Technipower Systems Expands International Sales

DANBURY, Conn., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Technipower Systems, Inc. (Other OTC: TECZ), formerly Solomon Technologies, Inc., announced today that its Energy Solutions group recently received $200,000 of military power product orders from a new international customer. These highly engineered and ruggedized products have been used regularly in challenging military communications applications.

Dan Connors, President of Technipower's Energy Solutions group said, "While this order is indicative of the relatively consistent order flow of our base power systems business, it also represents a milestone in our increased penetration of the international markets. Our efforts in identifying parallel applications for our existing products while we continue research and development efforts on new technologies and products, is an important facet of our core business and a key component of our growth strategy."

Connors continued, "In combination with our enhanced channel presence both domestically and internationally, we believe that our recent additions of key resources will be an immediate and long term benefit in achieving our objectives."

Trina Solar Announces Extension of Long-Term Supply Agreement with GCL-Poly

CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, today announced that it has extended its eight year long-term supply agreement with Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited ("GCL-Poly") (SEHK: 3800) by another five years. Initial delivery of polysilicon to Trina Solar started in April 2008.

Under the adjusted terms of this agreement, the total consideration will remain unchanged from the combined total of the original and supplemental agreements signed in 2008, whereas additional polysilicon and wafer deliveries will be provided starting in 2016 for a five year period at pre-determined shipment volumes and prices. The agreement also contains a price adjustment clause that offers a market-linked price formula. GCL-Poly will supply the Company with high-quality polysilicon and wafers sufficient to produce approximately 8,500 MW of solar modules over 13 years. Wafer deliveries to commence in 2010 are expected to support production above the Company's in-house integrated manufacturing capabilities to address growing customer demand.

"We are very pleased to strengthen our long-term relationship with GCL-Poly by further extending the tenure of the agreement," said Jifan Gao, Trina Solar's Chairman and CEO. "This extension will provide a stable source of high-quality materials as well as support our cost reduction initiatives to solidify our position as a high-quality global integrated PV manufacturer."

"We are pleased to extend our business relationship with Trina Solar whom we value as a strategic long-term customer," said Mr. Zhu Gong Shan, Executive Director, Chairman and CEO of GCL-Poly. "We look forward to continue delivering high-quality polysilicon and wafers on schedule through 2020."

Suntech Brings Utility-Scale Solar to China

WUXI, China, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, today announced the completion and grid connection of the first 10MW utility-scale solar power project in China. Located in Shizuishan, Ningxia Autonomous Region, the 10MW ground mount solar system is the first phase of a 50MW solar plant that is targeted to be completed by 2011 in conjunction with Suntech's strategic partner, China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation (CECIC). In addition to supplying high quality solar modules for the system, Suntech designed, installed and managed the development of the solar system and holds a minority share of the project.

Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO said, ''Suntech is very pleased and honored to play a leading role in the development of the first on-grid 10MW solar PV power plant in China, which represents a major milestone in the development of China's renewable energy industry. We applaud the decisive steps taken by China's central government and local government to support sustainable energy development and establish a greener economy in China. With closer cooperation between strategic energy investors, power developers and solution providers, I am confident that solar energy will become increasingly cost effective and achieve grid parity in many locations over the next few years.''

Mr. Longsheng Li, Deputy General Manager of CECIC commented, ''We believe that plentiful, large-scale solar resources, powered by Suntech's premium quality solar systems and system integration capabilities, can deliver decades of clean, renewable electricity throughout many regions in China. We will continue to actively promote the adoption of large-scale solar PV projects and solutions for reducing carbon emissions and solving problems associated with climate change.''

The 10MW solar system, which was approved by the Ningxia Autonomous Region Development and Reform Commission in June, 2009, is powered by more than 37,000 Suntech solar panels and is projected to displace approximately 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Under a strategic agreement announced in 2009, Suntech and CECIC plan to focus on the development of large scale on-grid solar projects, urban building integrated PV projects, rural off-grid solar projects, and wind-solar hybrid projects. For such projects, CECIC will primarily be responsible for project investment and solar project development and Suntech will supply solar products, system design, installation and technical support.

Ausra Selected as Technology Provider for 100 MW Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Project in Jordan

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Ausra, Inc. has been selected as the solar steam boiler supplier for the proposed 100-megawatt JOAN1 concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) project currently under development in Ma'an, Jordan. The selection of Ausra is an important milestone in the development of JOAN1, which will also include a back-up fossil-fuel boiler to guarantee 24-hour dispatchable electric power. The project is expected to enter operation in 2013 and will be the largest CSP project in the world using direct solar steam generation.

Ausra's selection as the solar boiler provider was announced in Berlin during SolarPACES, the CSP industry's largest conference. Ausra was selected as the solar steam system provider after a competitive tender offer.

Samer Zureikat, Managing Director of Germany-based MENA Cleantech AG, announced the selection of Ausra at SolarPACES.

"Ausra's robust and cost-effective solar boiler technology, its team of experienced power industry veterans, as well as its OEM business model make it the most suitable solar steam boiler company to provide equipment for this landmark project," stated Zureikat.

Regarding the choice of Ma'an as the site for the world's first large-scale direct steam CSP plant, Zureikat noted that, "Jordan's modern investment laws and progressive regulatory climate coupled with its unparalleled solar resource make Ma'an one of the best locations in the world to build a Concentrating Solar Power plant."

JOAN1 will rely on Ausra's Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector technology to power the plant's solar steam cycle and generate up to 100 MW of electricity. JOAN1 will use dry cooling to conserve water. Ausra plans to install an advanced manufacturing facility in Jordan in order to supply JOAN1 with its solar steam boilers. The project is scheduled for financial close in the fourth quarter of 2010, with construction beginning in early 2011.

About Ausra's Technology and Solar Steam Systems

Ausra's Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector (CLFR) solar steam systems are designed for existing fossil-fired plants, new standalone solar and solar/fossil hybrid plants, and a diverse range of industrial customers. Ausra is the first solar steam boiler manufacturer to be awarded the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 'S' Stamp, the industry hallmark of acceptance and certification.

CLFR is the most land-efficient solar technology in operation, generating 1.5-to-3 times more peak power per acre of land than competing solar technologies. This high energy density translates into lower costs, a smaller environmental footprint and greater access to existing power plant and industrial sites. Additional information on Ausra's CLFR technology is available at http://www.ausra.com/technology.

Abbott Cuts Use of Oil and Coal by 35 Percent

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that it has significantly reduced its use of both fossil fuels and electricity as part of a multi-faceted, company-wide effort to safeguard the environment and reduce energy costs across all of its global health care businesses.

In 2007, the company identified energy reduction as one of its corporate environmental priorities and set goals to measure its progress. Abbott set out to achieve a 12 percent reduction in overall electricity purchased worldwide and a 12 percent reduction in fossil fuel consumption compared to 2006 baselines by the end of 2011, when normalized to sales. Just two years later, Abbott is exceeding those goals, three years ahead of schedule.

In 2008, Abbott purchased 1.3 million megawatt hours of electricity, a 32 percent reduction from 2006 when normalized to sales, and an 11 percent reduction in absolute terms, even as Abbott's business grew during that period of time. Abbott also has increased its use of cleaner fuels, which has allowed the company to reduce its use of oil and coal. In 2008, Abbott used 4.2 million Btu (British Thermal Units), a 35 percent reduction from 2006 when normalized to sales, and a 15 percent reduction in absolute terms, even while sales increased.

"Abbott's ongoing commitment to conserve electricity and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels is now an integral part of the way we do business," said Corlis Murray, vice president, Global Engineering Services, Abbott. "Our businesses have employed a variety of approaches that are economically as well as environmentally sustainable based on the many different products we market, various manufacturing needs and opportunities that exist at different plant locations around the world."

As a global company with dozens of plants around the world manufacturing pharmaceuticals, nutritional products and medical products, Abbott's opportunities to save electricity and utilize cleaner fuels vary based on the location and needs of its various manufacturing plants, as well as local availability of alternative energy sources. As a result, the company has exceeded its goal through a variety of projects including:

• Co-generation -- In locations where its plants require a significant amount of steam, Abbott has invested in technology that produces both electricity and recycles waste heat to make steam. Abbott facilities powered in part by co-generation include pharmaceutical plants in Campoverde, Italy and Ludwigshafen, Germany. For example, in Campoverde, 85 percent of the plant's electric power demand is provided by co-generation.
• Renewable energy -- Abbott has invested in renewable power sources, such as solar energy. Rooftop solar panels have been installed at Abbott's vascular product manufacturing facility in Temecula, Calif., commercial offices in Delkenheim, Germany and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Campoverde and Ludwigshafen. In one location, solar energy supplies 7 percent of the plant's electric power needs.
• Energy efficient equipment -- Abbott is utilizing energy efficient equipment, such as lighting systems that require less electricity in Casa Grande, Ariz. and Des Plaines, Ill. Initiatives at other locations include high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and variable frequency drives in plant equipment that provide only as much power as needed.
  

Looking to the future, Abbott continues to strive for reductions in electricity consumption and use of fossil fuels. Abbott businesses around the world are incorporating energy efficiency and use of cleaner fuels into new building design, and are implementing more than 10 new major energy-saving projects per year at existing facilities.

Safeguarding the environment is an important part of Abbott's mission to improve people's health and the company's efforts to be a leader in global citizenship. In addition to increased use of cleaner and renewable energy, Abbott has identified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation and limiting the impact of product packaging as environmental priorities. The company has set measurable goals in each of these areas to track its progress. All of Abbott's various health care businesses are examining their manufacturing processes and needs, as well as their product packaging, to develop environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches to help the company meet or exceed these goals.

Abbott was recently named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for the fifth consecutive year. Abbott was one of just two U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies to be listed on both indices. The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index ranks Abbott among the top 300 of the world's largest 2,500 companies, based on an assessment of economic, social and environmental performance.

Cool Energy Demonstrates Working Stirling Engine for Solar and Waste Heat Applications

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cool Energy, Inc., developers of clean energy heat and electrical power generating systems, today announced the completion and operation of its third Stirling Engine platform. The engine, called the SolarHeart^® Engine, converts low temperature heat into electrical power.

“We are excited to have achieved this major technology milestone,” said Sam Weaver, CEO and President of Cool Energy. “After our engineers finished assembly of the engine, it ran upon first activation and generated over 600 watts of electrical power. In a short time the engine was producing near 1 kW. Our team will now be using a higher temperature working fluid to simulate a solar application and we expect to generate power in the 1.5 kW range. This is a real testament to our team of world-class engineers and their software modeling process.”

The SolarHeart^® Engine will be integrated into a solar thermal system for homes and buildings to provide both heat and electrical power from free solar fuel. Optimized for users of heating oil or propane in colder climates (northern U.S., Canada and Europe), the system will reduce energy bills by as much as 75%. The system will include high-quality evacuated tube solar collectors and a storage tank that allows electrical power generation, space or domestic water heating night and day, all year long.

“We are very interested in working with Cool Energy as their solution has the potential to expand the application of solar thermal products to include electricity generation,” said Michael DiPaolo, President of Regasol USA , a wholly owned subsidiary of Paradigma Energie–Germany and a leading system provider of regenerative heating technology. “We look forward to exploring ways to partner with them and offer customers even more value.”

In addition to the solar application, the Cool Energy engine can utilize waste heat (e.g. exhaust heat of a diesel generator or industrial facilities) to generate electricity and boost the total power generated by as much as 20%. This is a valuable increase for industry, the military and remote locations.

Kohl’s Opens 59th California Solar Location at New Point West Store in Sacramento

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) will open 30 new stores throughout the state of California, including its 59^th solar location in the state at Point West in Sacramento. The Sacramento store is Kohl’s 79^th solar location nationwide. Including the new Sacramento solar location, nearly half of Kohl’s California stores will be solar. Other recent California solar locations activated by Kohl’s in the last month include Mira Loma, Rancho San Diego and San Jose South.

“Energy efficiency and green power are key business and environmental strategies for Kohl’s, and we continue to work to make them an integral part of building and expansion efforts,” said Ken Bonning, Kohl’s executive vice president of store planning and logistics. “Our solar program is a hallmark of our green power efforts, and we’re continuing to expand it because it demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and improving the environment directly in the communities we serve.”

All 30 Kohl’s stores opening in California today, including the Point West location in Sacramento, were among the 36 former Mervyns locations acquired by Kohl’s since December 2008. These California locations, like all Kohl’s stores, have high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, occupancy sensor lighting for stockrooms, break rooms and offices and a recycling program for cardboard boxes, hangers and packaging.

The Point West store’s 990-panel, 206 kilowatt solar array will generate approximately 50 percent of the store’s energy and is expected to offset almost 5.7 million pounds of CO2 during its lifespan, the equivalent of taking approximately 28 cars off the road each year for 20 years.

Since Kohl’s activated its first solar location in Laguna Niguel, Calif. in September 2007, Kohl’s has established a strong solar presence in the state, generating approximately 50 million kWh of clean, renewable energy – enough to power 5,700 houses for a year. To date, Kohl’s has been able to install rooftop solar systems on 90 percent of locations targeted – exceptional by solar industry standards – and account for nearly one percent of the 2017 goal of 3,000 megawatts set by the California Solar Initiative.

Kohl’s near-term goal is to have 100 solar locations in six states – California, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland and Oregon. Currently, California is home to 75 percent of Kohl’s solar stores, including its largest solar array at the San Bernardino distribution center.

While solar is one major component of Kohl’s environmental strategy, there are many other ways Kohl’s works to make its California stores – and stores nationwide – even greener:

• Kohl’s was just ranked greenest retailer in America and 18^th greenest company overall on Newsweek’s Green Rankings and was recently named one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power Partners of the Year.
• To date, more than 300 Kohl’s stores (65 in California) have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR label for energy efficiency.
• Since fall 2008, 64 Kohl’s stores – two in California – have been built to a store prototype that has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) initial certification at the Silver level by the United States Green Building Council. To date, 46 Kohl’s locations have earned LEED certification, including the company’s Milwaukee photo studio, which in May 2009 became the world’s first photo studio to earn LEED initial certification at the gold level.
• As a member of EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership and the recipient of a 2008 SmartWay Shipper Excellence Award, Kohl’s is committed to lessening its global impact when shipping merchandise to stores. Efforts include minimizing the amount of internal packaging on all products, eliminating empty miles through backhaul trips, reducing the overall cartons needed for shipping and using rail transportation for nearly 40 percent of our inbound transportation.
• As of October 2008, 100 percent of trucks transporting Kohl’s goods from the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are “clean trucks” fueled by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

For more information about Kohl’s green initiatives, visit www.kohlsgreenscene.com.

Solterra Honored At 7th Annual Rice Alliance Forum

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - September 29, 2009) - Hague Corp.'s (OTCBB: HGUE) wholly owned subsidiary, Solterra Renewable Technologies Inc., was named one of the most promising Energy & Clean Technology companies at the 7th Annual Rice Alliance for Technology & Entrepreneurship Energy & Clean Technology Venture Forum in Houston last week. Energy & Clean Technology companies showcased their new ventures for an audience of more than 625 attendees, including investors, venture capitalists, industry representatives, business leaders, advisors/mentors, service providers, and entrepreneurs.

Solterra is singularly positioned to lead the development of truly sustainable and cost-effective solar technology as the first company to introduce a new dimension of cost reduction by replacing silicon wafer-based solar cells with low-cost, highly efficient Quantum Dot-based solar cells.

"While our competitors attempt to reduce the cost per watt by scaling up production or using less than industrial grade materials," Squires explained, "we believe our proprietary quantum dot semi conductor processing technology and technological innovations will be the keys to delivering increasingly cost effective solar cells."

Stephen Squires, CEO of Solterra, states, "I am very honored and pleased that our company has been recognized by such a prestigious group of individuals and corporations. Rice University is well known as a top entrepreneurial university. Most recently, the Princeton Review named Rice University among the top schools in America for development of entrepreneurial companies. The audience included several CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, some of the finest venture firms, and many academics from around the world. This recognition further propels Solterra by endorsing our technology and business plan."

The one day event culminated in an announcement of the Most Promising Energy & Clean Technology Companies chosen from nearly 60 competitors and judged by the Rice Alliance Information Technology Advisory Board, based on the companies' business plan presentation or elevator pitch presentations. The exercise simulates meeting an investor on an elevator and having only 90 seconds to convince them to invest in your company.

Solterra was one of just five new Energy & Clean Technology companies that were pre-selected to present their 10 minute business plan presentation at the forum, and as one of the chosen five, were also named a Most Promising Energy & Clean Technology Company.

Rice Alliance Director Brad Burke announced the winners of the Most Promising Energy & Clean Technology Company awards at the event. "Every year the quality of companies improves. Many of the companies at this year's event have developed prototypes, obtained proven results and are on their second round of funding. This makes them more appealing to investors, who have also expressed appreciation for the quality of the companies."

The Forum was supported by Chevron Technology Ventures, Energy Ventures, Shell, Kenda Capital, Huron Consulting Group, Canada Consulate General, Winstead, Leyendecker & Associates, Hart Energy Publishing with supporting organizations Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Technology Center, and Opportunity Houston and media sponsors Houston Business Journal and the BusinessMakers Radio Show.

Ameri-Skills Solar Training Announces Affordable ETA-Certified Solar Training Classes in Phoenix, Arizona

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - September 29, 2009) - Ameri-Skills Solar Training announced its fall schedule for students in Arizona that are seeking affordable entry level solar training courses. The entry level solar training courses are held in Chandler, Arizona and offer an ETA International Entry Level Solar Installer Certification, which prepares students for the next two levels of ETA International Solar Photovoltaic Certifications, which include a Journeyman Solar Certification and a Master Solar Certification, which are recognized throughout the United States.

Ameri-Skills Solar Training offers one of the top solar training and "hands-on" certification programs in the United States. The Entry Level Solar Training classes are geared for students that do not have any knowledge of solar or electricity, but want to take an entry level solar training course in order to begin learning the knowledge required to break into the solar installation industry.

Ameri-Skills' Fall 2009 Entry Level Solar Training Course Schedule in Chandler, Arizona:

     10/12-16/09 - Entry Level Solar Training Certification Class
    11/16-20/09 - Entry Level Solar Training Certification Class
    12/14-18/09 - Entry Level Solar Training Certification Class

Students can select the class they want to attend online at: http://www.meetup.com/arizona-solar-power-society/calendar/ and pay with a credit card or call Robert Hoskins at (602) 326-0940 with questions.

The entry level solar photovoltaic training classes are part of a nationwide effort that trains builders, general contractors, roofing contractors, electrical contractors, and other types of construction workers with the solar installation knowledge they will need to begin building a new career in the solar installation business.

The entry level solar training classes are offered to all Arizona residents and anyone else that wants to participate in the 5-day, 40-hour (M-F/8-5) entry level solar training course and work their way toward becoming a certified Master Solar Installation expert. The entry level solar training course tuition is $1,195.

For an additional $150, students can take the ETA International Entry Level Solar Installer Certification Exam. Students that pass the test will receive an ETA International Entry Level Solar Installer Certification.

ETA International has more than 3,500 members and more than 700 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) serving on various Industry Advisory Committees and works with over 1,000 Exam/Certification Administrators (CAs). ETA International's growth and success stems from the association's stringent requirements on training firms to offer ETA-approved training materials, ETA-approved instructors and mandatory hands-on training requirements.

China Sunergy Provides Additional Details Regarding REC Wafer Injunction Granted in Norway

NANJING, China, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: CSUN), a specialized solar cell manufacturer based in Nanjing, China, has provided additional insight regarding the injunction granted by the Salten District Court in Norway related to the ongoing proceedings with REC Wafer.

On September 11, 2009 the Norwegian court granted a preliminary injunction, based on China Sunergy's petition, prohibiting REC Wafer Norway AS from drawing on the USD50 million in bank guarantees. One of the key reasons for this decision is the fact that the original party to the contract, REC SITECH AS, no longer exists given its merger with REC ScanWafer AS, which later changed its name to REC Wafer Norway AS after the merger. China Sunergy was never informed of this merger despite the contractual obligations of REC to do so prior to any such action.

The court refers in particular to the fact that it has been impossible for China Sunergy to extend the guarantees. The reason for this is that the original party to the contract and supplier has merged with another company, namely REC Wafer. The court has not found evidence that Nordea Bank has consented to the merger and thus has consented to the change to the parties on the rights side. Despite the fact that REC SiTech AS never informed China Sunergy of its dissolution after the merger, even though the merger plans had come far by the time the contract was entered into, the inability of China Sunergy to extend the guarantees in the name of REC SiTech AS has been stated as a basis for REC Wafer's current claims. The preliminary injunction inhibits REC Wafer's ability to draw on the bank guarantees before the legal situation is clarified.

Salten District Court has also noted that there must be a breach of contract on the part of China Sunergy in order for REC Wafer to be able to draw on the guarantees. There have been no wafer shipments from REC Wafer to China Sunergy, and the court has found that REC Wafer has not pleaded that any fundamental breach of the contract with China Sunergy exists. The court states that the conditions for drawing on the guarantee are therefore not present.

The preliminary injunction is in effect until October 15th, 2009. The court has stated that China Sunergy and REC Wafer should clarify the legal issues that the merger has created by that time.

Spire Enters into Commercial Agreements with Korea’s Uni-CHEM

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules and turnkey manufacturing lines worldwide today announced that it entered into two contracts to supply Uni-CHEM Co., Ltd. (Uni-CHEM) of Seoul, South Korea, via its United States (US) entity, Uni-CHEM Solar, a 60 megawatt (MW) per year turnkey Cell Line and a 50MW per year turnkey Module Line, as well as the associated utilities and infrastructure support.

Uni-CHEM has indicated its intent to lease space from Spire at its Hudson, New Hampshire’s Spire Semiconductor facility to house the automated 60MW Cell Line and 50MW Module Line. Terms of the sub-lease are not yet fully defined and currently under negotiation. The Uni-CHEM integrated Cell and Module Lines are planned to become operational in the second half of 2010.

Additionally, Uni-CHEM has agreed it will form a US entity, which will purchase 51% of Spire Solar Systems, Spire Corporation’s system integration business, subject to definitive documentation. Such definitive agreements have not yet been finalized.

Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation, said, “We are excited to have finalized the cell and module turnkey manufacturing agreements with Uni-CHEM. We believe their cell and module manufacturing will position them to participate in the US solar market, which is anticipated to be one of the world’s fastest growing. The total value of the contracts, including those relating to the investment in the systems integration business, is approximately $60 million.”

SolarCity and U.S. Bank Expand Fund to Finance Solar Projects

FOSTER CITY, Calif. & MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SolarCity® and U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC) today announced that they have doubled the size of their fund to finance solar projects. The fund, originally announced in June, will be expanded to finance $100 million in solar projects in 2009. The partnership backs SolarCity’s solar leases (SolarLease™) and power purchase agreements (PPA), financing options that can allow homeowners and businesses to put no money down on solar systems and save money from day one on electricity costs. SolarCity is a national leader in solar power system design, financing, installation, monitoring and related services, and USBCDC is a division of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), which is also the parent of U.S. Bank, the sixth largest commercial bank in America. SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive will discuss the expansion of the fund and the prospects for scaling the U.S. solar market as part of a panel presentation at the Renewable Energy Financing Forum (REFF) on Wednesday, Sept. 30^th, at 9:15 a.m. at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

“Our SolarLease and PPA products save customers money from day one, with no upfront cost,” said Mr. Rive. “We’re expanding our partnership with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation to offer more homeowners and businesses zero-down financing to keep pace with the nation’s growing appetite for clean power.”

Founded in July 2006, SolarCity recently celebrated its third anniversary by passing the 4,000 customer mark, including more than 2,000 SolarLease customers since it introduced the leasing option in April 2008. SolarCity has hired 112 new workers in the past four months, and plans to add 50 more employees before the end of the year to continue to increase installation capacity.

SolarCity operates in California, Arizona and Oregon. Businesses and homeowners interested in SolarCity’s zero-down financing options can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489). Homeowners interested in SolarLease can estimate their solar lease payment and potential electricity savings by using SolarCity’s solar calculator, available online at www.solarcity.com.

Spire to Present at Solar/PV Manufacturing Market Outlook Discussion at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules and turnkey manufacturing lines today announced its Vice President of Marketing, Mr. Mark Willingham, will present Solar Module Outlook for the United States at the “Solar/PV Manufacturing Market Outlook” discussion.

This event, taking place on September 30, 2009 at 10:00am (EDT), is presented by SEMI New England Committee and PV Group and hosted by the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany, New York.

Mr. Willingham will give his presentation at 10:40am (EDT) and speak of the solar growth opportunities in United States (US), with emphasis in the module manufacturing sector. This will include Spire’s development of marketing models detailing the strong opportunity for new manufacturing activity and increases in photovoltaic demand in the US.

For more information about this event and to register, visit:
http://www.semi.org/en/EventsTradeshows/ctr_029957.

Recurrent Energy Launches European Operations with 4.8 MW Distributed Rooftop Solar Projects in Spain

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recurrent Energy, a distributed power company and a leading provider of solar energy, today announced 4.8 megawatts (MW) of rooftop solar projects in Spain, which marks the company’s successful entry into Europe. The projects are the result of an innovative co-development arrangement with ProLogis (NYSE: PLD), a leading global provider of distribution facilities. Recurrent Energy was awarded a feed-in tariff by the Spanish government for the projects, which are expected to enter commercial operation mid-2010.

“This is the first of many more to come for Recurrent Energy in Europe as well as an industry first that points the way towards the future of solar power,” said Arno Harris, CEO at Recurrent Energy. “We have over 500MW of distributed-scale projects in development across North America and Europe, and what this project successfully demonstrates is the sizable role commercial and industrial rooftops can play in large-scale solar deployment.”

Under the terms of the arrangement between the companies, Recurrent Energy leases rooftops from ProLogis as solar project sites. Recurrent Energy will finance, own and operate the solar power systems located on eight of ProLogis’ distribution centers in Barcelona and Madrid. The systems will be grid-connected, feeding all power generated back into the local utility through a feed-in tariff, which was awarded to Recurrent Energy in July.

“Working with Recurrent Energy brings us their expertise of developing distributed-scale projects which are faster to interconnect and permit, delivering the benefits of solar energy sooner,” said Drew Torbin, director of global renewable energy for ProLogis. “We are a solid match, with more than 450 million square feet of large, flat, unobstructed, permit-ready roof space worldwide. ProLogis is able to solve one of the most basic issues involved in developing large-scale solar projects – the availability of appropriate host sites.”

ProLogis will also provide construction management services and is expected to begin development in October 2009. The execution of the projects will use local services within Barcelona and Madrid, including local contractors, engineering firms, and consultants. The completion of all projects is estimated for mid-2010.

“This project is a strong example of the value of rooftop-focused incentives provided by the Spanish government,” said Karl Knight, managing director of international development at Recurrent Energy. “By utilizing existing rooftops in the ProLogis portfolio, we are able to deliver a large amount of solar energy right where it’s needed most with almost no impact on the environment.”

Minturn Huller Breaks Ground on 540kW Solar System With Cenergy Power

CHOWCHILLA, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Minturn Huller, a premier almond huller and sheller for over 260 almond growers in Central Valley, and Cenergy Power, a solar developer with market-leading solar solutions, have begun construction on a 540kW solar system for the Huller's primary hulling facility. According to a California Solar Initiative project database, this ground-mount system is the largest distributed solar project in Madera County to date and represents the second +500kW project to begin construction in the month of September for Cenergy Power.

"After analyzing several conventional financing options, Cenergy Power and their team of experts worked with us to develop a project financing structure that made tremendous economic sense to our Board," said Jeff Hamilton, general manager for Minturn Huller. "We'll be able to enjoy significant utility savings for the first seven years and have an attractive option to buy out the system after that."

SRS Energy to Highlight Benefits of Sole Power Tile(TM) at West Coast Green 2009

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- SRS Energy, a leading developer of integrated solar roofing products, will exhibit the Sole Power Tile(TM), the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing product designed for curved roofing systems, at West Coast Green, the largest conference on green innovation for the built environment. The conference takes place October 1 through October 3, 2009 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. SRS Energy will exhibit Sole Power Tile(TM) in partnership with US Tile, the largest manufacturer of clay tile in North America.

"At SRS Energy, we enable architects and homeowners to make sustainable choices without compromising functionality or curb appeal. The Sole Power Tile(TM) system is the first product to integrate with the barrel-style roof line of the Southwest and Sunbelt regions where solar has really taken hold, and we're very proud of it," said Marty Low, CEO of SRS Energy. "We're excited to exhibit at West Coast Green and be among other industry leaders who share similar goals and a forward-thinking vision for the green building and construction community."

SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile(TM) system blends seamlessly with several styles of US Tile's clay tiles, providing energy without unsightly solar panels, and preserving design flexibility.

The partnership between US Tile and SRS Energy makes going solar easy by integrating the BIPV system into a standard new or re-roof purchase. A select group of Sole Certified Contractors can assist homeowners with a recommendation for an optimal "solar upgrade" on their home. Specification support for architects is available at SRS Energy and US Tile.

The product employs cutting-edge thin film solar technology, valued for its ability to convert a greater spectrum of light into electricity, as well as its relative insensitivity to heat when compared to other solar technologies. In addition, as a complete roofing system, the barrel tile profile allows for airflow beneath the tiles, reducing the overall cooling needs of the home. SRS Energy and US Tile are currently launching the Sole Power Tile system in select West Coast markets and will begin a nationwide rollout of the product in 2010.

The SRS Energy/US Tile exhibit will be located at Booth 317. For more information visit www.srsenergy.com or www.ustile.com.

RoseStreet Labs Energy, Inc. Demonstrates World's First Tandem Nitride/Silicon Solar Cell

PHOENIX, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- RoseStreet Labs Energy, Inc. (RSLE) announced today a breakthrough demonstration of the first known Nitride/silicon tandem solar cell. Utilizing the same Nitride material technology as solid state lighting and blue lasers, RSLE fabricated and tested a working photovoltaic cell that couples a silicon solar cell with a Nitride Thin Film. This is a major milestone in RSLE's product roadmap to achieve substantially higher solar efficiencies than standard silicon or other thin film solar cells. This Hybrid device is expected to achieve practical efficiencies of 25-30%, and RSLE is planning on production of this technology starting the Q4 of 2010.

RSLE's discovery is on RSLE's Full Spectrum photovoltaic product roadmap. Full Spectrum technology is primarily based on Nitride Thin Film semiconductors which have excellent robustness to extreme environments including particle radiation, heat and corrosive environments.

Bob Forcier, CEO, of RSLE, stated, "We are quite excited about this new Hybrid solar cell that marries low cost Nitride Thin Film with the massive infrastructure of silicon solar cells. Our target market for this Hybrid device is the high performance sector for photovoltaics which we estimate to be over 1% of the $34B solar cell global market. This high performance market is especially sensitive to applications which have constrained areas such as industrial rooftops and mobile devices."

Wladek Walukiewicz, CTO, of RSLE, announced, "I am also very pleased with this Hybrid breakthrough. We believe that Nitrides have plenty of upside opportunity for higher efficiencies where most competing technologies are very near to their maximum practical efficiencies".

Solomon Technologies Introduces New MOBILE OFF-GRID Instant Solar(TM)

DANBURY, Conn., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Solomon Technologies, Inc. (Other OTC: SOLM), announced today the introduction of its new transportable, easy to assemble MOBILE OFF-GRID Instant Solar(TM) product that extends off-grid power output well beyond typical "solar hours".

"The mobile, off-grid version of our Instant Solar product changes the whole value proposition for our customer," commented Dan Connors, President of Technipower. "Power, particularly power from 100% renewable energy, has even more value off-grid. Off-grid applications are virtually limitless: construction sites, agriculture, disaster relief and emergency power applications (FEMA), homeland security, military applications, and in developing countries. We are very excited about the significantly increased market opportunities and applications that our new version of Instant Solar offers customers."

Connors added that Technipower will sell Mobile Off-Grid Instant Solar(TM) into the military and defense marketplace through its existing sales channels.

The MOBILE OFF-GRID Instant Solar(TM) product consists of an easy-to-assemble 4-panel solar array coupled to a battery storage system with a suitable inverter and controls. The system can be mounted permanently or to a mobile trailer for transportable, renewable, off-grid power at virtually any location.

Information about Solomon Technologies, Inc. and Technipower LLC:

Solomon Technologies, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary design and manufacture electrical and electromechanical power systems requiring high levels of reliability and ruggedness for defense, aerospace, marine and commercial applications. The Company's expansion in to the clean energy markets includes its Instant Solar(TM) ground mounted solar system as well as its patented Electric Wheel® and Electric Transaxle(TM) hybrid/regenerative technologies for hybrid-electric and all-electric vehicles.

Famous Bob's Big Boy Hosts 'Sixty and Solar' Celebration

TORONTO, Canada, and LOS ANGELES and MURRIETA, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar") (Nasdaq: CSIQ), HelioPower and Bob's Big Boy of Burbank were joined last week by Burbank Mayor Gary Bric and other local officials to inaugurate a 26 kW Canadian Solar photovoltaic panel system installed at the historic restaurant. Commemorating 60 years of operation by going a modern "green", Bob hosted dignitaries to dedicate its new solar panel system and educated a new generation by inviting local Habitat for Humanity volunteers to a Fifties-era Sock Hop under the canopy of the solar power system.

"We've brought Bob into the 21st century," said owner Philip MacDonald. The MacDonald family has owned the Bob's since 1949 and took over operations in 1993, the same year it was designated a California Point of Historical Interest. Located at 4211 Riverside Drive in Burbank, California, the restaurant is the oldest remaining Bob's in the United States. "Solar technology is a viable option for powering retail buildings. Bob is setting an example for the community and our fans worldwide by employing solar power to generate a portion of the electricity used by the restaurant," continued MacDonald.

Joining Mayor Bric were Gregory W. Ashley, President, Canadian Solar USA; Robert Liggett, Jr., Chairman, Bob's Big Boy International; Gary Olson, President/CEO, Burbank Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Lance Williams, Executive Director, U. S. Green Building Council-Los Angeles and Wayne Colmer, Board President, Habitat for Humanity of SF/SCV, the official charity of the Bob's "Sixty and Solar" celebration.

"Sixty years old -- and going solar -- Bob's Big Boy is an American icon taking part in our new energy future. Canadian Solar is honored to be working with HelioPower to support Bob's Big Boy," said Gregory Ashley, acting President of the Canadian Solar U.S. division. "Partners like HelioPower who install these projects quickly and efficiently make it easier for buildings to use clean, renewable energy directly generated at their sites. We celebrate this dedication with Bob's today and this solar system generating power for years to come."

The restaurant is now generating a portion of its own electricity from a solar power system consisting of 132 Canadian Solar CS6P 200 Modules and two SMA inverters, a Sunny Boy 6000US and a Sunny Boy 3000US. Energy generation is monitored by an SMA Sunny WebBox and graphically displayed through the SMA Sunny Portal system. System specifications and live performance data can be seen at: http://www.heliopower.com/projects/california/burbank/bobs-big-boy .

"SMA is pleased to celebrate Bob's Big Boy 60th anniversary and have our Sunny Boy inverters be a part of this notable project, " said Jeffrey Philpott, director of marketing for SMA America. "By choosing to go solar, Bob's Big Boy of Burbank has demonstrated leadership in the community, a true commitment to the environment and once again set an example for other businesses to emulate."

The Bob's solar power system is installed on the large steel carport structure and a flat commercial roof above the neighboring Starbucks. It was designed and installed by HelioPower. The Bob's solar installation will produce 39 MWh (mega watt hours) of electricity a year. This is enough green energy to offset the electrical demand of about seven homes; the elimination of CO2 offsets 57,000 miles driven per year and the equivalent of 78 trees planted and carbon sequestered for the life of those trees. Other environmental technologies applied at Bob's include recycling and energy efficient lighting.

Solargy Systems Inc. developing high output solar panels

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Solargy Systems Inc. "SLGS-PK". Solargy Systems Inc has indicated it is developing high output solar panels of 500 watts and possibly as high as 1000 watts at the same cost of standard 200 or 300 watt panels. The new panels will be used in the firms existing solar farm power projects.

C M Nurse, CEO noted, "In the last few years there has been significant developments of solar panel technology, which individually has the potential to double existing panel output. Developments have been made in holographic film, hybrid panels and manufacturing efficiencies. Solargy has tasked its research team to review the state of panel technology and develop a model to integrate readily available technologies into a manufacturing process to develop solar panels to produce a minimum of 500 watts and optimally to get a 1000 watts per panel for ground mounted applications. The technology already exists. We simply have to aggregate it into a product and produce the panels, which we plan to do in our manufacturing plant, scheduled to be online for the third quarter of 2010."

"The net effect of high output solar panels of 500 to 1000 watts for each panel will be to reduce the area required for any solar panel installation by at least 50 %, thereby reducing the land cost and enabling faster return on investment."

Solargy Systems Inc, is a systems integrator of alternative energy technologies. Solargy Systems Inc already has power purchase agreements (PPA) totalling 30 MW and expects to secure additional PPAs in the months ahead. The technologies we use will provide solutions to the high cost of energy in emerging markets by selling and installing small power systems ranging from 1 MW for large commercial applications to 20 MW and larger hybrid systems by using combinations of solar and wind or waste and solar. The combinations we use will be determined by local conditions.

SunEdison Names Jason Gray Director of Canadian Operations

BELTSVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider, named Jason Gray as Director of Canadian Operations. Mr. Gray joined SunEdison in 2008 as a Project Developer, and has been managing the company’s solar development activities in Canada.

Prior to joining SunEdison, Mr. Gray worked at MNP, an accounting, consulting, and corporate finance firm, where he oversaw client engagements focused on energy and supply-chain management. Among his many assignments, he represented First Nation as the lead financial negotiator in the largest run-of-river IPP project in Canada. Prior to this role, he worked as an independent consultant in the oil and gas sector and served as Cargill Inc.’s Canadian Regulatory Affairs Superintendent. Mr. Gray has spoken about and published several articles on US and Canadian energy sector regulation. He holds a BA and an MBA from the University of Calgary.

“Ontario is a growing market for solar, given the Ontario Power Authority’s commitment to renewable energy and strong Feed-in Tariff program for ground mount and rooftop solar,” said Brian Jacolick, General Manager, North America, for SunEdison. “Jason understands the financial, regulatory and environmental concerns that are part of successful solar projects. His background in traditional and renewable energy markets and his experience on the ground for SunEdison in Canada make him an excellent fit for his new position. We look forward to developing more strong Canadian partnerships under his leadership.”

Mr. Gray leads the development for SunEdison of First Light Solar Park in Ontario, Canada. First Light is a 9 megawatt (MW) facility scheduled for activation in 2009.

According to Elizabeth McDonald, president of the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA), “Jason has a unique understanding of the renewable energy opportunities and needs we are facing. In his role at SunEdison, he has already helped the industry in Canada to make progress towards its energy goals.”

Applied Materials Begins Shipments of World’s Largest, Fastest, Roll-to-Roll Vacuum Coating Systems

ALZENAU, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applied Materials, Inc. today announced that it has begun shipping multiple Applied Topmet^™ 4450 systems, the world's largest and fastest, roll-to-roll thin film metal deposition machine, to a customer in Europe. This latest model of Applied’s Topmet 4450 product line deposits ultra-thin aluminum films on 4.5m (15 feet) wide rolls of substrate material at a remarkable 20 meters per second (45 miles per hour) to provide a barrier against oxygen, moisture and ultra-violet radiation for flexible packaging applications. New technology advances in the system produce state-of-the-art film quality while doubling the coated area output to drive down coated film production cost by more than 20%.

“We are excited about the growth potential of the roll-to-roll equipment business for flexible packaging as well as emerging applications such as flexible electronics, displays and solar,” said James Robson, vice president and general manager of Applied’s Glass and Web Product Group. “The expanded Topmet 4450 system builds on 50 years of leadership in roll-to-roll machine design, with almost 600 systems installed worldwide, and also reflects Applied Materials’ extensive expertise in scaling up complex manufacturing equipment and processes.”

The new Topmet 4450 system is considerably faster than competing systems. It not only provides direct cost savings, but also enables higher material yield, simplified downstream processing, reduced labor requirements and a smaller factory footprint. The system’s efficient use of power and raw materials, enabled by advanced high rate evaporation sources, closed-loop automatic layer control and high performance pumping systems, results in lower operating costs. In addition, an award winning real-time layer thickness monitoring system enables consistent coating uniformity while the novel uniform-tension roller design provides high speed, wrinkle-free material handling.

“We are proud to support our customers’ drive to lower production costs through our continuous system innovation,” said John Busch, head of Applied’s Web Coating Group. “With this system, we boosted output, lowered operating expense and maintained quality – making the industry-leading thin film metallization systems even better. Applied will continue to earn its leadership position in vacuum coating production solutions with innovative products and superior customer support.”

For more information on Applied’s roll-to-roll solutions, visit www.appliedmaterials.com/products/rolltoroll_3.html.

Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology™ solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass. At Applied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve the way people live. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

Amtech Announces Follow-On Multi-System Solar Order

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors, and silicon wafers, today announced that its solar subsidiary, Tempress Systems, Inc., has received a follow-on multi-system order for its diffusion processing equipment from an existing customer in Asia. The order for multiple systems is expected to ship within the next six to nine months.

J.S. Whang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, “We are pleased to see follow-on orders coming from our growing customer base in Asia, further demonstrating the continued acceptance and demand for our premier brand, Tempress® solar products. The EU PVSEC 2009 exhibition in Hamburg, Germany has been tremendously successful for us based on the activity and interest shown in our solar products. We continue to be optimistic about the long-term growth opportunities in the solar market and our ability to capture that growth by offering multiple solar production tools as a technology turnkey product supplier to the diffusion, PSG, and PECVD markets.”

Canadian Solar Moves Headquarters to Kitchener, Ontario

KITCHENER, Canada, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq: CSIQ), a leading provider of vertically integrated solar cells, solar module and custom-designed solar application products, today unveiled its new global headquarters in Kitchener, ON, at 650 Riverbend Dr., further underscoring its commitment to maintain and deepen its relationship with the Canadian solar solution market.

Canadian Solar is a $700M (US) company and has operations in seven different countries around world. The Canadian Solar management team has extensive experience in managing large, complex projects that require precision planning and execution. The new headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario will be the hub of testimony, education and guidance on a wide range of turnkey solar solutions and opportunities.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO, Canadian Solar Inc. remarked, "The opening of this permanent headquarters is a milestone in our continuing relationship with the Canadian market. Our new headquarters is the symbolic foundation of our respect and determination to be a fully integrated and reliable solar turnkey solutions provider in Canada."

Canadian Solar's headquarters is located in Canada's first C-2000 office building, called Green on the Ground, which further reflects the Company's dedication to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Canadian Solar has made strong strides towards being recognized as a leading provider of vertically integrated solar solutions, including developing complete turnkey hardware solar solutions catering to the Ontario commercial and residential Feed-in-Tariff market.

"We are extremely proud of the Ontario government and congratulate them for pursing the Feed-in-Tariff aggressively as it propels Ontario as the green energy leader," Dr. Qu added. "Canadian Solar supports the benefits of conservation and renewable energy in Ontario and our business plan reflects those very same qualities."

Swagelok Introduces Process Specification for Photovoltaics

SOLON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Swagelok Company unveiled a new process specification designed to meet the needs of the photovoltaic (PV) market today, aimed at helping ensure quality and reduce cost of ownership for the growing industry. The Swagelok Photovoltaic Process Specification (SC-06) outlines testing, cleaning, and packaging steps for stainless steel components for use in PV applications. The specification illustrates the company’s continued leadership in process-specific cleaning, which began in the 1980s with ultrahigh-purity components.

“The photovoltaic industry presents unique challenges for solar cell manufacturers, who have to balance the need for ultrahigh-purity processing with the cost containment that will help them achieve grid parity,” said John Baxter, manager, products and technology, Swagelok Company. “The SC-06 specification defines a set of baseline requirements so that products can be processed at a level appropriate for the industry and its goals.”

The baseline requirements include specifying the high-quality surface finish, visual inspection criteria and particle counts the PV industry needs to maintain reliability and process control for improved uptime, while identifying areas (such as work area classification, analytics, and packaging) where costs can be contained.

Swagelok® products are designed to provide reliable, leak-tight performance in critical PV manufacturing processes, such as Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and diffusion. These and other processes require low leak rates for safety, control of process gas purity, as well as precise delivery of gases to maintain cell integrity and reduce scrap.

The Swagelok Photovoltaic Process Specification (SC-06) is an available option for many Swagelok high-purity products, in place of the company’s other specifications: SC-01 (Ultrahigh-purity Process), SC-10 (Standard Cleaning and Packaging), and SC-11 (Special Cleaning and Packaging).

The products currently available with SC-06 processing include DP and DPH springless diaphragm valves, HB and BN series bellows valves, CW series check valves, VCR® metal gasket face seal fittings, and Micro-Fit® miniature tube butt weld fittings. To download the SC-06 specification, please visit www.swagelok.com/solar.

Headquartered in Solon, Ohio, U.S.A., Swagelok Company is a major developer and provider of fluid system solutions, including products, assemblies, and services for the research, instrumentation, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, power, petrochemical, alternative fuels, and semiconductor industries. Its manufacturing, research, technical support, and distribution facilities support a global network of more than 200 authorized sales and service centers in 57 countries. For more information about Swagelok, visit the company’s Web site at www.swagelok.com.

Spire Establishes Spire Taiwan LLC Branch Office

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules and turnkey manufacturing lines today announced it has established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Spire Taiwan LLC that will have an office in Hsinchu County, Taiwan.

“Spire Taiwan will provide rapid customer communications and will enhance its growing position within the region,” said Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation. “It is a headquarters for equipment service operations and will support customers throughout China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as others in the region. The branch is also staffed with multilingual sales and service engineers, allowing our customers to receive immediate care. Spire will also be establishing a regional spare parts inventory warehouse in Taiwan.”

“And of course, Taiwan itself is a major player in solar manufacturing, having recently established the Taiwan PV Standards Committee and has initiated government incentives to stimulate the industry,” concluded Mr. Little.

To contact the Spire Taiwan branch office:

Telephone:
	+886.3.667.2727
Fax:
	+886.3.667.2121
Address	:
	Spire Taiwan, LLC
	7F, No. 253, Dong Sec. 1
	Guangming 6th Road
	Zhubei City, Hsinchu County 302
	Taiwan, R.O.C.

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a global solar company providing capital equipment to manufacture PV modules, and turnkey manufacturing lines. Spire Semiconductor provides processing technology for Spire’s silicon solar cell lines and produces gallium arsenide cells for solar concentrator systems. For corporate or product information, contact Spire Corporation at 781-275-6000, or visit www.spirecorp.com.

Solar Power, Inc. Selects CleanTech IR for Investor Relations

ROSEVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Power, Inc. (“SPI”) (OTCBB:SOPW) announced today that it has retained CleanTech IR, Inc. to serve as its investor relations firm. CleanTech IR will work with Solar Power, Inc. to develop a program focused on shareholder communications and increasing visibility within the investment community.

“With the current rate of growth in the renewable energy industry, this is the right time for us to generate broader visibility in the investment community and among financial media. Our immediate goals are to increase our Company’s trading liquidity and valuation. We selected CleanTech IR because of their focus in our sector and their network of contacts in the investment community,” Stephen Kircher, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Power, Inc. stated.

CleanTech IR, Inc. Principal, Brion D. Tanous said, “Solar Power, Inc. is uniquely positioned to grow rapidly within this large market opportunity. We believe their industry-leading solar modules and patented racking technology, coupled with the firm’s design and integration capabilities has positioned Solar Power, Inc. for accelerated growth over the next several years.”

Ascent Solar and Energy Technologies, Inc. Sign Cooperation Agreement

THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules, today announced the signing of a definitive Cooperation Agreement with Energy Technologies, Inc. of Mansfield, Ohio. The agreement focuses on the development of new photovoltaic products intended for the U.S. military.

The parties have agreed to collaborate in the development of hybrid solar power generation systems for rapidly deployable tactical soft-walled shelters. Ascent Solar has supplied Energy Technologies with product from its existing commercial production line for a military shelter that has been used in demonstrations to potential military customers. Energy Technologies will also showcase Ascent’s 2-Meter modules on a soft-walled shelter at two upcoming expositions: Modern Day Marine on Monday, September 29, 2009 in Quantico, Virginia and the 2009 Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, October 1, 2009. Ascent Solar intends to supply Energy Technologies with modules for subsequent 2010 demonstration projects from its upcoming 30MW high volume production line.

Tim Lowe VP Sales, Energy Technologies stated, “Ascent Solar’s flexible, light weight PV modules work well with our hybrid military power systems and are now being integrated into ETI’s tactical soft-walled shelter which will be on demonstration in Quantico, Virginia and Washington DC.”

Ascent Solar President and CEO Farhad Moghadam added, “Our material is well suited for integration into various portable and tactical solar powered solutions for the military. Working with experienced specialty integrators like Energy Technologies has helped expand our development and penetration into this exclusive market. We look forward to the demonstration of these new concepts and products for this premium market opportunity at the upcoming expositions.”

SunEdison Receives Its First Grant Under Section 1603 of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On September 21, 2009, SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider, received its first grant in lieu of investment tax credit under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). Following the award notification by the Department of Treasury, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Energy Secretary Steven Chu invited Carlos Domenech, COO of SunEdison, to participate in a White House roundtable meeting of select industry executives to discuss expanding development of clean, domestic sources of energy.

In light of the changes brought about by Section 1603, SunEdison has identified close to 200 megawatts (MW) of distributed solar energy projects that could be accelerated by the grant program. SunEdison’s first $992,000 grant was for a 443-kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic solar system at Owens Corning’s facility in Kearney, NJ.

Speaking of the event, Domenech noted, “We were honored to participate in the roundtable discussion. SunEdison’s initial application was approved less than 3 weeks after we submitted our request. Given the streamlined application process, we expect to submit new projects from our pipeline almost weekly.” According to Domenech, “SunEdison’s distributed generation model can develop significant capacity in rooftop and utility-scale substation systems that can be approved and built quickly. The 1603 grants will accelerate our efforts to reduce our customers’ energy costs, create installation and integration jobs and deliver measurable environmental benefits.”

Created as part of the Recovery Act, Section 1603 provides a cash payment in lieu of the Investment Tax Credit of up to 30 percent of qualifying project costs. The payments improve project viability and enhance liquidity for projects by attracting new investment, thus enabling companies to create and retain jobs and contribute to the administration’s goal of doubling renewable energy generation capacity within three years.

Sunovia Shatters Record For Solar Thin-Film Efficiency

SARASOTA, Fla., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SUNV) and partner EPIR Technologies, Inc. ("the Partners" or "Partnership") announced today that they have fabricated single-junction and two-junction cadmium telluride (CdTe) based solar cells that have far surpassed the long-standing world record open circuit voltage (Voc) for thin film CdTe solar cells.

The Partners' single-junction and two-junction devices exceeded the highest Voc values ever reported publicly by research institutions on thin film CdTe solar cells (including NREL and others) by over 45%.

They called the Voc breakthroughs significant because the amount of electric power generated by a solar cell is directly proportional to its open circuit voltage. So doubling the Voc of a solar cell results in a doubling of power output, if all other characteristics remain the same.

So the results reported by the partners will enable the companies to create solar cells with much higher efficiencies than other CdTe-based solar cell technologies.

Open circuit voltage has traditionally been the most difficult performance metric to optimize in CdTe solar cells and the Partners' CdTe-based (also known as II-VI materials) solar cells achieved open circuit voltages of 1.34 V and 1.75 V in the single-junction and two-junction configurations, respectively. The 1.34 V value in the single-junction configuration is more than 95% of the theoretical upper limit for the II-VI alloy used by the Partners. In contrast, the highest reported Voc for a CdTe solar cell is 0.91 V, representing about 76% of the theoretical maximum for CdTe. By fabricating II-VI solar cells with open circuit voltages close to the theoretical upper limit for the materials utilized, the Partners have developed next-generation, high efficiency CdTe-based solar cells, which will accelerate the push of clean solar-generated electricity towards grid parity.

The Partners recently announced the expansion of their pilot production facilities, and are working to complete the initial 100 MW of manufacturing capacity. Their proprietary cell manufacturing process requires substantially less space than competing solar technologies, and is scalable at a fraction of the previous cost. The utilization of a silicon (Si) substrate greatly lowers manufacturing costs and allows the Partners to employ proven manufacturing techniques and equipment developed over more than 40 years during the evolution of the micro-chip industry.

According to Dr. Michael Carmody, Senior Director for Development of Photovoltaic Materials at EPIR Technologies, "These are by far the highest Voc measurements ever exhibited by a CdTe-based solar cell. There is no data in the literature that comes close to what we have achieved, and we believe that our two-junction device also represents the first ever high efficiency monolithic, two-junction solar cell using CdTe or any other II-VI material. The company's two-junction II-VI on Silicon design will reach production efficiencies over 35% and will cost only a small fraction of the cost of three-junction III-V solar cells. Three-junction II-VI on Silicon cells will have even higher production efficiencies without much added cost."

Dr. Siva Sivananthan, founder and CEO of EPIR Technologies says, "This ground breaking achievement could not have occurred without Senator Dick Durbin's support and commitment. Over the past 2 years, EPIR and Sunovia have collectively grown from 25 to almost 70 employees and will add many more manufacturing jobs as we commercialize this technology. These breakthroughs are a tremendous step forward for our national security and energy independence goals. I am tremendously proud of the team at EPIR, and am pleased to be partnered with such an outstanding group of professionals at Sunovia."

Carl Smith, founder and CEO of Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc., added, "In one of the most difficult economic climates in history, we have remained intently focused on our goals, and together we have grown rapidly. This new solar technology that Dr. Sivananthan's team has invented is unprecedented, and has far-reaching benefits that will not only positively impact national security, energy independence and our environment, but will also bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States."

QuantaSol Adopts Dilute Nitrides to Boost Absorption and Solar Efficiency

KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--QuantaSol Ltd, an independent designer and manufacturer of strain-balanced quantum-well solar cells has exclusively licensed advanced materials growth technology from the University of Houston to make its manufacturing process simpler and cheaper, while further improving solar cell efficiency.

“We’ve already tested the benefits of using Houston’s dilute nitride materials in the way we engineer quantum wells in our cells,” said Keith Barnham, CSO and co-founder of QuantaSol. “The exclusive worldwide licence is a strategic move to ensure we maintain our performance advantage, and we will work with our colleagues in Houston to develop the techniques further in commercial production in 2010.”

QuantaSol combines nanostructures, ‘quantum wells’, of two or more different alloys, in order to obtain synthetic crystals. The crystalline structure can be tuned during manufacture to overcome the absorption problems associated with current concentrator photo-voltaic (CPV) cell designs. The quantum well effect also greatly enhances the photovoltaic conversion efficiency, as already proven by its recent world record efficiency single junction device. Ultimately QuantaSol will produce highly efficient triple junction CPV devices in 2010.

The use of dilute nitrides will allow QuantaSol to reduce the number of quantum well layers it needs to introduce into each junction, while maintaining or increasing solar efficiency. This further reduces the thickness and manufacturing cost of its production devices.

“This is the first major collaboration QuantaSol has announced,” said Chris Shannon, QuantaSol’s new CEO. “It indicates just how close the company is getting to being able to produce very efficient devices in production quantities. I’m really looking forward to the progress we will deliver over the next 12 months.”

Chris Shannon is an experienced semiconductor, optics and photonics leader. He joined QuantaSol in September in a planned move to structure the company for volume manufacture.

"We are excited to cooperate with QuantaSol in its application of the basic patents of Prof. Alex Freundlich on quantum well solar cells. These joint efforts will advance solar cell technology and help increase our use of renewable resources, " said Alex Ignatiev, director, Center for Advanced Materials, and distinguished university professor of physics, chemistry, and electrical and computer engineering for the University of Houston.

TEP Seeks to Let Customers Invest in New Community Solar Power Systems

TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is planning to give customers an opportunity to invest in new community solar arrays that would offer an affordable way to meet the electric needs of their homes or businesses with clean, green renewable energy.

By participating in TEP’s proposed Bright Tucson Community Solar Program, customers could claim their own stake in one of several new solar arrays that would be built in the Tucson area beginning next year. By adding as little as $3 per month to their monthly electric bills, customers could secure a share of solar energy to offset their carbon footprint and reduce our community’s use of fossil-fueled power.

“The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program offers a great way to enjoy the benefits of solar power without the up-front cost, particularly for renters or others who would have difficulty installing a photovoltaic system at their home or office,” said Paul Bonavia, Chairman, President and CEO of TEP and its parent company, UniSource Energy Corporation (NYSE: UNS).

“TEP is working to overcome obstacles to the widespread adoption of solar power, and this new program would represent a significant step toward that goal,” Bonavia said.

If TEP receives Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approval for the program, customers could purchase 150 kWh “blocks” of solar energy generated by a local photovoltaic (PV) array beginning in mid-2010. No long-term commitment would be needed; customers would be able to add or subtract blocks at will and leave the program at any time.

Each block would add about $3 to monthly bills, and customers could purchase enough blocks to cover all of their electric use. Six blocks would provide enough solar energy to cover the annual electric use of a typical residential household at an additional cost of just $18 per month.

“Just as participants in our SunShare program own the energy produced by their own solar arrays, anyone who signs up for the Bright Tucson Community Solar Program will own the energy they purchase through the program,” Bonavia said. “It’s like having your own virtual solar power system.”

The program also would provide a significant financial benefit through an opportunity to lock in a fixed energy rate for up to 10 years. For those blocks of energy purchased through the program, participants would not pay charges linked to fossil-fueled energy sources, including TEP’s base energy charge and the Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Charge (PPFAC). The cost of those blocks also would be unaffected by any increases to those energy charges over the coming decade.

“The program offers protection against future energy price increases, including any that could be linked to new carbon taxes or other costs that could be associated with greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fueled power plants,” said David Hutchens, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Resource Planning for TEP and UniSource Energy.

The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program was designed to parallel the benefits of installing solar arrays subsidized by TEP’s popular SunShare program. Each 150-kWh energy block is comparable to the typical monthly output of a 1-kilowatt (kW) SunShare solar array. And just as solar array owners earn credit for any excess energy their systems provide to TEP’s local distribution grid, Bright Tucson Community Solar Program participants would receive credits on future bills if the energy blocks they’ve purchased exceed their electric use during a billing period.

The new program further establishes TEP’s position as a leader in solar energy, said Kim Kiener, Western Regional Director of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), a non-profit group that supports the use and integration of solar electric power by utilities and their customers.

“SEPA commends TEP for its continued efforts to find creative ways to allow its customers to participate in the ownership of solar energy in an easy and affordable manner,” Kiener said. “In SEPA’s 2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings, released in May 2009, TEP placed in the top ten in three categories for its historical activities to integrate solar electricity into its grid. The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program is yet another example of TEP’s continued leadership as it develops innovative methods of diversifying its portfolio with both distributed and centralized solar options.”

TEP will continue offering its SunShare program, which provides subsidies of up to $3,000 per kW of DC-rated system capacity that, when combined with state and federal tax benefits, can significantly reduce the cost of installing PV systems. TEP also will maintain its GreenWatts program, which offers customers an opportunity to support local community solar projects by paying to “adopt” units of green power.

TEP’s first Bright Tucson Community Solar Array would be the 1.6-megawatt (MW) system that would be built next year as part of the Bright Tucson project, a demonstration project intended to make solar energy more effective through the use of energy storage systems and a demand response program. TEP has requested $25 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for the project, but the solar array could be built even if that application is not successful.

TEP is soliciting bids for the construction of other local solar arrays that could become part of the Bright Tucson Community Solar Program. The arrays would range from 1-5 MW in size and be located on closed landfills and other degraded land in the Tucson metropolitan area. For more information about the bidding process, visit www.uesaz.com/wholesale/.

“We’re looking to locate these systems in areas of our local distribution grid where we’ll realize the most benefit from additional generating resources,” Hutchens said. “Participants in the Bright Tucson Community Solar Program will be able to drive past these arrays and know that they own a share of the energy they produce. It’s a way to take ownership of solar energy in a way that truly benefits our local electric system and the community as a whole.”

The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program would be funded in part by an ACC-approved surcharge intended to support the state’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES). The RES calls on utilities to increase their use of renewable energy each year until such resources represent 15 percent of their power by 2025.

TEP is pursuing those goals through a combination of utility-owned installations, purchased power contracts and “distributed” resources like PV systems and solar water heaters installed at local homes and businesses. With funding provided by customers, TEP has developed nearly 10 MW of company-owned renewable energy generating capacity and is on track to add another 3.4 MW in company-owned capacity and 31.5 MW through purchased power contracts in coming years.

Tucson Electric Power provides safe, reliable power to more than 400,000 customers in southern Arizona. For more information, visit tep.com. For more information about UniSource Energy, TEP’s parent company, visit uns.com.

Evergreen Solar Announces Executive Changes

MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ESLR), a manufacturer of String Ribbon™ solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, today announced that:

• Richard M. Feldt, Chairman, President and CEO will take on the executive leadership responsibilities for marketing and sales on an interim basis, replacing Dr. J. Terry Bailey, SVP Marketing and Sales, who is leaving the company later this month to become Chief Executive Officer of a venture-backed solar company based in California.
• Michael El-Hillow, Chief Financial Officer, will take on additional responsibilities for global operations and administration.

“We are sorry to see Terry leave the Company, but he has built a strong organization and helped make the Evergreen Solar brand synonymous with quality, reliability and performance, each of which is a cornerstone for meeting customers’ needs,” stated Feldt. “At the same time, I am happy that Mike will take on the global operations and administration role. He is ideally suited to help us identify and implement the organizational structure and processes to take advantage of our low cost wafer technology as we expand our organization, particularly in China.”

About Evergreen Solar, Inc.

Evergreen Solar, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets String Ribbon™ solar power products using its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology. The Company's patented wafer manufacturing technology uses significantly less polysilicon than conventional processes. Evergreen Solar's products provide reliable and environmentally clean electric power for residential and commercial applications globally. For more information about the Company, please visit www.evergreensolar.com. Evergreen Solar® and String Ribbon™ are trademarks of Evergreen Solar, Inc.