Solarfun to Supply Nobility Solar Projects With 14.2MW of High Efficiency Modules

SHANGHAI, July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. ("Solarfun" or "the Company") (Nasdaq: SOLF), an established vertically-integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots and photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules in China, today announced that Nobility Solar Projects a.s. ("Nobility") has agreed to purchase 14.2MW of high efficiency PV modules from Solarfun during the second half of 2009. Nobility, a leading distributor of solar products in Eastern Europe, is Solarfun's distribution partner in the region.

Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented, "Eastern Europe, and specifically the Czech Republic, is a good new developing market for solar products. Our agreement with Nobility demonstrates our ability to not only penetrate new markets, but also quickly increase high quality, high efficiency PV module shipment volumes. Nobility is the leading distributor of solar products in Eastern Europe and we are pleased to be a part of this growing business relationship. This agreement also reflects an improvement in demand that we see for our business in the second half of the year."

Lubomir Bures, Vice President of Nobility, declared, "This agreement secures Nobility a strong bankable partner for module deliveries. Through this partnership, Solarfun gains a significant market share in the Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries, which would be very hard to achieve without a strong local partner."

Solar Energy Initiatives Announces Securing Land to Build a 300 Megawatt Solar Park in West Texas

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. (OTCBB:SNRY), executing on a grass roots campaign, “RENEW THE NATION”, to help redeploy a portion of the U.S. work force and focus on reducing the world’s dependence on fossil fuels by selling solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies, today announced that the Company signed a contract securing land for the design, construction and operation of a solar park in west Texas. A Limited Liability Company will be formed to own, finance and operate the solar park. Solar Energy Initiatives will sell the solar panels and balance of system to the LLC, generating as much as $750 million in revenue within a 6 year time period. During the first year of development, the project will generate over $100 million in sales. The revenue approximation is solely based on the sale of the solar panels and does not account for the sale of generated electricity.

Construction of the 300 megawatt system represents the largest non-utility owned solar park to be created. Preliminary work, including zoning, permitting, EPA approvals and other activities will begin immediately with construction set to begin in the next 18 months. The project will be constructed in various increments over the six year time frame. At full capacity, the solar park could generate enough green renewable energy to displace approximately 700,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, annually, that would have otherwise been produced by non-renewable power generation. The project could produce enough energy to provide power to approximately 60,000 homes.

“Solar Energy Initiatives is thrilled to have secured such a monumental contract,” stated, David Fann, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Energy Initiatives. “The size and scope of this venture represents a significant milestone in establishing the Company as a true market leader within the rapidly expanding solar deployment sector. It is an incredible testament to our management team and Board of Directors that we have been successful in securing the contract to build the largest non-utility owned solar park.”

Mr. Fann continued, “As we continue to attract additional funding for these projects from our partners we will bid on new projects that make strong economic sense for our Company. The deployment of these large scale projects will enhance our ability to negotiate panel prices with solar panel providers which will enhance our overall margins and drive our profitability. Management believes that the signing of the solar park contracts will assist us in working with additional municipalities and land owners to obtain additional contracts, increase our earnings and achieve our primary goal of improved shareholder value.”

GWS Technologies Announces Initial Development of Lubbock, Texas Solar Farm

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GWS Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: GWSC), an alternative energy company developing renewable energy solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Dominion Real Estate Investments LLC, (DREI) to begin development of a 118 acre solar farm in Lubbock Texas.

The project could provide power to a planned housing development and federal facilities contiguous to Lubbock Airport. The initial project was designed in conjunction with Texas Tech University. The estimated cost of the entire project is approximately $250 million.

“This is another great opportunity for us to take advantage of the many federal and state incentives offered for alternative energy projects,” said Michael Coskun, Vice President of GWS Technologies Inc. “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to team up with Dominion Real Estate Partners again.”

“One of our priorities this year is to incorporate as much \"Green\" technology as possible into our real estate investment strategies. We are fortunate to have found a great partner in GWS Technologies to help us achieve our goals. Their knowledge and intellectual capital is on the cutting edge of the renewable energy industry, said Robert Dwyer, Managing Partner, and Dominion Real Estate Partners.

Johns Manville's E3 Company and Energy Conversion Devices to Deliver Photovoltaic Systems for Commercial Roofs

DENVER and ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., July 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Johns Manville (JM), a leading global manufacturer of an extensive line of energy-efficient building products, and Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq :ENER), a manufacturer of proprietary, thin-film amorphous silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) laminates announced that they have reached a multi-year agreement for ECD to supply its UNI-SOLAR(R) laminates to Johns Manville. To support its entry into the field of solar energy, JM has created and will market its unique capability through a new business entity, the JM E3 Company, more informally known as E3 Co.

According to Fred Stephan, vice president and general manager of the Roofing Systems business for Johns Manville, "This further strengthens our leadership in sustainable roofing. We are excited to partner with ECD to incorporate their lightweight, flexible and durable UNI-SOLAR laminates into our single ply, built-up and modified bitumen roofing membrane systems. Supported by JM's 150 years of commercial roofing experience and ECD's expertise in building-integrated photovoltaics, this agreement is our first step in offering a range of new solar-energy producing roofing products to our customer base."

Mark Morelli, ECD's president and CEO, said, "Johns Manville is well known for being a leading provider of high-quality commercial roofing products. We look forward to working with them to advance the adoption of clean, renewable power in the form of rooftop solar technology."

At less than one pound per square foot, UNI-SOLAR laminates are lightweight, non-intrusive and require no rooftop penetrations or mounting systems, eliminating the negative impact on roof life and performance that is associated with penetrating PV systems. Additionally, these thin-film PV laminates provide a solid return on investment through a low installed cost and low cost-per-kilowatt-hour of energy produced when compared to traditional rigid glass panel PV alternatives.

Evergreen Solar, in Cooperation with Export-Import Bank of United States, Offers Low-Interest Loans for Solar Projects Outside of United States

MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR), a manufacturer of STRING RIBBON™ solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer manufacturing technology, today announced it is working with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) to provide attractive low-interest financing for solar projects using Evergreen Solar panels outside of the United States. The program is intended to spur the export of U.S.-made renewable energy products and is part of a mandate in Ex-Im Bank’s Congressional Charter. Currently, Evergreen Solar customers have almost 90MW of projects in varying stages of the loan application process with Ex-Im Bank.

The Ex-Im Bank will offer U.S. Dollar denominated loans directly to project developers or project owners that will cover 85% of the U.S. made product cost and up to an additional 30% of the cost of the product to be applied to local installation costs. Remaining project costs can be financed with separate bank loans as needed. For example, a solar project using $10 million of Evergreen Solar panels would receive up to $8.5 million in financing for the purchase of the solar panels and up to $3 million to cover installation, design, engineering, inverting, racking and other installation-related expenses. Ex-Im Bank currently offers a 4.9% fixed interest rate over an 18-year period for solar installations outside of the United States.

“At a time when many companies are struggling to attain credit for capital expenditures in a difficult financial market, the Ex-Im Bank’s office of renewable energy has been extremely helpful in offering a significant financing tool for our international partners which greatly assists us in our continued business success outside of the U.S.,” said Terry Bailey, Evergreen Solar’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Our international customers have been very enthusiastic about this added benefit we can offer them as a U.S. manufacturer.”

The Ex-Im Bank will also provide guarantees for loans which can be issued in any currency. Ex-Im Bank\'s Loan Guarantee Program provides Loan Guarantees that carry the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government to banks participating under its Master Guarantee Program. Participating banks may be located anywhere in the world where Ex-Im Bank is open to do business. Ex-Im Bank’s Loan Guarantee covers 100% of principal and accrued interest on any amount. The Guaranteed Loans can either be a fixed interest rate or floating rates typically based on a small spread over the 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rate. Currently the 6-month LIBOR rate is 1%.

To apply for a loan as part of the Ex-Im Bank program, customers should work directly with Evergreen Solar’s Ex-Im Bank support specialist. The final approval process can range from a few weeks to three months depending on the loan type.

Optomec Reports 75% Increase in First Half Revenue

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Optomec, Inc., a privately held supplier of advanced manufacturing systems for the Solar, Semiconductor and SmartPhone markets, today announced a significant increase in year-on-year financial results. Sales Revenue for the first half of 2009 grew 75% over the same period in 2008. The Company also realized improvements in other notable metrics, including an increase in Gross Margins, a substantial decrease in Operating Expense and a corresponding improvement in overall profitability.

Key to its success, Optomec reports that sales of its patented Aerosol Jet systems are growing at approximately 100% annually, as the solution is quickly gaining acceptance as an enabling technology for the production of high efficiency Solar Cells and other Printed Electronics applications. The Company now boasts a world-wide customer base of more than 60 companies, including many recognized leaders in the solar industry. Other emerging applications for the Aerosol Jet solution that are driving sales growth include fuel cells, 3D interconnects for stack die, touch screen displays, and medical implants.

Optomec is also experiencing continued demand for its LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping) systems used for the fabrication and repair of high performance metal components in the Aerospace and Defense industry. Notably, the Company shipped three LENS systems during the period, and now has more than 30 LENS users in locations that span the globe.

Dave Ramahi, Optomec President/CEO, commented that “We feel very fortunate that we’ve been able to flourish despite the challenging economic backdrop. Our positive first half results are a testimony to the appeal of our emerging technologies, especially as our customers look to gain a competitive advantage that can simultaneously improve their products and reduce their manufacturing costs.”

Ramahi added, “Despite these encouraging results, we are acutely aware of the challenges that generally exist for equipment suppliers in a recession, and remain cautious going forward. We have taken steps to reduce our cost structure, and have focused discretionary investments on product enhancements that will position us well for continued high growth rates as the markets for production systems recover.”

Optomec is a technology-rich supplier of additive manufacturing systems for high-performance applications in the Photovoltaic, Electronics, Biomedical, and Aerospace & Defense markets. These systems utilize Optomec’s proprietary Aerosol Jet printed electronics and LENS powder-metal fabrication technologies. The company has a global customer base of industry-leading manufacturers.

VioSolar Inc. Completes Purchase of an Operating Solar Company in Greece and Appointment of Vice-President; North American Business Development

ATHENS, Greece--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VioSolar Inc. (OTCBB-VIOSF; Frankfurt-SDE.F) announced today the closing of the purchase of eighty-five percent of the outstanding shares of Energeiaki E.P.E. of Tripoli, Greece.

“This acquisition opens the door for VioSolar into the photovoltaic marketplace in Greece.” stated Rick Walchuk, President and CEO. “Greece is an excellent market place for photovoltaics with its high insolation levels and feed-in-tariffs, coupled with the government grant incentive. We are extremely pleased with this acquisition and also with the progress we have made in the negotiations for other photovoltaic companies.”

The founder and majority shareholder of Energeiaki, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou will maintain a fifteen percent ownership of Energeiaki of which VioSolar Inc. will hold a right of first refusal. Mr. Papastavrou will be an important part of the company going forward, as his experience and knowledge of the photovoltaic market in Greece will be a valuable asset for VioSolar Inc.

VioSolar Inc. is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Bill Kanatas, of Chicago, Illinois, as Vice-President; North American Business Development.

Mr. Kanatas, 44, attended Loyola University in Chicago, IL. Over the past 15 years, as a respected businessman and financier, he was responsible for co-founding over a dozen companies ranging from Bio-Tech to Real Estate.

For the past several years, Mr. Kanatas has focused on projects that are environmentally friendly and has been doing his part to help protect our environment. This led him to his current position as Founder and CEO of SolarVision based in Chicago.

Mr. Kanatas will bring an extensive background in management and capital procurement that will help VioSolar accelerate its growth in the solar marketplace.

VioSolar Inc. and SolarVision will work towards various joint ventures in the photovoltaic market in Greece.

“We are very pleased to have Bill Kanatas join our team and we look forward to working with his company, SolarVision, and his partners in order to expand our presence in the photovoltaic market in Greece.” said Rick Walchuk.

VioSolar Inc. is currently entertaining various funding opportunities in order to complete the ‘shovel-ready’ projects in our pipeline and expects to announce these in the very near future.

Satcon to Announce Second Quarter 2009 Financial Results on Thursday, August 13

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Satcon Technology Corporation (NASDAQ CM: SATC), a leading provider of utility scale distributed power solutions for the renewable energy market, plans to announce its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 after the close of market on Thursday, August 13, 2009. In conjunction with the announcement, the company will host a conference call that day at 5:00 p.m. ET.

To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 869-3847 (U.S. and Canada) or (201) 689-8261 (International). The call will also be available as a live and archived audio webcast on the “Investor Relations” section of Satcon’s website at www.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 23 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.

EarthSure’s One Invention to Revolutionize Solar

ELIZABETH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ray Saluccio developed an affordable system to deliver solar energy to the masses and assist in cleaning the environment. The combination of his two ideas has put his patent on the fast track for approval, since the U.S. Patent Office gives special consideration to inventions that enhance the quality of the environment and to those that contribute to the development of energy resources. Saluccio calls his concept Solar Energy Enclosed Dumpster System, or SEEDS.

Saluccio owns a sanitation company and designed a dumpster enclosure system that is a solution to many problems that his customers were having with their conventional set-ups which are susceptible to damage and had security issues. Unauthorized access to the dumpsters caused health and safety concerns. Saluccio’s enclosures were made to be secure and durable. Made from prefabricated recycled plastic, they were also easy to transport and assemble.

Improvements to the trash removal business pale to the benefits that SEEDS brings to the renewable energy industry. Saluccio and his company, EarthSure Renewable Energy Corp. are at the forefront of practical solar energy production. SEEDS allows businesses and property owners the ability to produce their own electricity without the prohibitive costs of installation or damage to their buildings.

Renewable solar power delivers a return on the investment through lower utility bills. Electricity can be stored in a battery, or if hard wired to the building, the energy generated by the solar panels can power equipment. When attached to the building’s electric meter, SEEDS can feed power back to the utility grid causing the meter to actually spin backwards.

EarthSure is ahead of the development of “The Smart Grid” which will allow two-way power flow and replace the current utility grid similar to the technology that enables the internet. Operators may also be eligible to receive Renewable Energy Certificates earned as a production subsidy to electricity generated from renewable sources. Like other commodities, these certificates can be sold and traded for profit.

In addition to SEEDS, EarthSure will be introducing other groundbreaking developments in solar based technology. By bringing SEEDS to fruition, EarthSure has moved us closer to the new emerging “Solar System.” Find out more by visiting the web site Earth-Sure.com.

Canadian Solar Schedules 2Q09 Results Conference Call

TORONTO, July 27 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. ("the Company", "Canadian Solar" or "we") (Nasdaq: CSIQ) today announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009 and business outlook.

The dial-in number for the live audio call, which will begin on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 p.m. August 6, 2009 in Hong Kong), is +1-617-847-8712. The conference call passcode is 63818298. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on Canadian Solar's website at http://www.canadian-solar.com .

A replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call through 12:00 p.m. on August 13, 2009, U.S. Eastern Time (12:00 a.m., August 14, 2009 in Hong Kong) by telephone at +1-617-801-6888. To access the replay, use passcode 52551852. A webcast replay will also be available at http://www.canadian-solar.com .

PG&E Contracts With Sempra Generation for More Solar Power

SAN FRANCISCO, CA and SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - July 27, 2009) - Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced today that it has entered into a contract with El Dorado Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of Sempra Generation, to purchase 48 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic solar power produced at the Copper Mountain Solar facility. This is the utility's second contract for renewable energy from Sempra Generation and it is subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Sempra Generation's new Copper Mountain Solar facility will produce an average of 100 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year, equal to the annual consumption of more than 14,000 average homes. Construction of the new solar project is slated to begin later this year and will be completed in 2011.

"PG&E is pleased to collaborate again with Sempra Generation as we work to meet our customers' long-term energy needs with environmentally friendly power," said Fong Wan, senior vice president of energy procurement for PG&E. "Solar projects, like the Copper Mountain Solar facility, are ideally suited to help meet our customers' peak energy loads."

Today's agreement, combined with a contract PG&E signed in late 2008 to purchase the entire 10 MW output of Sempra Generation's existing El Dorado Energy Solar power plant, provides PG&E with all 58 MW generated by the Boulder City, Nev., solar projects. Boulder City is located about 40 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

"This agreement represents a major step forward for Sempra Generation in the development of the largest operational photovoltaic solar power installation in North America," said Michael W. Allman, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. "It also demonstrates how we leverage our existing investments in land and electric infrastructure to deliver low-cost, large-scale solar power projects. The nearly one million solar panels installed at our two Nevada solar facilities will bring a new source of clean energy to the West and help reduce carbon emissions in the region," Allman added.

Copper Mountain Solar will create about 200 local construction jobs.

Since 2002, PG&E has entered into contracts for more than 20 percent of its future electric power deliveries from renewable sources. On average, half of the electricity PG&E delivers to its customers comes from carbon-free generating sources, making the company's energy some of the cleanest consumed by any electric utility customers in the nation.

Worldwide Energy and Manufacturing Announces New 3.8 MW Spanish Solar Contract Valued at $8.8M

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA and SHANGHAI, CHINA--(Marketwire - July 27, 2009) - Worldwide Energy and Manufacturing USA, Inc. (OTCBB: WEMU), a U.S.-based China manufacturing company specializing in products for customers in the industries of solar energy, aerospace, wireless telecommunications, medical equipment and automotive, today announced that its solar division, AmeriSolar, has received a new 3.8 MW solar module contract for a customer in Spain. The contract is valued at approximately US$8.8 million and has been scheduled for delivery over a six-month period: August, September, November, December 2009; and January, February 2010.

Jimmy Wang, chief executive officer of Worldwide Energy, stated: "This contract further validates are unique business model and our superior solar technology. We have simply built a better solar module with more structural integrity and better long-term efficiency. Further, our unique combination of in-house manufacturing and outsourced solar panel manufacturing gives us the ability to deliver high-quality solar panels quickly and efficiently while maintaining competetive gross margins."

Worldwide now sells it solar panels in ten countries including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, France, Spain, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

Wang added: "With our competitive edge, better quality control technology and strong sales contacts we continue to win new customers while continuing to grow our revenues and earnings quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year."

Parsons and TSK Sign Strategic Alliance Agreement

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Parsons is pleased to announce that it has signed a strategic alliance agreement with TSK, a leading enterprise in the engineering and electrical equipment sector. Parsons and TSK have created a strategic partnership to provide Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology applications in North America and the Middle East. CSP has proven an effective and efficient technology for generating merchant class solar power at levels from 20 to 500 megawatts.

Parsons, an engineering, construction, and technical and management services firm headquartered in Pasadena, California, brings to the partnership the ability to deliver large solar projects from planning and environmental permitting through startup.

TSK is completing two CSP projects in Spain that incorporate thermal storage—storing heat in molten salts, providing for generation of solar-powered energy 24/7. Spain has long been a leader in solar power, driven by long-term support from the Spanish government.

“CSP with thermal storage should find a very large market in the Sunbelt of North America and throughout the Middle East,” said Mike Walsh, Parsons Group President. “The combination of Parsons’ resources and reputation in the market and TSK’s experience and expertise with CSP with thermal storage will provide utilities, power districts, and independent power producers with an elegant option for base load renewable power to meet large-scale renewable power requirements.”

Until recently, the plants have been limited to “peaker” service, since solar could only produce power when the sun is shining. That has now changed; CSP can produce power around the clock and be a base load generator. Having the ability to produce solar power around the clock is a “game changer” in the rapidly moving solar and renewable power field. Thus, Parsons and TSK look forward to working together on this important undertaking. For more information about TSK, please visit http://www.pwh.com.mx/tsk-electronica-y-electricidad-english.

SolarCity Introduces Solar Lease to Customers of Nation’s Largest Municipal Utility

CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SolarCity® today announced the availability of its award-winning solar leasing option (SolarLease™) to customers of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the nation’s largest municipal utility. SolarCity’s lease combines with LADWP’s generous solar rebates, among the highest of any U.S. utility, to make solar power as affordable for Los Angeles homeowners as anywhere in the nation. A SolarCity solar lease of a 4-kilowatt solar system, appropriate for a typical 3-bedroom home in Los Angeles, would start at $55 per month, with no money down, on approved credit.

LADWP provides more than 1.4 million customers in the Los Angeles area with electricity. Erik Solter, a homeowner in Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley, is among the first group of LADWP customers to sign up for SolarLease. “I’ve always wanted to be greener but I’ve been waiting for an option that makes financial sense,” says Solter. “With SolarCity’s SolarLease I can adopt solar power for less than I used to pay for electricity and help LADWP conserve energy.”

SolarCity’s solar leasing option for LADWP customers is a 20-year lease with fixed monthly payments for the life of the lease, so savings increase over time if electricity rates rise. The first month’s payment is due when the system is turned on. SolarCity’s lease option includes financing, design, installation, a performance guarantee, the company’s Web-based SolarGuard™ monitoring service, and repair service.

“LADWP and Mayor Villaraigosa are continually working to increase the use of solar power in Los Angeles,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “More than 1,000 LADWP customers have already inquired about our solar lease option, and we’re hiring 25 new installers in the Los Angeles area to help meet the demand.”

LADWP customers interested in SolarCity’s new lease option can estimate their solar lease payment and potential electricity savings online by using SolarCity’s solar calculator, available at www.solarcity.com. The solar calculator incorporates information about LADWP rates, incentives, local weather and solar production to create a customized estimate for each customer. Interested LADWP homeowners can also contact the SolarCity directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) to speak with a solar advisor.

EVSO: China’s Massive Solar Investment Stimulates Solar Stocks

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evolution Solar Corporation (PinkSheets:EVSO). China’s new $2.70 per watt government solar incentive has delivered a strong stimulus to solar stocks. China’s stimulus program represents a 50% government participation in the cost of many solar projects. Clearly this changes the economics for solar companies with a footprint in China.

This strong investment in solar power technology signals that China intends to stake out a position as the world leader in the manufacture, sale and use of solar energy. EVSO is currently deepening its relationships in China in order to access this growing market for solar resources and products needed around the world. China’s continued growth will make it an even more important source of new technology as the world’s economies emerge from the current recession.

“This news validates our decision to establish an office in China from which we will reach out to projects in other parts of the world,” stated Robert Kaapke, CEO of Evolution Solar Corp. “China is friendly to the solar industry and provides fertile ground on which to grow our product offerings.”

Yingli Green Energy Holdings (NYSE: YGE) was up 43% on the news. ReneSola (NYSE: SOL) was up 31% and Suntech Power Holdings (NYSE: STP) was up 50%.

Suniva Raises $75M in Series C Funding Round

NORCROSS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Suniva Inc., a manufacturer of high value monocrystalline silicon solar cells, today announced the completion of a $75 million Series C financing round, led by Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm. Also participating in the round were APEX Venture Partners and returning investors New Enterprise Associates (NEA), HIG Ventures and Advanced Equities.

“Most solar is undifferentiated,” said Chansoo Joung, a managing director at Warburg Pincus, “That’s not the case with Suniva. Their cell design and roadmap for commercialization is extremely compelling and represents a unique value proposition for customers.”

Suniva’s high-quality monocrystalline solar cells incorporate multiple proprietary design elements that allow them to achieve best-in-class efficiencies. Additionally, Suniva reduces the time and cost associated with commercializing new solar technology by developing its innovative designs in incremental stages. Suniva currently manufactures ARTisun™ series solar cells with conversion efficiencies above 18 percent, while being manufactured with low-cost, high-throughput techniques.

Joung went on to add, “Warburg Pincus seeks out businesses that have an important role to play both in the near and long term. As the solar industry grows, Suniva is well positioned, delivering the leading combination of high efficiency and low-cost manufacturing.”

In October 2008, Suniva completed the installation of its first manufacturing line and began production of its first-generation solar cells, marking one of the fastest production ramp-ups to date in solar manufacturing. Keeping pace, Suniva will complete the installation of its second, 64 MW manufacturing line in its Norcross facility this summer.

“In a year when most companies lowered their expectations, the investment community recognized Suniva’s ability to execute,” said John Baumstark, CEO of Suniva. “Our technology delivers the performance, cost and quality needed for solar’s next phase of growth. With this funding round, we will continue to execute on our business plan as we move into promising solar markets here in the U.S. and worldwide.”

Warburg Pincus managing directors Chansoo Joung and Dr. Henry Kressel will join Suniva’s board of directors alongside current board members PM Pai, former COO of SunPower; Dr. Kedar Gupta, GT Solar founder and former CEO, and NEA partners Harry Weller, Ravi Viswanathan and Jon Sakoda. Also on the board are Suniva founder and CTO Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi, recent recipient of the 2009 EPA Climate Protection Award, and Suniva CEO, John Baumstark.

U.S. Solar Demand Improving but Financing Remains a Roadblock, Says Pike Research

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The appetite for solar projects in the United States has lagged market leaders like Germany and Spain, however increased federal and state subsidies have begun to take effect and demand for solar in certain markets like New Jersey and California is heating up. According to a new report from Pike Research, the U.S. solar market will surpass Spain in 2009 and will top Germany by 2013. However, the firm points out that financing for solar projects remains elusive.

“The weak supply of tax equity combined with heightened credit requirements has led to numerous project cancellations and delays nationwide, with over 75 MW, totaling $450 million, of idle projects in New Jersey alone,” says industry analyst George Kotzias. “But the tide is beginning to turn as evidenced by Wells Fargo and U.S. Bancorp – both of which have established tax equity funds for solar projects.” In Pike Research’s analysis, solar companies that stand to benefit most from a U.S. boom include First Solar, SunPower, Suntech, Yingli, Akeena, and Real Goods Solar.

“As soon as financing picks up, the demand is there,” says Kotzias. “In addition to the increase in subsidies, module prices have dropped by as much as 50% and installed costs have dropped over 30% over the past year,” he adds. This combination of drivers has attracted the market entry of established developers from Europe as well as many domestic start-ups.

Pike Research’s study, “U.S. Solar Energy Demand Dynamics”, analyzes government incentives, financing structures, and internal rates of return on a state-by-state level. Cost components for solar project development are quantified in detail, and the report also includes solar PV market forecasts, providing a clear and actionable view of the size and timing of market opportunities. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Renewable Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Green Consumers, and Environmental Management sectors. For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.7609.

Trina Solar Signs Sales Agreement with PROINSO

CHANGZHOU, China, July 23 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, today announced that it has commenced shipment under a long-term supplier agreement with PROINSO (''Proyectos Integrales Solares S.L.''), a leading distributor for solar photovoltaic equipments and a specialist in engineering services in Spain.

Trina Solar is one of two suppliers to provide PROINSO with PV modules. Shipments for the second quarter of 2009 through 2010 are covered in the supplier agreement. The modules are expected to be used for solar projects in the United States and major European markets including Italy, Greece and Spain. Trina Solar expects to supply PROINSO with up to 25 MW and 50 MW of PV modules in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Prices and quarterly purchase volumes under this agreement are pre-determined through March of 2010. The Company made its first shipment in late June 2009.

''Trina Solar is excited to enter into this agreement with PROINSO, whose renewable energy activities span across several key PV markets,'' said Mr. Arturo Herrero, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Trina Solar. ''This agreement will further strengthen our relationship with PROINSO and allow Trina Solar to provide high quality modules made from our vertically integrated manufacturing platform.''

"This agreement enforces and confirms the strategic alliance between both companies,'' declared Mr. Gustavo Carrero, Marketing Director of PROINSO. "This relationship assures a high quality technical solution that will enable us to successfully approach diverse PV markets worldwide, always fulfilling the needed requirements in terms of reliability, competitiveness and excellence, proven by Trina Solar in the recent years of our partnership."

Evergreen Solar Helps Power Boston Sand & Gravel

MARLBORO, Mass. & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR), a manufacturer of STRING RIBBON™ solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer manufacturing technology, announced today that a new 110 kilowatt solar energy power plant using its solar panels is now operational at Boston Sand & Gravel in Evergreen’s home state of Massachusetts. The solar installation will supply 75 percent of the overall energy needed to power the company’s maintenance facility in Charlestown, Mass.

The installation, which is highly visible from both Interstate 93 and the local public transit system, contains more than 500 Evergreen Solar panels and occupies an area of one-half acre. It will generate enough energy each year to power approximately 25 average-sized homes. By generating renewable energy, the facility will offset carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to removing 40 cars from the road annually. Boston Sand & Gravel expects the savings in annual energy costs to pay for this project within five-and-a-half years.

“This is not only a significant solar installation for Boston Sand & Gravel, it’s a milestone for the City of Boston as it is the first 100kw plus project to be installed under the Commonwealth Solar and Solar Boston initiatives of both Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino,” said Terry Bailey, Evergreen Solar’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Boston Sand & Gravel’s choice to use Evergreen Solar’s panels will not only show immediate results in performance as our panels deliver more electricity (kilowatt hours per kilowatts installed) throughout the day than any crystalline silicon panel, but it will also help the company accomplish its carbon goals since our panels have both the smallest carbon footprint and the quickest energy payback of any silicon based solar panel in the business.”

The project uses a Solectria Renewable Inverter and custom engineered mounting system and was designed and installed by Nexamp, Inc.

“Boston Sand & Gravel is excited and pleased to complete our solar installation,” Dean Boylan, President of Boston Sand & Gravel said. “It is a cornerstone of our Green Plan through which we will support our customers with materials for green construction while reducing our energy consumption in the production of those materials.”

Solis Energy Joins Tropos Solution Partner Network to Provide Alternative Power Solutions for Wireless Network Deployments

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solis Energy, a global provider of alternative outdoor power sources, has joined Tropos’ Troposphere Solution Partner Network program. Tropos is the market leader in wireless IP broadband networks and with its Troposphere Solution Partners, helps customers in building complete solutions for Smart City and Smart Grid networks. With Solis, Tropos networks can be designed around the limitations of an existing power infrastructure.

Integrators can more easily recommend and deploy an optimal power configuration for customers’ wireless network – whether it is a Solar Power Plant for remote installations, a Continuous Power Bridge to bridge daytime gaps when connecting to gang-switched lights, or a UPS when power is unreliable – based on their specific network design and equipment requirements. Solis Energy’s Solar Power Plant also supports Tropos Network’s “green” initiatives to build a new communications infrastructure that conserves the global environment. Applications include wireless networks for utilities, intelligent transportation systems, government, public safety and public access.

“Solis brings to the table custom-configured power solutions for our products that take into account installation location and environmental conditions,” says John Griebling, Director of System Engineering at Tropos Networks. “We feel these solutions provide a flexibility and reliable alternative for powering Tropos’ routers in the field.”

“Tropos is a well-known and greatly respected leader in the outdoor wireless network industry,” said Solis Energy’s Founder and CEO Robert Reynolds. “We are pleased to be partnering with them to supply the critical power components necessary to provide a complete wireless solution to customers.”

Acro Energy Retains Jesup & Lamont Securities Corp.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acro Energy Technologies Corp. (TSX Venture:ART) (the “Company”), a leading residential solar installation company, announces that it has engaged the services of Jesup & Lamont Securities Corp. (“Jesup & Lamont”) as placement agent and financial advisor to the Company for the purpose of raising additional capital by way of a private placement of equity or debt securities (the “Private Placement”). The Company is seeking additional capital in order to execute its strategic plan of acquiring suitable residential solar energy companies in the state of California and across North America.

Acro Energy CEO Harry Fleming stated, \"Jesup & Lamont is a respected and well-connected investment banking partner that we expect will bring a high level of knowledge and strategic advisement to our company. We look forward to working closely with Dan Nicholas and the rest of the Jesup & Lamont team.\"

Jesup will be acting as agent on a reasonable best efforts basis for this Private Placement, subject to completion of due diligence.

EDF Energies Nouvelles and First Solar Announce Venture to Build Largest Solar Manufacturing Plant in France

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF EN) and First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced a venture to build France’s largest solar panel manufacturing plant. With an initial annual capacity of more than 100MWp, the plant will produce solar panels made with First Solar’s advanced, thin-film photovoltaic technology. This new venture will support the recently announced goal of the French government to become a leader in sustainable energy technologies including solar electricity. At full production, projected for the second half of 2011, the plant will employ more than 300 people.

Under the terms of the arrangement, First Solar will build and operate the plant in France. The plant represents an expected investment of more than €90 million. The initial annualized capacity of the plant is expected to exceed 100MWp, making it the largest manufacturing facility for solar panels in France. EDF Energies Nouvelles has agreed to finance half of the capital expense and plant start-up costs and will benefit from the plant’s entire output for the first 10 years. First Solar and EDF EN intend to announce their decision on the site location within the next few months.

The investment decision was announced in the presence of French Sustainable Development Minister Jean-Louis Borloo. “I salute the decision of EDF Energies Nouvelles and First Solar to invest and create jobs in France’s solar sector, which has begun to take off since the Grenelle de l’Environnement,” he said. “This investment represents a veritable turning point for the photovoltaic industry and confirms that France is more than ever in a position to play a leading role globally.”

Pâris Mouratoglou, Chairman of the Board of EDF Energies Nouvelles, said, “This agreement represents a key milestone in the strategy of our group, which has the ambition to be a global leader in solar energy.” The company successfully raised €500 million last year to finance its expansion in the photovoltaic sector. It has set itself a target of installing 500MWp in photovoltaic capacity for its own account by 2012. “Securing a competitive supply is essential for us to participate in the development of a large French solar market,” he said.

“We have successfully built a number of projects with First Solar panels. This strategic agreement is the result of a relationship built on trust and offers our two groups solid and promising potential,” he said.

Mike Ahearn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Solar, said, “The decision to invest in France reflects our firm belief in the French market and its great potential. It represents a vote of confidence in the policies being developed by the French government since the Grenelle de l’Environnement to promote renewable energies and allow solar electricity to compete economically with other forms of energy.”

“This decision by First Solar and EDF EN is a sign of our shared commitment to the future of solar electricity,” Mr. Ahearn said. “We commend President Nicolas Sarkozy’s leadership in promoting long-term policies to build a more sustainable energy future not just for France but the world. Countries that create market frameworks that enable solar and other renewable energies to achieve commercial scale will reap the greatest benefits in private sector investment, technological innovation and job creation.” The long-term commitments of the French Government to provide the policy and regulatory frameworks that enable robust solar markets and of EDF EN to invest in developing and expanding the French market were key factors in our decision to invest in France, he said.

First Solar’s manufacturing site will also include a facility for recycling solar panels, France’s first such facility and Europe’s only solar panel recycling plant outside of Germany.

Nanometrics Announces Newest Metrology System for Solar PV Applications

MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nanometrics Incorporated (Nasdaq:NANO), a leading supplier of advanced process control metrology systems used primarily in the manufacturing of semiconductors, solar photovoltaics and high-brightness LEDs, today announced the launch of its TSMTM integrated metrology system. The latest in Nanometrics’ Trajectory product line, the TSM is designed to rapidly measure the thickness of various thin films in order to enable fast feedback and excursion prevention in the manufacture of all types of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, and further expands Nanometrics’ metrology system footprint into the segment of rough and textured PV film layers.

“Every solar PV cell manufacturing line has unique process control challenges due to the engineered films that are deposited,” commented Tom Ryan, Director of the Materials Characterization Business Unit at Nanometrics. “The launch of the TSM system expands our addressable market into the textured and rough films segment of the solar PV industry. The TSM is optimized for film measurement on high throughput processes, enabling control on textured crystalline silicon cells, complex multi-junction thin film silicon cells and high-roughness CIGS (copper indium gallium (di)selenide) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) films.”

Leveraging Nanometrics’ leadership position and experience in integrated process control solutions, the TSM enables direct integration in solar cell manufacturing lines to enable process control of critical layers. Nanometrics has optimized the Trajectory product to provide robust and precise metrology on today’s most complex thin film solar materials and can be incorporated to measure in atmospheric and vacuum systems. The rapid measurement time of the Trajectory systems can keep pace with any type of cell manufacturing line, enabling measurement of 100% of the products at numerous points throughout the flow, including junction, buffer, and absorber layers, antireflective coatings, and transparent conducting oxides (TCO).

GT Solar Sets August 4 for First Quarter Fiscal Year 2010 Financial Results Call and Webcast

MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) today announced that the company will release its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 ending June 27, 2009, after the close of market on NASDAQ on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. An investment community conference call to discuss these results and the company\'s outlook will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 5pm EDT/2pm PDT and will be accessible live and on an archived basis as follows:

PLEASE NOTE: A passcode is now required to access the live conference call.

Live Conference Call

1-888-396-2384 (toll-free)

1-617-847-8711 (international)

Passcode: solr

Live & Archived Audio Webcast:

http://investor.gtsolar.com/

Click on “Events”

Telephone Replay:

1- 888-286-8010 (toll-free)

1- 617-801-6888 (international)

Replay Passcode: 33310487

Replay will be available from August 4, 2009 at 8:00pm ET through November 4, 2009

Durham College Powers Up with Carmanah Solar Technology

VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Durham College is using solar technology to help conserve energy and reduce electricity costs at its Whitby, Ontario campus. Designed to supplement the campus’s primary utility feed, the grid-tie photovoltaic system will help keep demand and electricity bills under control, while providing students with a real-world example of renewable energy technology in action. The new solar power system is part of a 40,000-square-foot expansion and upgrade of the college’s Whitby campus that is designed to increase energy efficiency and energy production while supporting a range of energy-focused programs and learning facilities. Valued at over (CAD) $500,000 installed, the grid-tie photovoltaic system from Carmanah Technologies will be supplied by Osso Electric Supplies (a division of Sonepar Canada Inc.) and installed by Space Age Electric (Oshawa) Ltd.

Founded in 1967, Durham College offers a vast range of full and part-time programs designed to connect students with real-world career opportunities. With a focus on developing the skills needed to excel in today’s fast-changing economy, Durham College maintains an outstanding success rate, with 86.5 per cent of 2008 graduates employed within six months of graduation. The college’s Whitby Campus is home to the Skills Training Centre with its main campus located in Oshawa, Ontario.

Carmanah Technologies is a leading provider of solar power systems for grid-tie applications across Canada. Other recent grid-tie applications include the Toronto Parking Authority and the Jean Canfield Government Building in Prince Edward Island — named Canada\'s 2008 Solar Project of the Year by the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA).

For more information on this or other solar grid-tie applications within Canada, contact Richard Wayte at rwayte@carmanah.com, or visit Carmanah at www.solarforbuildings.com.

Sol, Inc. Appoints New VP to drive Worldwide Sales Growth

PALM CITY, Fla., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Sol, Inc., the world leader in solar LED outdoor lighting announced today the appointment of Susan Schierwagen as its Vice President of Worldwide Sales.

Ms. Schierwagen brings to Sol many years of lighting control sales experience, having been associated with Lutron Electronics Co., one of the world's largest lighting control manufacturers, where she was responsible for leading the commercial team to more than doubling sales (113% growth). Susan also drove the implementation of a vertical market strategy to position Lutron more closely with strategic end-users in the hospitality, education, and healthcare markets. Ms. Schierwagen has a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the Tufts University. During her career, she has served on the Board of Directors for Syracuse University Sales and Marketing Program, on the Industry Board for National Systems Contracting Association, as well as on the McGraw-Hill Building Product Manufacturers Board.

"We are thrilled to announce this appointment during a period of significant company expansion." said Michael Sonnenfeldt, chairman of Sol, Inc. "Susan brings a wealth of career achievements in lighting control sales and business development, making her appointment as VP Worldwide Sales an ideal fit for Sol. Her major focus will be to develop and expand Sol's global sales of solar lighting systems."

Schierwagen will be responsible for continuing Sol's rapid sales growth by building a US-based sales team and provide tailored solutions for its global dealer network that will allow them to be more successful and competitive to better serve customers' needs. She will be a vital member of Sol's growing executive team as the company continues to expand globally.

Rick Schuett, President and CEO of Sol, Inc. added, "I am excited to once again have the opportunity to work with Susan and to have her bring her expertise and passion to the world stage to spearhead our growth as we develop advanced solar lighting solutions. Sol has been the leader in solar outdoor lighting since 1990 and Susan will help Sol maintain our leadership position as we continue to expand our reach."

The appointment of Schierwagen brings to seven the number of executive, sales, marketing, and engineering hires within the past 12 months, with plans to hire additional key people before the end of the year.

Yingli Green Energy Expands Its Footprint in the China Market

BAODING, China, July 22 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), one of the world's leading vertically integrated photovoltaic ("PV") product manufacturers, today announced its recent business developments in the China market.

China Market Business Updates

Yingli Green Energy hosted a forum in Baoding, the first of its kind in China, to discuss the establishment of industry standards and project financing in connection with the construction of on-grid solar plants in China. In attendance at the event were senior managers and representatives from more than forty state-owned utilities companies, state grid corporations, project design and development companies and the local government. The Company also announced the establishment of a strategic alliance with a subsidiary of China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding Co., Ltd. ("CGNPC") to explore the opportunities for development of on-grid solar projects both in China and overseas markets.

Expansion Activities in Hainan Province

Yingli Green Energy has agreed with Hainan Provincial Development Holding Company Limited ("Hainan Development"), a state-owned enterprise, to form a joint venture, Hainan Yingli New Energy Resources Co., Ltd. ("Hainan Yingli"), to build manufacturing facilities with annual production capacity of 100 MW in each of polysilicon ingots and wafers, PV cells and PV modules in Haikou, Hainan Province. Under the agreement, Yingli Green Energy will hold an 80% equity interest in Hainan Yingli. The establishment of Hainan Yingli will be subject to the approval of Yingli Green Energy's board of directors.

In addition, Yingli Green Energy has agreed with Hainan Development and Hainan Provincial Water Conservancy & Power Group Company Limited, a state-owned enterprise in Hainan Province, to form another joint venture, Hainan Green Islands Power Company Limited ("Green Islands Power") to develop and operate on-grid solar projects in Hainan Province. Under the agreement, Yingli Green Energy will hold a 20% equity interest in Green Islands Power. It is expected that Green Islands Power will develop on-grid solar projects totaling up to 300 megawatts from 2009 to 2011 in Hainan Province.

"We are very excited to be participating in the development of China's PV industry," commented Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Following the launch of China's PV incentive policies, including the Ministry of Finance's announcement yesterday of the Golden Sun Demonstration Program, a subsidy program for the PV industry in China, and the kick-off of the construction of a 10 MW on-grid solar plant in Dunhuang, we expect there will be many additional near-term opportunities in the China market. As one of the world's leading PV players and a pioneer in China's domestic PV industry, we are actively seeking opportunities to expand our market footprint through cooperation with provincial and municipal governments as well as leading utilities companies."

Mr. Miao continued, "As such, we are particularly excited about our expansion into Hainan Province, an area rich in solar resources and benefiting from strong local government support. Our newly proposed joint ventures, Hainan Yingli and Green Islands Power, will be the province's first PV manufacturer and PV project integrator, respectively. As a renewable energy company, we are dedicated to driving the viability of PV applications and supporting sustainable development worldwide and we see these recent moves in the China market as natural extensions of our growth strategy and corporate mission."

About Yingli Green Energy

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) is one of the world's leading vertically integrated PV product manufacturers. Yingli Green Energy designs, manufactures and sells PV modules and designs, assembles, sells and installs PV systems that are connected to an electricity transmission grid or operate on a stand-alone basis. Based in Baoding, China, Yingli Green Energy sells its PV modules to system integrators and distributors located in various markets around the world, including Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Belgium, France, China and the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.yinglisolar.com .

Suntech and China Huadian Sign Strategic Agreement to Develop 500MW of Solar Projects

BEIJING and WUXI, China, July 22 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, announced today that Suntech has recently entered into a strategic agreement with China Huadian New Energy Development Co., Ltd. (HNE) to develop a total of 500MW of utility-scale and commercial roof-top solar projects in China's sun rich western provinces, Jiangsu province and Shanghai over the next three years.

Under the agreement, HNE will be responsible for the project investment and development of solar projects and Suntech will be responsible for supplying crystalline silicon solar modules, system design and technical support. Separate project-specific agreements will be signed prior to the implementation of solar projects related to this agreement.

"We are pleased to build this relationship with Suntech to develop solar energy projects in China," said Mr. Zheng Fang, General Manager of HNE. "These solar systems will provide clean and renewable energy to countless Chinese households and businesses, particularly those in western regions, and facilitate sustainable development. We believe that solar energy will become an increasingly important means of satisfying China's growing demand for electricity."

Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO said, "China Huadian New Energy Development Company already has an impressive portfolio of renewable energy power plants and we are excited to collaborate with them to expand the adoption of solar energy in China. We are confident that solar energy will play a significant role to help China achieve its renewable energy goals and mitigate the effects of climate change."

Projects developed through this collaboration may include solar projects previously announced by Suntech including those in Qinghai province; Shaanxi province; Shizuishan city, Ningxia province; Panzhihua city, Sichuan province; and Jiangsu province. All projects are subject to feasibility studies and government approvals.

Allora Minerals Announces Shareholder Approval for Name Change to EPOD Solar Inc.

KELOWNA, BC--(Marketwire - July 22, 2009) - Allora Minerals, Inc. (OTCBB: ALRL) (the "Company") which recently announced plans to acquire certain assets of EPOD Solar, Inc. ("ESI"), a vertically integrated solar company with operations in North America and Europe, today announced that its shareholders have approved the change of its name to EPOD Solar Inc., and that it has amended its Articles of Incorporation, which became effective on July 16, 2009, following the filing of the Amendment with the Secretary of State of Nevada.

The Company has notified the CUSIP Service Bureau regarding the name change and has received notification of its new Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures (CUSIP) number for the Common Stock. The Company will also promptly notify both the over-the-counter bulletin board ("OTCBB") and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) on the name change in order to obtain a new trading symbol for the Common Stock on the OTBB. Pending receipt of the new trading symbol, the Common Stock will continue to trade on the OTCBB under the existing "ALRL" symbol.

The closing of the Acquisition, which is expected to occur within 45 days of June 30, 2009, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including: (i) the delivery of the Assets and the Shares, (ii) the completion of audited pro forma financial statements of the Company, and (iii) other customary conditions.

Upon the close of the Acquisition, the Company will be developing solar parks throughout Europe and North America with a focus on areas that are supported by feed-in-tariff legislation. The Green Energy Act, 2009 (GEA) was introduced to the Ontario Legislature on February 23, 2009. It includes a proposal for a new renewable energy program known as a Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program designed to further encourage the development of renewable energy supply.

ESI currently has 117MW of solar parks in development. It also builds amorphous silicon thin-film solar panels primarily for deployment in its own solar parks by way of a customized manufacturing process and installs the solar panels through its internally developed operating expertise.

Throughout Europe and North America, ESI has developed operating solar projects producing about 1,500 kWp of capacity. It intends to have 100MW manufacturing capacity by the end of 2010.

For more information concerning the application for name change, see the Form 8K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 22, 2009.

Timminco Provides Update on Solar Grade Silicon Operations

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 22, 2009) - Timminco Limited ("Timminco" or the "Company") (TSX:TIM) provided an update today on its solar grade silicon operations.

For the second quarter of 2009, the Company produced 243 metric tons of solar grade silicon (also known as upgraded metallurgical silicon, or "UMSi"), operating three purification lines out of an available seven lines. Due to weak market conditions in the solar photovoltaic energy industry, the Company shipped 34 metric tons in the quarter, at an average selling price of $39 per kg.

In light of continuing weak demand for UMSi and its plan to maintain production at levels in line with customer orders, the Company is temporarily reducing its production to one purification line. This curtailment in production will allow the Company to further preserve working capital and save costs by temporarily reducing headcount by up to 60 employees. The Company expects to resume production of UMSi on the idled purification lines once demand recovers.

"Our shipments in the quarter and our decision to reduce production levels until demand recovers reflect the difficult market conditions in the current solar industry," stated John Fenger, President and Chief Operating Officer of Timminco. "In this challenging environment, we will continue to prudently manage our costs and preserve capital while preparing for an eventual recovery of the solar market."

EVSO: China Grows While the World Contracts

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evolution Solar Corporation (Pink Sheets: EVSO). The World Bank reports economic growth in China is expected to be 7.5% in 2009, while economies such as those in the U.S. continue to contract. China, like the U.S., has instituted a massive economic stimulus package to sustain growth in its economy.

EVSO is currently deepening its relationships in China in order to access this growing market for solar resources and products needed around the world. China’s continued growth will make it an even more important source of new technology as the world’s economies emerge from the current recession.

“China represents one of the world’s fastest growing economies from which new technologies, such as solar panels can be procured at prices attractive in world markets,” stated Robert Kaapke, CEO of Evolution Solar Corp. “We want to be out front leading the charge in the solar industry.”

Nearly all solar providers in America will source parts and components from China in the years ahead. EVSO expects to position itself to compete with producers, such as SunTech (NYSE: STP) and Energy Conversion Devices (NASDAQ: ENER) for a part of this market.

Suntech Chairman and CEO Dr. Zhengrong Shi Receives World Technology Network Award for Energy

NEW YORK and WUXI, China, July 21 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, today announced that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Zhengrong Shi, has received the 2009 World Technology Award for Energy for his innovative work to develop solar technology and promote the adoption of solar energy.

The award was presented by the World Technology Network (WTN) at The World Technology Summit and Awards gala held on July 16, 2009 in New York City. The WTN brings thought leaders from more than 60 countries together to examine the likely implications and possible applications of emerging technologies of all types including new energy sources.

James P. Clark, Chairman of the WTN, said, "We are pleased to present this year's WTN Award for Energy to Dr. Zhengrong Shi of Suntech for his outstanding achievements in the field of photovoltaics and leadership in the world's quest for energy sustainability. We believe that his work both as a scientist and an entrepreneur will produce long-lasting environmental benefits for generations to come."

Dr. Shi remarked, "I am very pleased to receive this prestigious distinction from the World Technology Network. It has been a privilege to contribute to the transition of solar technology from the lab to commercial reality. Governments worldwide increasingly realize the importance of investing in solar energy, and with further evolution of solar technology we have no doubt that it will become a critical element of global energy generation."

Southern California Gas Co. Accelerates Newest Solar Technologies Using Sunlight to Defeat Sun's Heat

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - July 21, 2009) - To help accelerate the commercialization of new technology that uses the sun's energy, rather than the electric grid or natural gas, to power air-conditioning systems, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) has launched a multi-year showcase of advanced concentrated solar power systems to benefit businesses and the region.

The uniquely designed technologies -- parabolic trough solar collectors and flat reflecting mirror solar collectors -- installed at The Gas Company's Energy Resource Center in Downey, Calif., use mirrors and tracking systems to capture the sun's energy and focus the sunlight onto a tube that contains water. The resulting solar-heated hot water is used in place of electricity or natural gas to power the air-conditioning process to provide 10 tons of cooling, or enough air conditioning to cool three average-sized homes.

Air conditioning typically accounts for more than 50 percent of a building's electrical usage. Solar-driven air conditioning provides cooling in the middle of the day when it is most needed, helping reduce energy usage during hours when electric rates are at their peak. This helps reduce customer costs, greenhouse-gas emissions and provides a sustainable renewable alternative.

"We are excited about the potential of these advanced solar power systems to provide costs savings, sustainable energy and lead to the creation of green jobs," said Hal D. Snyder, vice president of customer solutions for The Gas Company. "This project will help commercialize these solar technologies and provide a renewable resource to our customers, which contributes to California's renewable energy goals."

Solar-thermal air conditioning has great market potential because of the positive approach to energy conservation and electric demand reduction, said Snyder. It improves the resilience of buildings and processes to grid outages, as well as enables businesses to meet government-mandated green-energy targets by reducing their carbon footprint, he added.

The concentrated solar technologies being tested, which are manufactured by Sopogy Inc. of Honolulu and HelioDynamics Ltd. of Cambridge, UK, are unique in that they are modular and small enough in scale to be installed on commercial, industrial and institutional building rooftops. They require less space than flat-panel photovoltaic systems, yet provide more solar power and increased efficiencies due to the use of reflectors to intensify and concentrate sunlight onto a focal point.

Next year, electric generation capability will be added to the test site. It is expected that the solar demonstration at the Energy Resource Center will continue beyond the initial two years as new concentrated solar collector designs become available.

Southern California Gas Co. has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 20.5 million consumers through 5.7 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in diverse terrain throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.

Allora Minerals Signs Binding Letter of Intent to Purchase OptiSolar

KELOWNA, BC--(Marketwire - July 21, 2009) - Allora Minerals, Inc. (OTCBB: ALRL) announced today that is has signed a binding letter-of-intent to purchase manufacturing facilities, production lines, intellectual property and an R&D facility of OptiSolar Technologies, Inc. (OptiSolar").

Under the terms of the letter of intent, Allora plans to purchase the OptiSolar assets for a value of $260 million in an all stock transaction, priced at $21.66 per share, resulting in the issuance of 12 million shares of Allora common stock to OptiSolar shareholders.

Included in the purchase are:

-- Hayward, California R&D Facility -- 95,000 square foot R&D production
level facility including 2 single junction 15MW production lines,
proprietary inverter lab and other intellectual property. Allora will take
over the lease on the facility.

-- Sacramento, California Manufacturing Facility -- 1 million square foot
manufacturing facility that is prepared for up to forty, 20MW dual junction
lines (800MW in total) or a similar amount of triple Junction line which
would then be capable of expanding to 1,000MW. The facility also includes
automated panel manufacturing (APA) technology which enables panels to be
assembled in the factory robotically as opposed to manually, in the field,
which reduces the cost to build Solar park and increases the speed at which
parks can be built .


Mike Matvieshen, President and CEO of Allora Minerals, said, "This acquisition is a significant milestone for our business. We now have a manufacturing facility capable of scaling to 1GW in nameplate production capacity. We have increased our manufacturing capacity immediately from 5MW to 30MW. In the near term we plan to convert our single junction lines to dual junction lines, expanding capacity to 55MW."

"OptiSolar had invested about $310 million into the R&D lab, Hayward CA manufacturing Facility and the Sacramento assets which we are purchasing. This is a tremendous value to our business and to our shareholders," added Matvieshen. "The acquisition of OptiSolar's intellectual property and its state-of-the-art production size R&D facility gives us a real advantage because this allows all new developments in production improvement to be immediately implemented in the factory, and its inverter technology will accelerate our path to reducing the cost-per-installed-watt to under $1.35 fully installed. This, in turn, will drive higher profitability to our solar parks when selling electricity."

The product qualification process at the production facility has been completed. It is anticipated that at the start of production, the plant will employ approximately 168 workers.

In February, OptiSolar had submitted a $300 million loan guarantee application to the U.S. Department of Energy for the start of its Sacramento facility. Allora intends to move the loan application along and to open/reopen it, and is currently being advised by its counsel with respect to necessary steps.

Canadian Solar Becomes Member of PV Cycle

TORONTO--(Marketwire - July 21, 2009) - Canadian Solar Inc. ("the Company", "Canadian Solar" or "we") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that it has become a member of PV CYCLE, an organization based in Brussels, Belgium that promotes voluntary take-back and recycling of end-of-life PV modules, including seeking to define collection and recycling targets for the PV industry.

Dr. Shawn Qu, the Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar remarked, "Canadian Solar has taken the ideals of sustainability to heart, applying them to our own business practices. Our equipment and services deliver solar power at the best possible environmental, economic and social outcomes for our customers. We continue to proactively take responsibility for developing effective recycling programs. To us PV CYCLE is the ideal platform to concurrently develop trendsetting industry standards by working with other like-minded global companies. We look forward to contributing our services, time and ideas to PV CYCLE and the broader renewables industry."

Jan Clyncke, Managing Director of PV CYCLE, said, "We are honored that Canadian Solar has joined our organization, which now covers around 85% of the European photovoltaic market with its 37 member companies spread around the globe. The company has been an industry pioneer and one of the first to establish strong traction, reaching from China across Europe and worldwide. Canadian Solar shares our commitment to producer responsibility and environmentally friendly policies, as we strive to develop a profitable and sustainable PV solar industry. Doing so will make the photovoltaic industry truly Double Green."

UC Irvine Extension Introduces New Specialized Studies Program in Sustainable Building, Expands Existing Sustainability Leadership Program with New Courses

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives continue to grow, the University of California, Irvine Extension announces the availability of several new education offerings designed to provide advanced knowledge specific to this burgeoning field. This fall, a new program—“Specialized Studies in Sustainable Buildings: Renewable Energy Management”—will be introduced; and three new elective courses under the existing Certificate Program in Sustainability Leadership will be offered in response to increases in the demands and complexity of today’s advancing corporate environmental charters.

“In today’s complex world, sustainable energy is a top concern for businesses looking to meet regulatory compliance and increase their competitive edge,” said Kirwan Rockefeller, Ph.D., director of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at UC Irvine Extension. “These new offerings will help business leaders and professionals understand sustainability practices and effectively implement changes that will impact their companies—and ultimately our planet through the lessened expenditure of its natural resources.”

Specialized Studies Program in Sustainable Buildings: Renewable Energy Management

UC Irvine Extension’s “Specialized Studies in Sustainable Buildings: Renewable Energy Management,” will be offered for the first time during the fall quarter. Addressing a variety of alternative and renewable energy technologies, the curriculum will include courses such as:

* “Introduction to Renewable Energy”
* “Developing & Implementing an Energy Savings Program in the Built Environment”
* Energy & Climate Change Strategies for Business”
* “Green Buildings, Energy & the Environment: Creating Sustainable Futures”
* “Energy Retrofits: The Green Building Bottom Line.”

Providing an interdisciplinary focus, the program integrates sustainable development and environmentalism into management strategy, advances the comprehension of environmental compliance, contributes to an understanding of regulatory trends, and adds to the achievement of corporate social responsibility.

New Elective Courses for Sustainability Leadership Certificate Program

In addition, as part of UC Irvine Extension’s existing Sustainability Leadership program, three new online courses will be offered this fall from Sept. 21 to Dec. 13, 2009.

* Energy & Climate Change Strategies for Business will provide students with methods of responsible energy use while incorporating strategies for corporate structure that achieve emission reduction and mitigate the negative environmental impact of business operations. Participants will learn to identify the role of energy in sustainability, develop the basic components of an effective management program, evaluate proven energy strategies, and create a tool chest of practical energy efficiency measures that can make up an emission reduction portfolio.
* Legal Developments Concerning the Environment & Climate Change will provide a comprehensive review of timely legal issues pertaining to environmental protection, with particular attention to those affecting California. The course will also include an overview of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which provides a suite of standards for environmentally-friendly construction. Traditional professional and contract liabilities will also be examined in relation to sustainability.
* Green Buildings, Energy & the Environment: Creating Sustainable Futures will analyze the best practices in green building that directly benefit the environment as well as the builders’ bottom line. The course will also examine the roles of renewable solar energy and water conservation in green buildings and apply solid business decisions to retrofit and accelerate the trend of efficient, energy-wise buildings that meet federal, state and local green standards.

To learn more about UC Irvine Extension’s Sustainability Leadership certificate program or the Specialized Studies Program in Sustainable Building, visit www.extension.uci.edu. To register or for additional information, call 949-824-5414 or e-mail sustainability@uci.edu.

Lotus Systems Optimizes Production Processes for the Photovoltaics Industry

GUTMADINGEN, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lotus Systems GmbH, a leading manufacturer of wet process, cleaning, and chemical management systems for photovoltaic, semiconductor, and MEMS production, has developed new cleaners. \"Chemistry as an integral part of production helps to increase efficiency and lower costs,\" says CEO Joachim Mink with conviction. The new vertical spray cleaners allow manufacturers to clean the carriers themselves – quickly, efficiently, and at their own facilities. Spraying ensures that there is always a reactive medium on the surface and makes cleaning two to three times faster. Only about a tenth of the chemicals are needed, since the engineers have developed a special way to position and control the nozzles. At about €20 per carrier, the cost of cleaning and drying is about a quarter of what it has traditionally been. Plus, the carriers are ready for use again after 12 hours. The vertical spray cleaners, with their extremely small base area of 1.8 square meters, can easily be integrated into the established production process.

From September 21-24, 2009, Lotus Systems will be appearing at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, hall B4G, booth 57.

Solar Energy Initiatives Signs Commercial Project Financing Agreement

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. (OTCBB:SNRY), executing on a grass roots campaign, “RENEW THE NATION”, to help redeploy a portion of the U.S. workforce and focus on reducing the world’s dependence on fossil fuels by selling solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies, today announced that it has successfully negotiated financing for its previously announced $6 million commercial solar project in the Western United States.

Solar Energy Initiatives will begin installation of solar panels for this project in August, 2009. Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE:STP) will be providing approximately 3,800 solar panels that will be used for this project. The funding allows the Company to move forward with the project without increasing its operating costs or leveraging its own balance sheet. Based on the successful completion of the funding Solar Energy Initiatives now has the ability to move forward with several other projects from their strong backlog and $100 million pipeline.

“We are excited to move forward with our first commercial installation project,” stated, Greg Bakeman, President of Solar Energy Initiatives. “This funding validates our unique strategic plan of converting construction firms, and contractors into solar installers who have the ability to attract large solar projects. Our dealer network is successfully providing solar energy solutions to commercial and solar park projects and along with our funding partner we will be able to attract additional projects in the near future. Our entire management team believes this is the first of many large projects we will be completing in the near future and we look forward to a very successful and profitable 2010.”

ICP Solar to Launch New Products at Outdoor Retailer Show

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ICP Solar Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: ICPR.OB, FRANKFURT: K1U.F), a developer and marketer of innovative, proprietary, next-generation solar panels and products, today announced several of the Company’s products will be on display at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market July 21-24 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is billed as the world’s largest outdoor sports industry gathering, bringing retailers and media together with over 1,000 brands in the business of producing and selling the active outdoor lifestyle. ICP Solar’s Coleman®-branded solar chargers and accessories will be on display at Coleman booth #36104.

One of the revolutionary products to be highlighted will be a solar charger that ICP Solar has developed in conjunction with Konarka Technologies. Konarka is a leader in solar plastic films that convert light into energy, utilizing organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology as a source of renewable power. Konarka’s Power Plastic® is lightweight, flexible, scalable and adaptable for use in a variety of commercial and consumer applications. ICP Solar and Konarka have designed a new line of solar chargers utilizing Konarka’s Power Plastic® solar cells, integrated under ICP Solar’s specifications. The units are to be sold in North America under the Coleman® brand and should be available in the fourth quarter of 2009 via the internet sites of a number of major retailers along with www.colemansolar.com.

“This relationship with Konarka is one more example of ICP Solar expanding its global reach with new, innovative technologies and partnerships to better position the company for sustained growth and profitability,” said Sass Peress, Chairman and CEO of ICP Solar. “We expect thousands of visitors to be at the Outdoor Retailer show this week and can think of no more appropriate venue to showcase these solar chargers, marketed under the respected Coleman® brand name. Given the uniqueness of Konarka’s OPV applications, we look forward to a long and beneficial relationship and the opportunity to offer additional low-cost, cutting edge solar solutions in the years to come.”

BioSolar Reports Successful Pilot Run of New BioBacksheet-A for Thin-Film Solar Cells

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioSolar, Inc. (OTCBB: BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, announced the successful prototype run of the new BioBacksheetTM-A product featuring absolute moisture barrier for the thin-film solar cell market. The announcement follows BioSolar’s recent news that the BioBacksheet-C, designed for the traditional C-Si PV modules, will be the company’s first product commercially available during the later half of 2009.

BioSolar’s chairman and CEO Dr. David Lee recognizes that the fastest growing segment of the photovoltaic (PV) market is thin film, particularly copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic panels, requiring backsheets with a challenging water vapor transmission rate of nearly zero.

“BioSolar has accepted this challenge, and has developed our BioBacksheet-A with absolute moisture barrier with green components,” said Lee. “The three layer laminate film consisting of 100 percent recyclable aluminum foil is the center core sandwiched between outer layers of bio-based polymer films, making our product unique in the industry.”

“The initial pilot line run, a scaled down prototyping run, of the BioBacksheet-A was highly successful, and samples of this product will be subjected to extensive list of testing once initial evaluation of the backsheet on modules is complete,” said Lee.

BioSolar’s line of proprietary BioBacksheet protective coverings are designed to replace expensive and hazardous petroleum-based film with a bio-based one, creating a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solar panel component. BioSolar’s bio-based materials – both individually and in combination – meet or exceed the characteristics of various testing and performance standards for the photovoltaic industry.”

First Solar to Announce Second Quarter 2009 Financial Results on Thursday, July 30, 2009

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) will report financial results for the second quarter ended June 27, 2009, after market close on Thursday, July 30, 2009. The Company will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss these results at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Investors may access a live web cast of this conference call on the Investors section of the Company\'s web site at www.firstsolar.com.

An audio replay of the conference call will also be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The audio replay will remain available until Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. EDT and can be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 if you are calling from within the United States or 719-457-0820 if you are calling from outside the United States and entering conference ID 6443641. A replay of the web cast will be available on the Investor section on the Company’s web site approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for 90 calendar days.

ICP Solar Launches European sunsei® E-Commerce Site

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ICP Solar Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: ICPR.OB, FRANKFURT: K1U.F), a developer and marketer of innovative, proprietary solar panels and products, today announced the launch of its European e-commerce website www.sunsei.eu for innovative solar lifestyle products. The European platform follows the successful introduction of an upgraded sunsei® website (www.sunsei.com) for North America in June, 2008.

Both sunsei® sites serve as online retail stores for sunsei®-branded solar products and accessories. The sunsei® product line consists of superior portable solar chargers, battery maintainers, lights, vents, and GreenMeters®. sunsei® applications are designed for recreational and residential use, including marine, RV, camping, and many other outdoor activities.

“The launch of our European sunsei® website is an important development in our efforts to enable consumers to embrace the solar revolution,” said Sass Peress, CEO. “Our expanded platform provides a greater means to educate our audience while offering easy access to the entire sunsei® product line. With a direct link to European consumers, we will be able to ensure complete customer satisfaction and assess how to best broaden our pipeline of solar powered applications going forward.”

The new European website is modeled after the site serving North America. The website includes an innovative energy portal with monitoring services dedicated to industrial and home applications. When combined with ICP Solar’s sunsei® Greenmeter®, it allows users to manage their Greenmeter® data storage and keep track of carbon credits remotely and in real-time. The site facilitates a customer’s integration of solar power into their lives, highlighting the savings that can accrue while helping the environment.

BP Solar International U.S. Manufacturing Plant Using Energy Automation Systems, Inc. (EASI) to Lower Electricity Costs and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emis

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The country's leading manufacturer of solar panels to generate electricity has cut its greenhouse gas emissions and electricity costs through use of energy saving technologies engineered and manufactured by Energy Automation Systems, Inc. (EASI)

"EASI's equipment has a direct effect on our environmental impact by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases," said Jeffrey Brelsford, North American customer service manager of BP Solar International.

"BP is making an environmental contribution through the manufacture of our solar panels, the reliability of which is the best in the industry and essential to delivering the lowest lifetime costs to our customers. We're also having a positive environmental impact through the reduction of energy usage using EASI technologies. The lower a facility's electricity usage, the less greenhouse gases of any type they create."

Brelsford said that his facility's energy bills fell eight percent after EASI technologies were installed.

Nashville, Tenn.-based EASI's energy-reducing equipment was installed in BP Solar International's more than 100,000 square-foot Frederick, Maryland facility in 2006 and 2007. More than 500 people are employed in the facility, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We began calculating the greenhouse gas reductions for our customers in 2008," said Joe Merlo, Energy Automation Systems, Inc. (EASI) chief executive officer said. "The formula involves determining the types of fuel used to power their operations and calculating both the cost savings in kilowatt hours and the greenhouse gas reductions based on those lower numbers."

"Electricity savings were eight percent based on a six-megawatt site," Brelsford said. "The EASI staff was competent and professional. We talked with other users of EASI equipment and the company guaranteed their results."

Said Merlo, "EASI is naturally pleased to be putting our energy-saving technologies to work with BP Solar International which is making vital contributions in providing an alternative means of energy for our people and our economy."

XsunX Receives Positive Response to Cross-Industry CIGS Technology

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XsunX, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: XSNX), an established solar company, today announced that company representatives who attended Intersolar North America and Semicon West 2009 (July 14-16) received positive response to the company's cross-industry CIGS technology plan. The company recently announced that it is developing a breakthrough thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) cross-industry technology that may soon utilize the excess manufacturing capacity of the mature hard disc drive (HDD) industry to mass produce high efficiency, low cost solar cells.

Intersolar North America is an international, business-to-business trade show held in the United States for the global solar industry and focuses on photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal technology, and solar architecture. Semicon West is part of the business-to-business event for the PV manufacturing supply chain and covers the spectrum of PV technologies and issues including thin film and polysilicon devices, as well as increasing solar cell efficiencies and decreasing the cost of solar energy. According to event organizers, the preliminary visitor attendance for both Semicon West and Intersolar North America was 16,700 with over 500 exhibitors attending.

Joseph Grimes, XsunX's President & COO, stated, "We are extremely pleased with the positive comments received from industry experts at the two shows. Their responses validated that the XsunX approach presents a viable method for producing high efficiency CIGS cells. Silicon wafer based module manufacturers expressed growing concern to XsunX that silicon costs would rise again, and that as a non-silicon based wafer replacement company, XsunX offered a potential solution to rising costs of production. The breakthrough thin-film opportunity, which is described at our new web site www.xsunx.com, also relieves some of their concerns about the issues faced in scaling CIGS which we believe will overcome current solar technology manufacturing limitations."

XsunX's manufacturing method combines the higher cell efficiencies that can be achieved through small area solar cell production with the high rate processing techniques developed within the hard disc drive industry (HDD). Tom Djokovich, XsunX CEO commented, "High efficiency flexible CIGS solar cells provide an immense opportunity for use in multiple market segments. They are like solar building blocks for a wide variety of applications including use as a virtual drop in replacement for costly silicon wafers. This is a vast market opportunity to replace aging technology. Working with a proven manufacturer of HDD systems and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories will not only accelerate our progress, but will also increase the value of the technology to the industry."

KYOCERA Solar Modules Exceed Performance Expectations at PPL Renewable Energy Park

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--If you’re considering a solar electric generating system but need assurance about the reliability of solar power, take note.

Kyocera Solar, Inc. today announced that its 500-kilowatt (kW) solar array at the PPL Renewable Energy Park in Camden County, N.J., has exceeded performance expectations consistently since it began operating in September 2006. The system is part of a major initiative to adopt renewable energy at the county’s Pennsauken Landfill.

“The 2,500 Kyocera KC200 modules are performing at 105 percent of expected output after nearly three years of operation,” said Steve Gabrielle, PPL Renewable Energy’s director. “Each year, this system is producing about 30,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) more than planned.”

In total, this installation produces 630,000 kWh annually, enough to power 72 typical area homes while offsetting 198 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions — the equivalent of taking 36 cars off the road and saving 900 barrels of oil each year.

“We’re very pleased that our collaboration with Kyocera resulted in an installation that is over-performing,” Gabrielle continued. “That’s great news for PPL, its energy customers, and the state of New Jersey. This partnership is an example of PPL’s commitment to renewable energy options in cultivating the next generation of power.”

PPL Renewable Energy is one of the largest owner-operators of renewable energy projects on the U.S. East Coast. The 5.4 megawatt PPL Renewable Energy Park is composed of three solar power installations and one landfill gas generating plant built by PPL Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation. Two of the four plants feature solar energy systems comprised of Kyocera solar modules.

“Kyocera is committed to environmental preservation and providing quality solar energy solutions to the world,” said Chris Brown, sales manager for Kyocera Solar, Inc. “For this reason, we are pleased to have Kyocera’s solar modules utilized as one of the key technologies demonstrated in the PPL Renewable Energy Park.”

ReneSola Signs Letters of Intent to Develop 500 MW On-grid Power Generation Project and 5 MW Rooftop Project

IASHAN, China, July 16 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- ReneSola Ltd ("ReneSola" or the "Company") (NYSE: SOL) (AIM: SOLA), a leading global manufacturer of solar wafers, today announced that it has entered into a letter of intent with the Yancheng city government, Jiangsu province, to develop a 500 megawatt ("MW") on-grid solar power generation project. In addition, the Company has been granted the exclusive right in a letter of intent with the Panzhihua east district government, Sichuan province, to develop a 5 MW rooftop project. Both projects are subject to feasibility studies and approvals by various government authorities.

"We are delighted to announce the addition of these new projects to our downstream solar project portfolio," said Mr. Xianshou Li, ReneSola's chief executive officer. "The 500 MW solar project in neighboring Jiangsu province is set to become one of the largest of its kind so far in China. A project of this magnitude will showcase ReneSola's expertise in utility-scale solar applications and help raise our profile in the downstream space as we position ourselves to benefit from the government's enhanced focus on renewable energy."

500 MW On-grid Power Generation Project

According to the letter of intent entered into with the Yancheng city government, ReneSola will develop a 500 MW on-grid power generation project in Jiangsu province, China. The project will consist of mainly ground-mounted system applications and 10 MW of rooftop installations to be built over a 6 year period.

5 MW Panzhihua Project

According to the letter of intent entered into with the Panzhihua east district government, ReneSola will develop a rooftop project of no less than 600,000 square meters for new or existing government buildings, with installed capacity planned to reach 5 MW.