Staples facility unveils solar rooftop
Just one good example among many others:
Staples Inc., the Framingham-based office products retailer, said it held a dedication ceremony yesterday to unveil the largest single rooftop solar power installation in Maryland at the company’s 200,200-square-foot fulfillment center in Hanover.
“The 1.01 megawatt solar installation covers nearly 175,000 square feet of roof space, larger than three football fields,’’ Staples said in a press release; the release said the installation demonstrated the company’s commitment to environmental issues.
The event was co-hosted by SunEdison, a solar energy services provider that worked with Staples on the project.
sourceLabels: News, solar panels
Solar Push in Texas Fails
Texas’s efforts to create incentives for solar power production are dead, dashing the industry’s hopes that the huge, sunny state would see a surge in demand for panels.
Last-minute maneuvering this weekend at the end of the state legislative session prevented the passage of $500m of solar rebates. Efforts to change Texas’s renewable portfolio standard to create extra requirements for solar, biomass and geothermal power had failed earlier.
Solar had previously appeared to be on a roll, and so many bills flooded the state legislature this session that it was sometimes called the “solar session.”
SourceLabels: News, Solar Funding, Solar News, tax incentives
Pioneering a 100% Solar City
FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL) to Set up U.S. a Pioneering 100% Solar CityElectricity utility Florida Power & Light (FPL) Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL, FPL message board), last week said that it has agreed with the real estate investment company Kitson & Partners, to emulate the City of Masdar’s revolutionary concept of future urban development, by constructing America’s only carbon-neutral and zero-waste city in the “sunshine state” of Florida. FPL is expected to construct a 75 percent-megawatt photovoltaic solar power facility that will power the $2 billion-Babcock Ranch city to be laid on a 17,000 acre land which was purchased by Kitson & Partners as an environmentally sensitive domain for conservation three years ago.
Beginning of the year, Masdar Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company of the United Arab Emirates announced the construction of Masdar City which then was said to be the world’s only eco-city. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) and Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) won the tenders to supply 5 megawatts of thin film solar modules each for the power generation facility which will be utilised by an excess of 50,000 residents and 1,500 corporations when the city is completed.
FPL said their solar power plant will single-handedly be responsible for powering the futuristic Babcock Ranch city’s anticipated 19,500 residences, and various businesses and light industries that will be scattered within a space of 6 million square feet. 20,000 green jobs are also expected to be brought forth as from 2010, when the construction of the infrastructure is scheduled to take off, until when it becomes fully operational.
SourceLabels: First Solar Inc, FPL, FPL Group, FSLR, News, solar, solarstocks, STP, Suntech Power
Stimulus Plan is a Ray of Sunshine for Solar Industry
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The solar industry was moving at a frantic pace through the end of 2008 in an effort to capture the solar tax credits that were set to expire at years end. Global demand for solar hit a whopping 5.3 GW and saw the price of silicon skyrocket and solar panels became very scarce. Citigroup's (NYSE:C) Timothy Arcuri in a recent research note observed that, "Global demand for solar is likely to see a slight decrease to 5 GW, but driven by a growing pipeline of utility scale projects and aided by government stimulus programs, he thinks the total will jump up to 7.6 GW next year and 9.6 GW in 2011."
SourceLabels: News, solar, Solar Funding, solar panels
First Solar vs. SunPower vs. Suntech
First Solar's acquisition of OptiSolar's pending, gigawatts worth of projects will likely intensify the fight for utility-scale projects in the United States.
With the $400 million purchase of OptiSolar's project portfolio, First Solar has, in effect, declared war on two other large solar energy companies who also aren't satisfied at being merely solar panel makers.
Can you hear the battle cry, SunPower and Suntech Power?
First Solar already has staked a claim as the company that can make solar panels cheaper than anyone else. The company, based in Tempe, Ariz., has become a Wall Street darling in recent years by delivering impressive financial returns. Startup solar companies aspire to be First Solar – or beat it.
Check the full article on
Greentech MediaLabels: First Solar Inc, News, solar panels, Solar Technology, solarstocks, SunPower Corp, Suntech Power
China invites bid for biggest solar PV power plant
Most Solar Stocks closed today with heavy gains, with the rest of the market recovering from recent new lows. Expect the short term trend to be Bullish for the next couple of days.
Some Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. related news:
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BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 50 power enterprises placed bids for a 10 megawatt solar photovoltaic generation project in northwest China's Gansu Province, the biggest in the country, the Shanghai Securities News said Monday.
Chinese bidders include China Power Investment Corporation, China Huaneng Group, China Guodian Corporation, China Datang Corporation, China Huadian Corporation and Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (STP.NYSE), Shi Lishan, an official with the National Energy Bureau was quoted as saying.
"Overseas power enterprises that have joined the bidding include a company from Denmark and one from Germany," said Shi.
Covering one million square meters, the solar PV power plant in Dunhuang city involves a total investment of 500 million yuan (73 million U.S. dollars). It will generate on average 16.37 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year.
SourceLabels: News, Solar Technology, solarstocks, STP, Suntech Power
Trina Solar sees 2008 revenue meeting target
rina Solar Ltd. said Tuesday that reduced costs will help the manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products meet its 2008 revenue guidance and exceed its estimate for fourth-quarter revenue.
The Changzhou, China-based company said it expects 2008 revenue to meet its previous guidance of $800 million to $850 million. It anticipates revenue for the fourth quarter will exceed its previous estimate of between $190 million and $210 million, Trina Solar (nyse: TSL - news - people ) said.
Wall Street analysts expect quarterly revenue of $194.1 million, and annual revenue of $816 million, according to a poll by Thomson Reuters.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/02/17/ap6061733.htmlLabels: News, Trina Solar, TSL
Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Evergreen Solar
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ: ESLR), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Epicor Software (NASDAQ: EPIC), Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE).
Evergreen Solar Misses Slightly
Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ: ESLR) reported financial results for the 4th quarter and full year 2008. The company recorded revenue of $44 million for the 4th quarter and $112 million for the year.
Net loss for the 4th quarter of 2008 was $52.1, or $0.32 per share, and includes charges of $23.1 million for the closure of the Marlboro pilot facility, $8.0 million for the write-off of certain research and development equipment and $9.7 million of facility start up costs for Devens and Midland.
SourceLabels: Earnings, ESLR, Evergreen Solar, News, solarstocks
Suntech and Standard Solar Reach 5 Megawatt Solar Panel Supply Agreement
Agreement strengthens both companies' ability to respond to President Obama's call to 'harness the sun'
SAN FRANCISCO and GAITHERSBURG, Md., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's leading manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, and Standard Solar, Inc. are looking forward to powering cleaner energy solutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic U.S. under a new agreement by which Suntech will supply up to 5 megawatts of photovoltaic solar panels to the Maryland-based solar developer and installer during 2009.
"Partnering with Suntech, a top-tier manufacturer offering a broad assortment of high-quality solar panels, better equips Standard Solar to fulfill its rapidly growing customer requirements from New Jersey and Pennsylvania to North Carolina and Virginia," said Scott Wiater, Vice President of Procurement at Standard Solar.
"Suntech looks forward to partnering with Standard Solar in supplying cleaner, cost-effective solutions to businesses, government agencies and homeowners. In addition to reducing the dependence on highly polluting fossil fuels, we believe that the solar industry can also help to generate new domestic, green jobs," said Roger Efird, President, Suntech America, Inc.
Full articleLabels: News, photovoltaic, solar panels, Solar power, STP, Suntech Power
INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY ESTABLISHED (IRENA)
Officials from participating countries are expected to sign a treaty to officially create the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an international organization created to promote renewable energy options on a global scale. The founding conference for IRENA is being held this week in Bonn, Germany.
Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will provide practical advice and support for both industrialized and developing countries, help them improve their regulatory frameworks and build capacity, the organization says. The agency will facilitate access to all relevant information, including reliable data on the potential of renewable energy, best practices, effective financial mechanisms and technological expertise.
"The creation of IRENA sends a clear signal to markets worldwide that renewable energy will be a public policy priority for many years to come and shows that policy-makers are serious about fighting global warming," comments Mike Ahearn, CEO of First Solar. "We encourage the United States and all other nations that have not yet committed to join IRENA to actively support its vision of a more sustainable environment for future generations."
On other sources:
First Solar Applauds International Renewable Energy InitiativeSolar IndustryLabels: First Solar Inc, International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, News, Solar Energy, Solar Industry, Solar Projects
210-megawatt solar-power plant proposed for California
Some news concerning SunPower Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:
SPWRA):
SAN FRANCISCO -(Dow Jones)- An official at the California Public Utilities Commission proposed Tuesday that regulators approve a power purchase agreement between a unit of PG&E Corp. (PCG) and solar-panel maker SunPower Corp. (SPWRA).
The contract is for 550 gigawatt-hours a year for 25 years from a 210-megawatt solar-power plant that SunPower has proposed building in San Luis Obispo County, Calif., about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The project will use solar panels made with monocrystalline silicon cells that will be mounted on tilted single-axis tracking systems, according to a proposed decision by CPUC Executive Director Paul Clanon.
Full article at
money.comLabels: News, Solar Plant, Solar power, SPWR, SunPower Corp
First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) and Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) to Jointly Power a Landmark Middle Eastern Solar Project
With the giant sell-off in the markets today, as Obama sweared-in, many solar stocks are suffering, STP and JASO are taking the big hits while FSLR and SOLF are having a normal down day.
Considering the normally high volatility of solarstocks, it could be worse, since the S&P500 and NASDAQ are down more than 4.5%
Some yesterday's news:
Rival photovoltaic (PV) modules manufacturers, First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR ) and Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP ) will complement their efforts to power a $15 billion futuristic city of Masdar, under construction in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The firms have been approved by Masdar Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company to supply 5 MW of thin film solar modules each, for a 10 MW solar power farm that is being developed by Enviromena Power Systems based in the oil-rich Abu Dhabi emirate. Expected to be the biggest in the whole of Middle East region, the system will generate electricity for what is supposed to be the world’s only carbon neutral and zero-waste city.
Solar energy will be used as a first choice power solution by more than 50 000 residents and 1 500 businesses that are expected to be part of Masdar upon its completion. Electric travel pods, waste and water recycling, as well as natural ventilation, will be some of the environmentally friendly measures to be used in the city.
SourceLabels: First Solar Inc, FSLR, NASDAQ, News, Solar Plant, Solar power, Solar Projects, SP500, STP, Suntech Power
Can You Go Cheaper Than First Solar?
And with the markets closed today, there's time to read more news articles.
Over at Greentech Media:
Can You Go Cheaper Than First Solar?Colorado's BrightPhase Energy says it can dramatically lower the total cost of solar power by exploiting photovoltaics, solar thermal and natural light.
Full articleLabels: News, photovoltaic, Solar power, Solar Technology, Thermal Storage
What's In Store For Alternative Energy With Obama's Cabinet?
Interesting read at Alt Energy Stocks:
As the Obama inauguration nears and his cabinet picks are made public, the impact of his presidency on the alternative energy sector is becoming more tangible. During the campaign, we heard plenty on Barack Obama's views on environmental regulation, climate change and alternative energy. But what about the people who will be advising him day-to-day on these matters, and who will be ambassadors both inside and out of the country for the administration's policies?
Read the rest
hereLabels: News, photovoltaic, Solar power, Solar Technology, tax incentives
Abu Dhabi to keep investing in solar energy despite crisis
ABU DHABI (AFP) — Oil-rich Abu Dhabi said Monday it will press ahead with plans to develop solar energy, shrugging off a huge drop in oil prices which is cutting the emirate's revenues.
"The current economic situation has no impact on Masdar's intended and planned projects," said Sultan al-Jaber, chief executive of Masdar, the government-owned Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company charged with developing clean energy.
The company's most prestigious project is developing Masdar City in Abu Dhabi -- a 22-billion-dollar cluster city that is to have zero carbon emissions.
"We still have an appetite to look for further opportunities," Jaber told reporters on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit 2009 in the United Arab Emirates' capital.
"We are looking beyond the current economic terms," he said in reference to the global economic crisis which has reduced demand for oil.
Full News ArticleLabels: News, Solar Technology, solarstocks
Gabelli & Co Reiterates Bullish Stance on First Solar, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:FSLR)
After a downgrade, any stading buy rating is very bullish on FSLR stock, going up today 9%
January 15, 2009 11:18 AM EST
Gabelli & Co is reiterating their Buy rating on First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) after strong results from 5N+ yesterday, which provides them increased confidence that FSLR is faring better than most solar plays.
The firm also said, "management noted that other CdTe based solar vendors were struggling given the difficult environment for financing...in sharp contrast to the rest of the solar sector."
The firm remains confident in their estimates for FSLR for 4Q '08, $435mm revenues and EPS of $1.37, as well as for FY '09, EPS of $8.00, and continue to recommend the purchase of shares at current level.
First Solar, Inc. (Public, NASDAQ:FSLR) Chart continues Bullish for the short term, with a decent uptrend in the last 2 months:
It's probably a good moment to go long for a short term trade.
Labels: First Solar Inc, FSLR, News, solarstocks
USA states step back on solar funding
By CHRIS KAHN – 59 minutes ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Homeowners who waited until this year to install rooftop solar panels and take advantage of a hefty new government subsidy might not get the payback they anticipated.
As federal subsidies are rolled out, states under severe economic strain and utilities have slashed their own solar incentives, and as a result, cut the expected discount by thousands of dollars in some cases.
"It's two steps forward, one step back," said Jeff Wolfe, CEO of Vermont-based solar installer groSolar. "It's frustrating."
In Massachusetts, for example, the Commonwealth Solar program cut its rebate by $1 per watt on Jan. 1, reducing the overall discount by $3,000 for a 3 kilowatt solar panel system. In Colorado, customers of Xcel Energy Inc. saw a similar rebate cut, and they'll pay more now to install solar than they would have a year ago.
Labels: News, Solar Energy, Solar Funding
China to Build Solar Power Plants in 2009
Beijing, Jan 12 (Prensa Latina) Two large solar power plants will be built in the Chinese provinces of Qinghai and Yunnan this year, as part of a nationwide project to boost renewable energy.
Qinghai's solar station will cost 146 million dollars and will be jointly built by China Technology Development Group and Qinghai New Energy Group.
In the beginning, the plant will generate 30 megawatts, but after completion, it will produce one gigawatt and will be the world's largest solar power plant, investors said.
Works on another solar power plant will begin in the southern Yunnan province. The plant will produce 166 megawatts and will cost 1.3 billion dollars.
SourceLabels: China, News, Solar Plant, Solar power
Solar Power Plastic
Solar innovator Konarka Technologies took in $45 million in strategic funding to further develop its new product for sunlight conversion called Power Plastic and bring it to market. Oil and gas company Total provided the round, acquiring a 20 percent stake in Lowell, Mass.-based Konarka. It hopes to integrate the plastic solar film into products made and used by its subsidiaries, including Hutchinson, Sartomer and Bostik.
The Power Plastic line is prized for being lightweight, flexible and easily scalable for a variety of purposes. Its current conversion rate of sunlight to energy is six percent, but future incarnations should up that figure.
SourceLabels: Konarka Technologies, News, Power Plastic, solar panels, Solar power
Thin Film Solar Technologies
By Paulo Nery
The solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is clearly in a rapid growth phase. The worldwide industry size was recently estimated at $50 billion. Over the past few years, production capacity is thought to have grown at an average of 48% each year and cumulative global production is now at 12.4 Giga Watts (GW). It is also an industry on the brink of change. New technologies are emerging that seem certain have an impact on the entire shape of the PV industry.
Since they were first developed in the 50’s there have been no major changes to the basic crystalline silicon solar cell. But significant improvements are now taking place with several competing innovations vying for position. Crystalline silicon cells, which come in mono and poly crystalline forms, are now being referred to as “first generation” PV. These mature technologies have experienced dramatic growth in volumes. But with shortages of silicon and high prices affecting finished costs, the volumes are dropping. If silicon prices drop further we could yet see more competitive prices for these solar PV modules. But there’s only so much that prices can drop with that technology.
Second generation PV, or thin film technology, holds out the real promise of more price competitive systems because they can be manufactured with dramatically less material, shorter supply chains and cheaper, faster processes. Thin film is still a nascent industry and competition between players is much more about intellectual property and access to capital than the manufacturing efficiencies that drive the first generation PV makers. So there are lower prices from improved efficiency to be anticipated still.
Solar Stocks: First Solar, Inc.(NasdaqGS: FSLR),Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.( United Solar Ovonics) (NasdaqGS: ENER) , XsunX, (OTCBB:XSNX), SolarWorld (SRWRF.PK), Sanyo Electric (SANYY.PK)
Full article:
http://www.investorideas.com/Companies/ViewDocument.asp?ID=5697Labels: ENER, Energy Conversion Devices Inc, First Solar Inc, FSLR, News, SolarWorld, Thin film solar cells
