilities, which include providing flexibility to home owners in managing their energy use and balancing the load curve to improve overall reliability and efficiency,” said Jim Shetler, SMUD Assistant General Manager, Energy Supply.

GridPoint’s software aggregates and manages an intelligent network of distributed energy resources that controls load, stores energy and produces power. Utilities efficiently balance supply and demand, improve grid reliability and empower consumers with user-friendly software to manage energy consumption. With GridPoint’s interoperable enterprise-class server technology, utilities rapidly integrate and manage emerging technologies, resulting in a practical path to developing a clean, efficient 21^st century grid.

GridPoint is working with utilities nationwide including Austin Energy, Duke Energy and Xcel Energy. The company was recently named to the Global Cleantech 100 and in 2008 was selected by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer.

SMA Solar Technology AG Chooses Across System’s crossAuthor Linguistic for International Product Communication

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:11 GMT

LOS ANGELES & KARLSBAD, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SMA Solar Technology AG, the world market leader in photovoltaic inverters, is introducing crossAuthor Linguistic authoring support, as an addition to the Across Language Server, to support their extensive translation needs. CrossAuthor Linguistic, introduced a few weeks ago, along with the Across v5 product generation, enables technical writers to use the central translation memory and terminology system of Across, as well as the seamlessly integrated Controlled Language Authoring Tool (CLAT) of IAI Saarbrücken. The integration of the two technologies for authoring support provides both the database-based and the rule-based approach. It is the only product on the market offering both approaches in a single, integrated environment.

SMA's decision to choose crossAuthor Linguistic was made after thorough market research, and it has been using the Across Language Server as the central platform for all language resources and translation processes since 2008. The Language Server is seamlessly connected to the SCHEMA ST4 editorial system and other interacting systems.

Through the use of crossAuthor Linguistic, SMA will provide the authors of its technical documents with system-based support for the compliance with grammar and style rules and will ensure that source texts are written with subsequent translations in mind.

"Professionals agree that a high, perhaps even the highest efficiency boosting potential for translations lies in the consistent wording of the source texts," explains Professor Johann Haller of IAI Saarbrücken. IAI has developed the CLAT authoring tool and is one of the leading institutions in the field of linguistic intelligence. "Consider, for example, the consistency of the texts. If different variants of specialized terms are used, the number of variants is multiplied by the number of languages. The same is true of grammatical mistakes or other incorrect wording."

Other instruments include the possibility to limit the length of sentences or to define style rules for specific departments or text types. Another way to minimize translation expenses is to use wording for which translations already exist. Thus, writers have all information needed, e.g. to decide whether to comply with a style rule or to reuse an existing phrase.

"The integration of the technologies and methods relevant for the product communication contributes to using synergies, streamlining processes, and improving the quality of the contents," explains Jürgen Sapara, Head of Technical Documentation, who is responsible for editorial aspects, as well as the subject of multilingualism at SMA Solar Technology AG. "This not only leads to a higher quality of source texts, but most importantly, better, faster, and more cost-effective foreign-language versions."

CrossAuthor Linguistic is available as an add-on to all common editors, such as MS Word, Adobe FrameMaker, InDesign, PTC Arbortext, Just XMetaL, and others. For every sentence authors write, they see the actual editor, as well as corresponding wording and terminology entries from the Across databases and marks of the rule-based quality assurance by CLAT.

Signet Solar and Tejados Industriales De Fotovoltaica Execute Definitive 10MW Module Supply Agreement

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:10 GMT

MOCHAU, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Germany based Signet Solar and Spanish Tejados Fotovoltaica de Industriales (TIF) Group, a leading EPC company based in Benissa, Spain today announced that the two companies have executed a definitive module supply agreement for Signet to supply to TIF a minimum of 10MW of single junction silicon thin film modules for shipments before the end of June 2010, and a continued module supply relationship for the remainder of 2010 and in future years.

“This agreement will serve as a strong foundation to the long standing successful relationship between Signet Solar and TIF Group in Spain and Italy,” said Gunter Ziegenbalg, Managing Director of Signet Solar GmbH, at the signing ceremony. “TIF’s extensive market expertise and access to significant equity investors combined with Signet’s aggressive approach in helping its customers attain bankability through its debt and equity partners are a perfect fit.”

“I am very excited to have Signet as my strategic partner for solar PV deployments,” said Klaus Mueller, CEO of Tejados Fotovoltaica de Industriales Group. “Signet’s consistent execution to its roadmap of releasing industry leading PV efficiencies and power output for its single junction silicon thin film PV modules has enabled Balance of System (BOS) cost advantages for my company, which I expect will continue to enable higher IRR’s for our investors. Based on Signet’s 10-15% higher output performance advantage in higher insolation areas such as Italy and Spain, and the bankability of Signets modules, now with over 10 debt financers, I am confident I have made the right long term strategic partnership.”

Kohl’s Department Stores Once Again Holds Top Retail Spot on EPA’s Quarterly Rankings of Green Power Purchasers

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:10 GMT

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kohl’s Department Stores announced today that for the second time the company holds the top spot in retail on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) quarterly rankings of top green power purchasers in EPA’s Green Power Partnership. Kohl’s, recently named the greenest retailer in America according to Newsweek magazine's Green Rankings, also ranks third overall and third among Fortune 500 companies in the Partnership, which includes some of America’s largest green power purchasers.

Since the last quarterly rankings were announced in July, Kohl’s has increased its green power purchase by more than 42 percent. Throughout 2009, Kohl's has purchased more than 851 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in renewable energy credits. This purchase is enough to meet 71 percent of the company’s purchased electricity use, which means that more than 70 percent of Kohl's energy comes from renewable resources. According to U.S. EPA, Kohl’s green power purchase of more than 850 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding carbon dioxide emissions of nearly 112,000 passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power nearly 85,000 average American homes annually.

“Green power purchases are one of the easiest and more important ways we can implement renewable energy sources as we work to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Ken Bonning, Kohl’s executive vice president of store planning and logistics. “We continue to increase our purchases that are applied companywide, and we hope to reach 100 percent green power in the coming year. This is just one more way we continue to operate as an environmentally responsible company.”

According to EPA, green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources like wind and solar. These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions. Kohl’s purchases renewable energy credits in the areas including solar, wind and biomass generation.

Kohl’s also ranks ninth on EPA’s list of Green Power Partners that generate and consume the most green power on-site with 19,126,000 kWh of on-site green power usage from solar. Kohl’s is the world’s largest retail host of solar power with 79 active solar locations in six states – California, Wisconsin, Oregon, Maryland, Connecticut and New Jersey. The solar panels generate 20 to 50 percent of the store’s electricity, depending on geographic location.

"EPA commends our leading Partners for their continued commitment to protecting the environment by using green power," said Ann Bailey, Acting Director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at EPA. "By supporting green power, Kohl's Department Stores is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, supporting clean energy technologies, and contributing to a clean energy future."

A Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

Kohl’s has been an active member of EPA’s Green Power Partnership since 2006. The company was recently named one of EPA’s Green Power Partners of the Year and has been honored by EPA with the Green Power Leadership Award in both 2007 and 2008 for green power purchase and on-site generation respectively.

Kohl’s purchases green power in support of the Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge – an EPA program challenging Fortune 500 companies to collectively exceed 10 billion kWh of green power purchasing by the end of 2009. Kohl’s is also part of EPA’s Green Power Leadership Club, a distinction given to organizations that significantly exceed EPA’s minimum purchase requirements. To achieve this distinction, companies or organizations must purchase 10 times the Partnership’s minimum requirement organization-wide.

Recently ranked as greenest retailer in America and 18th greenest company overall on Newsweek’s Green Rankings, Kohl’s takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability. In addition to support of green power and renewable energy, Kohl’s works diligently to introduce and enhance initiatives that reduce the company’s carbon footprint. These initiatives and partnerships include an extensive, industry-leading solar program in addition to active participation in EPA’s ENERGY STAR, Climate Leaders, WasteWise and SmartWay Transport programs, the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Retailer Energy Alliance.

For more information on Kohl’s green initiatives or EPA’s Green Power Partnership, visit www.kohlsgreenscene.com or www.epa.gov/greenpower.

Ampulse Raises $8 Million in Series A Funding to Develop Low-Cost, High-Efficiency, Flexible Form Factor, Crystalline-Silicon Thin-Film PV Solutions

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:09 GMT

GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ampulse Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of solar cell solutions based on proprietary and patented crystalline-silicon (c-Si) thin-film technology, today announced it has closed an $8 million Series A funding co-led by Globespan Capital Partners and El Dorado Ventures, and joined by existing investors Battelle Ventures and its affiliate fund, Innovation Valley Partners.

As a result of the funding, Daniel Leff of Globespan Capital Partners and Jeff Hinck of El Dorado Ventures have joined Ampulse’s board of directors.

Ampulse’s technology blends the best efficiency properties of c-Si with the attractive manufacturing costs and application flexibilities of emerging thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Ampulse’s manufacturing process uses a patented breakthrough technique to deposit c-Si on a flexible substrate, the material of choice for PV applications.

“Ampulse has assembled a strong management team along with key strategic partnerships with two renowned laboratories to develop a low-cost, high efficiency, c-Si thin-film PV solution for the residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar markets,” said Daniel Leff, venture partner with Globespan Capital Partners. “Additionally, I am delighted to serve on the board and contribute to the success of a company whose solution is one of the most disruptive I have ever seen in the solar market.”

“The commitment from our new venture partners provides us the support that will help us bring our innovative c-Si thin-film technology to market,“ said Steve Hane, president and chief executive officer of Ampulse. “Through our research partnerships with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Ampulse’s next-generation c-Si thin-film technology will deliver a highly efficient and flexible form factor thin-film solution with the lowest total system cost to address the needs of our customers.”

Evolution Solar in Discussions With Industry Leader

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:09 GMT

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evolution Solar Corp. (PinkSheets: EVSO) today announced that the Company has entered into negotiations with a major international thin-film solar manufacturer. The Company expects the negotiations will result in Evolution being able to offer a variety of additional cutting-edge solar technologies and solutions to its customers. The negotiations are a direct result of the Company’s participation in Solar Power International 2009. The convention and trade show was held in Anaheim, California on October 27^th through 29^th.

“As expected, Solar Power International 2009 offered a number of brilliant opportunities for Evolution Solar,” said Mr. Robert Hines, President of US Operations for Evolution Solar Corp. “We are excited about the opportunity to form a relationship with an industry leader to offer our customers additional solutions they can count on.”

EVSO expects to deliver solar power technologies and solutions to compete with those from companies such as Sun Power (Nasdaq: SPWRA), First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR), Trina Solar LTD (NYSE: TSL), and LDK Solar Co. LTD (NYSE: LDK).

About Evolution Solar Corporation

Evolution Solar Corporation, (EVSO), commercializes leading edge alternative solar energy technologies and related photovoltaic technologies, equipment and next generation appliances. Evolution Solar is an emerging industry leader capitalizing on its understanding of solar technology and supporting the development of alternative energy plans for large corporations and government organizations. Evolution Solar is also an expert consultant agency to organizations in their strategic and procurement plans for alternative energy contracts with public utilities.

Energizer® Solar Program Selected by Costco

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:08 GMT

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ICP Solar Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: ICPR)(FRANKFURT: K1U), a developer and marketer of innovative, proprietary solar panels, solar chargers, energy meters and other solar powered devices, today announced that it has been awarded programs from Costco Canada worth up to $1million, a substantial increase from 2009, indicative of the Company’s expanded product portfolio. Shipments of the solar chargers are expected to begin during the fourth quarter.

“We have a longstanding relationship with Costco and are excited to serve them with our growing product line in 2010,” said Sass Peress, CEO. “This commitment reflects a substantial increase over last year, and Costco has expressed confidence in even greater success than previous years with upcoming Energizer_® branded solar chargers. Consumers are looking for strong brands in a market which is becoming more and more educated about quality distinctions when compared to no-name look-alikes. Considering the support that ICP Solar will receive from Energizer_® through its own website, and the awareness that the energizersolar.com initiative will bring, we believe this will be the best year ever for this program. With clients such as Costco and others to be announced shortly, ICP Solar is working towards strengthening its distribution partnerships, improving its marketing programs, and ensuring complete customer satisfaction with its industry-leading innovations.”