SAN JOSE, Calif., July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) today announced it is working with Pardee Homes to build nine solar-powered new home communities in Southern California.
In three communities in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as part of Pardee's 'Summer of Solar' promotion, high efficiency 1.4-kilowatt (kW) SunPower SunTile solar electric systems are included as a standard feature of the homes, with the ability to upgrade to a larger 2.4 kW system on most homes. Six communities in San Diego County and the Inland Empire offer SunTile systems as an option. The SunTile systems use SunPower solar cells, which are the most efficient cells commercially available and deliver up to 50 percent more power than conventional solar cells.
All systems come with the SunPower Monitoring System that offers homeowners two ways to monitor system production and home energy consumption — web interface and access from Apple mobile devices.
Pardee Homes is including the SunPower systems as part of their LivingSmart® program, which also includes features that reduce waste, conserve water, enhance indoor air quality and improve energy efficiency. As a result of combining the solar systems with the additional LivingSmart features, homeowners are expected to save almost 40 percent on their electric bills.
"Energy prices have risen dramatically over the years. Pardee Homes recognizes that combining energy-efficient features with high efficiency solar power systems may result in substantial savings for homeowners immediately and over the long term," said Matt Brost, general manager of SunPower's New Homes division.
"In addition to providing high-efficiency solar power systems with 25-year power output warranties, SunPower has worked with us to provide superior customer education so that prospective homeowners clearly understand the cost-saving, maintenance-free benefits of solar, as well as the tax incentives and rebates that are available," said Joyce Mason, vice president of marketing for Pardee Homes. "With SunPower, Pardee is providing the peace of mind that comes with generating your own clean, renewable energy while realizing a significant savings on your energy bill."
SunPower has been partnering with Pardee Homes since 2005. With 80 percent market share, SunPower is the leader in providing solar power systems to production homebuilders. The company has installed SunPower systems on more than 4,000 new production homes.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Trina Solar Announces Industrial Liaison Program with MIT
CHANGZHOU, China, July 29 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) , 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 the signing of a Letter of Agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ('MIT') to become a member of its Industrial Liaison Program ('ILP'), a program devoted to promoting university-industry collaboration and technology transfer.
Under the terms of the agreement, the ILP will provide Trina Solar facilitated access to MIT and its resources including technology conferences and the possibility to directly access research opportunities with MIT researchers to stay at the forefront of advanced technological developments.
"We are very excited to announce this collaboration with MIT, one of the world's leading research institutes, which is expected to strengthen ties between Trina Solar's State Key Lab of PV Science and Technology and MIT's research teams," said Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trina Solar. "Trina Solar and MIT share the same commitment to developing high quality solar electricity solutions for businesses and households worldwide and the Industrial Liaison Program is a great way to bring together top minds in the industry to help drive innovation."
"We are delighted to welcome Trina Solar to join our ILP program and we look forward to working with the Company to develop and sustain a mutually beneficial relationship," said Mr. Karl F. Koster, Executive Director of Corporate Relations from MIT during his visit to the Changzhou Trina PV Park. "As a member of the Industrial Liaison Program, Trina Solar can benefit from MIT's significant expertise and vast resources."
Under the terms of the agreement, the ILP will provide Trina Solar facilitated access to MIT and its resources including technology conferences and the possibility to directly access research opportunities with MIT researchers to stay at the forefront of advanced technological developments.
"We are very excited to announce this collaboration with MIT, one of the world's leading research institutes, which is expected to strengthen ties between Trina Solar's State Key Lab of PV Science and Technology and MIT's research teams," said Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trina Solar. "Trina Solar and MIT share the same commitment to developing high quality solar electricity solutions for businesses and households worldwide and the Industrial Liaison Program is a great way to bring together top minds in the industry to help drive innovation."
"We are delighted to welcome Trina Solar to join our ILP program and we look forward to working with the Company to develop and sustain a mutually beneficial relationship," said Mr. Karl F. Koster, Executive Director of Corporate Relations from MIT during his visit to the Changzhou Trina PV Park. "As a member of the Industrial Liaison Program, Trina Solar can benefit from MIT's significant expertise and vast resources."
Stop & Shop Installs Solar Panels on Stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey
QUINCY, Mass., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Stop & Shop today announced that it has completed the installation of solar panels on eight of its stores in Mass., Conn. and N.J. The solar panels will reduce the amount of energy consumed by these stores by more than seven percent. The completion of this project marks an extension of the company's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 percent by 2015 using 2008 as a baseline.
The photovoltaic (PV) solar power generating systems were developed by Alteris Renewables, Inc., the largest design-build renewable energy company in the Northeast. The amount of electricity that will be generated by all eight stores annually is estimated to be 1,759,572 kWh, offsetting 1,264 metric tons of CO2. This is equivalent to the CO2 emissions from the total electricity use of 153 homes over the course of a year.
The solar project is among a series of green solutions Stop & Shop is rolling out across its 375 stores in the Northeast.
"Two years ago, we launched a storewide refresh and brought customers new technology to simplify their lives – handheld devices for scanning groceries, digital kiosks for placing deli orders, and one-stop weigh stations in the produce department," said Faith Weiner director of public affairs for Stop & Shop. "Now we're rolling out new renewable energy solutions for our stores which enable us to conserve energy, while continuing to deliver the quality and value our shoppers expect."
Faith Weiner continued, "Businesses are waking up to the benefits of solar power. As one of the largest food retailers in the Northeast, we're proud to incorporate solar panels into our building, and we appreciate the expertise that Alteris has brought to this tri-state project."
Following are the locations of the eight stores that are powered with solar energy.
Massachusetts:
* 779 McGrath Highway, Somerville
* 160 Providence Highway, Dedham
* 1100 Massachusetts Avenue, Dorchester
Connecticut:
* 760 Villa Avenue, Fairfield
New Jersey:
* 3333 Route 27, Franklin Park
* 1129 Rte. 34, North Aberdeen
* 940 Easton Avenue, Somerset
* 400 Lacey Road, Whiting
"Stop & Shop is proving that renewable energy is a key component for delivering quality and value in today's energy economy," said Ron French, president of Alteris Renewables' Solar Division. "Solar power allows businesses to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and hedge against rising electricity costs. We're proud to have been selected by Stop & Shop for this multi-state solar rollout and to help them reach their renewable energy goals."
Beyond solar panels, Stop & Shop has been exploring alternative ways to be green by installing energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems in stores and distribution centers. The company also recently partnered with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to install a fuel cell at its new store in Torrington, Conn., which will provide more than 90 percent of the electricity needed to power the store. For more information on Stop & Shop's company-wide Recycling and Environment initiatives, visit www.stopandshop.com.
The photovoltaic (PV) solar power generating systems were developed by Alteris Renewables, Inc., the largest design-build renewable energy company in the Northeast. The amount of electricity that will be generated by all eight stores annually is estimated to be 1,759,572 kWh, offsetting 1,264 metric tons of CO2. This is equivalent to the CO2 emissions from the total electricity use of 153 homes over the course of a year.
The solar project is among a series of green solutions Stop & Shop is rolling out across its 375 stores in the Northeast.
"Two years ago, we launched a storewide refresh and brought customers new technology to simplify their lives – handheld devices for scanning groceries, digital kiosks for placing deli orders, and one-stop weigh stations in the produce department," said Faith Weiner director of public affairs for Stop & Shop. "Now we're rolling out new renewable energy solutions for our stores which enable us to conserve energy, while continuing to deliver the quality and value our shoppers expect."
Faith Weiner continued, "Businesses are waking up to the benefits of solar power. As one of the largest food retailers in the Northeast, we're proud to incorporate solar panels into our building, and we appreciate the expertise that Alteris has brought to this tri-state project."
Following are the locations of the eight stores that are powered with solar energy.
Massachusetts:
* 779 McGrath Highway, Somerville
* 160 Providence Highway, Dedham
* 1100 Massachusetts Avenue, Dorchester
Connecticut:
* 760 Villa Avenue, Fairfield
New Jersey:
* 3333 Route 27, Franklin Park
* 1129 Rte. 34, North Aberdeen
* 940 Easton Avenue, Somerset
* 400 Lacey Road, Whiting
"Stop & Shop is proving that renewable energy is a key component for delivering quality and value in today's energy economy," said Ron French, president of Alteris Renewables' Solar Division. "Solar power allows businesses to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and hedge against rising electricity costs. We're proud to have been selected by Stop & Shop for this multi-state solar rollout and to help them reach their renewable energy goals."
Beyond solar panels, Stop & Shop has been exploring alternative ways to be green by installing energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems in stores and distribution centers. The company also recently partnered with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to install a fuel cell at its new store in Torrington, Conn., which will provide more than 90 percent of the electricity needed to power the store. For more information on Stop & Shop's company-wide Recycling and Environment initiatives, visit www.stopandshop.com.
NV Energy Seeks Offers for Renewable Energy Credits
LAS VEGAS, July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NV Energy (NYSE: NVE) has issued a Request for Offers (RFO) for renewable energy portfolio credits from qualified renewable energy generators. This solicitation requests proposals for the sale of renewable energy credits and all other renewable energy benefits, but does not seek the associated renewable energy from generation sources. Proposals can be for a contractual time length of five to 25 years.
Energy credit proposals will be considered for energy derived from solar, geothermal, biomass, wind and other resources eligible for portfolio energy credits under the Nevada Renewable Portfolio Standard. The energy credits will require certification from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada through the Nevada Tracks Renewable Energy Credits (NVTREC) program.
Eligible renewable resources must be either in operation or have a commercial operation date no later than July 1, 2013. Minimum bid size is 450 kilowatts, but proposals can be comprised of multiple sites of no less than 150 kilowatts at each site.
Parties interested in submitting a response to NV Energy's 2010 Portfolio Energy Credit Request for Offers should go to NV Energy's website at www.NVEnergy.com/PCOnlyRFO for additional information and the necessary forms.
Proposals in response to the RFO are due by 5 p.m. (PDT) on Sept. 22, 2010.
NV Energy currently has more than 1,200 megawatts of geothermal, solar, biomass, waste-heat recovery and wind energy under contract or in the project development stage.
Energy credit proposals will be considered for energy derived from solar, geothermal, biomass, wind and other resources eligible for portfolio energy credits under the Nevada Renewable Portfolio Standard. The energy credits will require certification from the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada through the Nevada Tracks Renewable Energy Credits (NVTREC) program.
Eligible renewable resources must be either in operation or have a commercial operation date no later than July 1, 2013. Minimum bid size is 450 kilowatts, but proposals can be comprised of multiple sites of no less than 150 kilowatts at each site.
Parties interested in submitting a response to NV Energy's 2010 Portfolio Energy Credit Request for Offers should go to NV Energy's website at www.NVEnergy.com/PCOnlyRFO for additional information and the necessary forms.
Proposals in response to the RFO are due by 5 p.m. (PDT) on Sept. 22, 2010.
NV Energy currently has more than 1,200 megawatts of geothermal, solar, biomass, waste-heat recovery and wind energy under contract or in the project development stage.
Suntech to Announce Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results on August 18, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO and WUXI, China, July 30 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar panels, will announce its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, before the U.S. market opens on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. Suntech management will host a conference call that day at 8:00a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (which corresponds to 8:00p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong time and 12:00p.m. Greenwich Mean Time on August 18, 2010) to discuss the company's results.
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
US Toll Free: +1-866-804-6927
US Toll/International: +1-857-350-1673
UK: +44-207-365-8426
Hong Kong: +852-3002-1672
Passcode: Suntech
A replay of the conference call may be accessed until August 28, 2010 by dialing:
US Toll Free: +1-888-286-8010
US Toll/International: +1-617-801-6888
Passcode: 29125692
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available on the Investors section of Suntech's website at http://ir.suntech-power.com .
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
US Toll Free: +1-866-804-6927
US Toll/International: +1-857-350-1673
UK: +44-207-365-8426
Hong Kong: +852-3002-1672
Passcode: Suntech
A replay of the conference call may be accessed until August 28, 2010 by dialing:
US Toll Free: +1-888-286-8010
US Toll/International: +1-617-801-6888
Passcode: 29125692
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available on the Investors section of Suntech's website at http://ir.suntech-power.com .
First Solar, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 26, 2010. Quarterly net sales were $587.9 million, up 12% from $525.9 million in the second quarter of 2009, due to increased production volumes and systems revenue, partially offset by a decline in pricing and lower euro exchange rates. Second quarter 2010 net sales increased $19.9 million from the first quarter of 2010, primarily due to increased turnkey system sales.
Second quarter net income per fully diluted share was $1.84, down from $2.11 in the second quarter of 2009 and down from $2.00 in the first quarter of 2010. Year over year, the declines were primarily driven by lower module average selling prices, and higher operating expenses that were partially offset by increased module production and lower module cost per watt. Quarter over quarter, the declines were primarily driven by higher operating expenses.
PV module manufacturing cost was reduced to $0.76/watt, down $0.05 from the prior quarter and 13% year over year. Annual throughput per line was up 6% quarter over quarter to 59.0 MW. This increases announced or operating capacity from 2.1 to 2.2 GW by 2012.
For 2010, First Solar forecasts net sales of $2.5 to $2.6 billion, reflecting reallocation of module capacity from our systems business to meet stronger module demand by our European customers. Earnings per fully diluted share are increased to a projected range of $7.00 to $7.40 which includes a $0.20-$0.23 reduction for a foreign exchange assumption change from $1.30/euro to $1.20/euro and $0.09-$0.10 per share dilution for the completed acquisition of NextLight Renewable Power, LLC. Total capital spending is projected to be $575 to $625 million. The company expects to generate $575 to $625 million of operating cash flow. First Solar has posted its Second Quarter Earnings Call Presentation, which includes guidance for fiscal 2010 and additional details regarding the key assumptions relating to this guidance, in the Investor section of its website at www.firstsolar.com.
First Solar will discuss these results and outlook for fiscal 2010 in a conference call scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. ET. Investors may access a live audio webcast of this conference call and the earnings call presentation in the investors section of the Company’s website 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 3, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. ET 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 the replay pass code 7770641. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor section on the Company’s website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 90 calendar days. If you are a subscriber of FactSet or Thomson One, you can obtain a written transcript within two hours.
Second quarter net income per fully diluted share was $1.84, down from $2.11 in the second quarter of 2009 and down from $2.00 in the first quarter of 2010. Year over year, the declines were primarily driven by lower module average selling prices, and higher operating expenses that were partially offset by increased module production and lower module cost per watt. Quarter over quarter, the declines were primarily driven by higher operating expenses.
PV module manufacturing cost was reduced to $0.76/watt, down $0.05 from the prior quarter and 13% year over year. Annual throughput per line was up 6% quarter over quarter to 59.0 MW. This increases announced or operating capacity from 2.1 to 2.2 GW by 2012.
For 2010, First Solar forecasts net sales of $2.5 to $2.6 billion, reflecting reallocation of module capacity from our systems business to meet stronger module demand by our European customers. Earnings per fully diluted share are increased to a projected range of $7.00 to $7.40 which includes a $0.20-$0.23 reduction for a foreign exchange assumption change from $1.30/euro to $1.20/euro and $0.09-$0.10 per share dilution for the completed acquisition of NextLight Renewable Power, LLC. Total capital spending is projected to be $575 to $625 million. The company expects to generate $575 to $625 million of operating cash flow. First Solar has posted its Second Quarter Earnings Call Presentation, which includes guidance for fiscal 2010 and additional details regarding the key assumptions relating to this guidance, in the Investor section of its website at www.firstsolar.com.
First Solar will discuss these results and outlook for fiscal 2010 in a conference call scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. ET. Investors may access a live audio webcast of this conference call and the earnings call presentation in the investors section of the Company’s website 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 3, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. ET 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 the replay pass code 7770641. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor section on the Company’s website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 90 calendar days. If you are a subscriber of FactSet or Thomson One, you can obtain a written transcript within two hours.
State Regulators Approve TEP’s New Bright Tucson Community Solar Program
TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Arizona Corporation Commission has approved Tucson Electric Power’s plan to provide customers with an affordable way to meet their electric needs with locally generated solar power.
By the end of this year, participants in TEP’s Bright Tucson Community Solar Program will be able to purchase shares of solar energy for as little as $3 per month. The power will be produced by local photovoltaic (PV) systems, including an array that will be built at the University of Arizona’s Science and Technology Park later this year.
“The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program will make it easy for customers to shrink their carbon footprint while helping us reduce our community’s reliance on fossil-fueled power,” said Paul Bonavia, Chairman, President and CEO of TEP and its parent company, UniSource Energy Corporation (NYSE: UNS).
Program participants will be able to purchase 150 kilowatt-hour (kWh) “blocks” of solar energy at a rate that adds $3 per month to their bills. Six blocks would cover the annual electric use of a typical household at a premium of just $18 per month. Customers can buy as many blocks as they like until the available solar energy is fully subscribed, and they can cancel at any time.
“It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of solar power without the up-front cost,” said David Hutchens, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Resource Planning for TEP and UniSource Energy. “The program will make solar power available to renters and others who would have difficulty installing a PV array at their home or business.”
The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program also offers protection against future energy cost increases. The rate paid for each block of solar power will remain fixed for 20 years. Since each block offsets the cost of an equivalent amount of traditional generation, the price premium paid by program participants would effectively be reduced if those traditional charges increase.
“Customers would have a chance to insulate themselves from the impact of new carbon taxes or other factors that could drive up the cost of power from traditional generating resources,” Hutchens said. “By locking in a slightly higher rate now for solar power, customers could end up realizing significant savings over the long term.”
The 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.
TEP plans to continue offering its SunShare program, which provides subsidies that, when combined with state and federal tax benefits, can significantly reduce the cost of installing PV systems at homes and businesses.
Power for the Bright Tucson Community Solar Program’s first subscribers would be provided by a 1.6-megawatt (MW) single-axis tracking PV array that will be built this year at the UA Science and Technology Park by Solon, a Tucson-based solar manufacturer and system developer. Future demands would be met through new solar power systems located in the Tucson metropolitan area.
“Our customers will be able to drive past these arrays and know that they own a share of the energy they produce,” Hutchens said. “It’s a way to take ownership of solar energy in way that truly benefits our local electric system and the community as a whole.”
The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program will 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. Through the first quarter of 2010, TEP had developed nearly 10 MW of company-owned renewable energy generating capacity in addition to nearly 6 MW of customer-owned PV systems.
In addition to the new 1.6 MW array, TEP will add 1.8 MW of capacity this year to its 4.6-MW Springerville Generating Station Solar System, which already is one of the largest grid-tied PV arrays in the United States. TEP also has agreed to purchase the output of a dozen new solar power systems, a landfill gas generation project and a new wind farm that together would generate nearly 190 MW, enough renewable energy to power nearly 40,000 Tucson homes. Those systems, which are being built by private developers, are scheduled to come online in 2011 and 2012, pending ACC approval, site selection and other contingencies.
Tucson Electric Power provides safe, reliable power to more than 400,000 customers in southern Arizona. To learn more, visit tep.com. For more information about UniSource Energy, TEP’s parent company, visit uns.com.
By the end of this year, participants in TEP’s Bright Tucson Community Solar Program will be able to purchase shares of solar energy for as little as $3 per month. The power will be produced by local photovoltaic (PV) systems, including an array that will be built at the University of Arizona’s Science and Technology Park later this year.
“The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program will make it easy for customers to shrink their carbon footprint while helping us reduce our community’s reliance on fossil-fueled power,” said Paul Bonavia, Chairman, President and CEO of TEP and its parent company, UniSource Energy Corporation (NYSE: UNS).
Program participants will be able to purchase 150 kilowatt-hour (kWh) “blocks” of solar energy at a rate that adds $3 per month to their bills. Six blocks would cover the annual electric use of a typical household at a premium of just $18 per month. Customers can buy as many blocks as they like until the available solar energy is fully subscribed, and they can cancel at any time.
“It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of solar power without the up-front cost,” said David Hutchens, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Resource Planning for TEP and UniSource Energy. “The program will make solar power available to renters and others who would have difficulty installing a PV array at their home or business.”
The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program also offers protection against future energy cost increases. The rate paid for each block of solar power will remain fixed for 20 years. Since each block offsets the cost of an equivalent amount of traditional generation, the price premium paid by program participants would effectively be reduced if those traditional charges increase.
“Customers would have a chance to insulate themselves from the impact of new carbon taxes or other factors that could drive up the cost of power from traditional generating resources,” Hutchens said. “By locking in a slightly higher rate now for solar power, customers could end up realizing significant savings over the long term.”
The 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.
TEP plans to continue offering its SunShare program, which provides subsidies that, when combined with state and federal tax benefits, can significantly reduce the cost of installing PV systems at homes and businesses.
Power for the Bright Tucson Community Solar Program’s first subscribers would be provided by a 1.6-megawatt (MW) single-axis tracking PV array that will be built this year at the UA Science and Technology Park by Solon, a Tucson-based solar manufacturer and system developer. Future demands would be met through new solar power systems located in the Tucson metropolitan area.
“Our customers will be able to drive past these arrays and know that they own a share of the energy they produce,” Hutchens said. “It’s a way to take ownership of solar energy in way that truly benefits our local electric system and the community as a whole.”
The Bright Tucson Community Solar Program will 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. Through the first quarter of 2010, TEP had developed nearly 10 MW of company-owned renewable energy generating capacity in addition to nearly 6 MW of customer-owned PV systems.
In addition to the new 1.6 MW array, TEP will add 1.8 MW of capacity this year to its 4.6-MW Springerville Generating Station Solar System, which already is one of the largest grid-tied PV arrays in the United States. TEP also has agreed to purchase the output of a dozen new solar power systems, a landfill gas generation project and a new wind farm that together would generate nearly 190 MW, enough renewable energy to power nearly 40,000 Tucson homes. Those systems, which are being built by private developers, are scheduled to come online in 2011 and 2012, pending ACC approval, site selection and other contingencies.
Tucson Electric Power provides safe, reliable power to more than 400,000 customers in southern Arizona. To learn more, visit tep.com. For more information about UniSource Energy, TEP’s parent company, visit uns.com.
GT Solar Acquires Sapphire Producer Crystal Systems
MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR),a leading global provider of polysilicon production technology, crystalline ingot growth systems and related photovoltaic manufacturing services for the solar industry, today announced that it has acquired privately-held Crystal Systems, Inc. Crystal Systems is a crystalline growth technology company that manufactures high-quality, large area sapphire substrates used in the LED, defense, medical and aerospace industries.
“Crystal Systems’ sapphire process knowledge complements our expertise in silicon growth technologies and we believe this combination will allow us to quickly deliver products that leapfrog sapphire crystallization technology available from other suppliers,” said Tom Gutierrez, GT Solar’s president and CEO. “We expect to capitalize on the attractive opportunities we have identified in equipment, LED, and high tech specialty markets that require high-quality, low cost crystalline substrates. Crystal Systems has a rich history of innovation and we believe the combination of their technical expertise supported by our proven global operating experience and available capital resources will accelerate the adoption of new low-cost, high-quality crystalline sapphire solutions.”
Founded in 1971, Crystal Systems is recognized for its innovations in crystal growth technology and is a leading supplier of sapphire and Ti:sapphire material. Crystal Systems leverages its proprietary and complementary crystal growth and process knowledge to produce large sized, high-quality sapphire products at competitive prices. Crystal Systems’ development and manufacturing operations are located in Salem, Massachusetts. Fred Schmid, founder of Crystal Systems and the inventor of the Heat Exchanger Method or HEM process, will be joining GT Solar in a senior technical capacity to further accelerate the commercialization of this technology.
Industry analysts project that the LED market could grow up to a 40 percent compound annual growth rate over the next several years driven by increased sales of products such as flat panel televisions and commercial and residential lighting. Sapphire is the most widely used substrate for this fast-growing market.
Under the terms of the agreement, the purchase consideration consisted of approximately $24 million in cash, 5.4 million shares of GT Solar common stock and a $21 million cash earn-out. The cash earn-out provision is based on the attainment of certain financial and technical targets. Crystal Systems is a profitable company with expected revenues of approximately $16 million for the 2010 calendar year. The company will positively contribute to GT Solar’s operating income over the next 18 months and is expected to be accretive on an EPS basis by year end FY12.
GT Solar management will discuss the acquisition during its Q1 FY2011 earnings conference call, which is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. eastern time Thursday, August 5. The call will be webcast live and can be accessed by logging on to the "Investors" section of GT Solar's website, www.gtsolar.com. The call can also be accessed by dialing 866.770.7146 or 617.213.8068 (International). The telephone passcode is SOLR.
“Crystal Systems’ sapphire process knowledge complements our expertise in silicon growth technologies and we believe this combination will allow us to quickly deliver products that leapfrog sapphire crystallization technology available from other suppliers,” said Tom Gutierrez, GT Solar’s president and CEO. “We expect to capitalize on the attractive opportunities we have identified in equipment, LED, and high tech specialty markets that require high-quality, low cost crystalline substrates. Crystal Systems has a rich history of innovation and we believe the combination of their technical expertise supported by our proven global operating experience and available capital resources will accelerate the adoption of new low-cost, high-quality crystalline sapphire solutions.”
Founded in 1971, Crystal Systems is recognized for its innovations in crystal growth technology and is a leading supplier of sapphire and Ti:sapphire material. Crystal Systems leverages its proprietary and complementary crystal growth and process knowledge to produce large sized, high-quality sapphire products at competitive prices. Crystal Systems’ development and manufacturing operations are located in Salem, Massachusetts. Fred Schmid, founder of Crystal Systems and the inventor of the Heat Exchanger Method or HEM process, will be joining GT Solar in a senior technical capacity to further accelerate the commercialization of this technology.
Industry analysts project that the LED market could grow up to a 40 percent compound annual growth rate over the next several years driven by increased sales of products such as flat panel televisions and commercial and residential lighting. Sapphire is the most widely used substrate for this fast-growing market.
Under the terms of the agreement, the purchase consideration consisted of approximately $24 million in cash, 5.4 million shares of GT Solar common stock and a $21 million cash earn-out. The cash earn-out provision is based on the attainment of certain financial and technical targets. Crystal Systems is a profitable company with expected revenues of approximately $16 million for the 2010 calendar year. The company will positively contribute to GT Solar’s operating income over the next 18 months and is expected to be accretive on an EPS basis by year end FY12.
GT Solar management will discuss the acquisition during its Q1 FY2011 earnings conference call, which is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. eastern time Thursday, August 5. The call will be webcast live and can be accessed by logging on to the "Investors" section of GT Solar's website, www.gtsolar.com. The call can also be accessed by dialing 866.770.7146 or 617.213.8068 (International). The telephone passcode is SOLR.
Solyndra Selected To Provide 16.2 MW of PV Systems to Southern California Edison
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solyndra, Inc., a manufacturer of innovative cylindrical solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for commercial and industrial rooftops, today announced it has been awarded 20 year power purchase agreements to supply Southern California Edison with renewable electricity from 16.2 megawatts (MW) of rooftop photovoltaic solar systems on 18 rooftops. The agreements were awarded to Solyndra’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Photon Solar LLC.
“Southern California Edison is demonstrating tremendous leadership in the application of distributed solar electricity to serve its customers and address the state’s renewable energy goals, and we are pleased to be selected as a part of this industry leading utility-scale rooftop power generation program,” said Corby Whitaker, Solyndra’s vice president of North America Sales. “Rooftop solar takes advantage of unutilized space to generate energy right where it is needed, eliminating the need for costly transmission lines and extensive environmental impact testing and permitting.”
“We believe the Southern California Edison solar rooftop project will ultimately be held out as an example for the rest of the world, demonstrating the benefits of distributed rooftop power generation in achieving broader renewable generation goals,” said Marc Ulrich, SCE vice president of Renewables and Alternative Power. “We are pleased to be working with Solyndra on this project. We are also pleased that Solyndra designs and manufactures their panels in California, which means this project is maintaining and creating jobs here in our State.”
Unlike traditional flat plate solar modules, the Solyndra product was designed to be ideally suited for large commercial and industrial rooftops. The Solyndra product can be cost effectively installed on rooftops that require a distributed load of less than 3 lbs. per square foot, which is very typical of “big box” retail, warehouse and other light industrial roofs which are not designed to support significant additional rooftop weight. Solyndra’s panels are composed of unique cylindrical modules that allow wind to pass through, which eliminates the need for heavy brackets, weights, and roof surface penetrations that are common with traditional solar modules. When installed in conjunction with white “cool roofs”, the Solyndra solution combines both power generation and the energy efficiency benefits of a reflective roof surface while preserving the integrity of the roof surface. In addition, a valuable benefit of the Solyndra solution is that the system can be easily moved in the case of re-roofing, building retrofit or ownership change, particularly important to many real estate owners that wish to receive the cash flow benefits of hosting a solar system without encumbering the sale of the property in the future.
Photon Solar LLC intends to complete construction of the 18 rooftop systems comprising the 16.2 MW project during 2011. Construction of these PV systems is subject to California Public Utility Commission approval, financing of the project, certain permitting, and other customary closing conditions.
“Southern California Edison is demonstrating tremendous leadership in the application of distributed solar electricity to serve its customers and address the state’s renewable energy goals, and we are pleased to be selected as a part of this industry leading utility-scale rooftop power generation program,” said Corby Whitaker, Solyndra’s vice president of North America Sales. “Rooftop solar takes advantage of unutilized space to generate energy right where it is needed, eliminating the need for costly transmission lines and extensive environmental impact testing and permitting.”
“We believe the Southern California Edison solar rooftop project will ultimately be held out as an example for the rest of the world, demonstrating the benefits of distributed rooftop power generation in achieving broader renewable generation goals,” said Marc Ulrich, SCE vice president of Renewables and Alternative Power. “We are pleased to be working with Solyndra on this project. We are also pleased that Solyndra designs and manufactures their panels in California, which means this project is maintaining and creating jobs here in our State.”
Unlike traditional flat plate solar modules, the Solyndra product was designed to be ideally suited for large commercial and industrial rooftops. The Solyndra product can be cost effectively installed on rooftops that require a distributed load of less than 3 lbs. per square foot, which is very typical of “big box” retail, warehouse and other light industrial roofs which are not designed to support significant additional rooftop weight. Solyndra’s panels are composed of unique cylindrical modules that allow wind to pass through, which eliminates the need for heavy brackets, weights, and roof surface penetrations that are common with traditional solar modules. When installed in conjunction with white “cool roofs”, the Solyndra solution combines both power generation and the energy efficiency benefits of a reflective roof surface while preserving the integrity of the roof surface. In addition, a valuable benefit of the Solyndra solution is that the system can be easily moved in the case of re-roofing, building retrofit or ownership change, particularly important to many real estate owners that wish to receive the cash flow benefits of hosting a solar system without encumbering the sale of the property in the future.
Photon Solar LLC intends to complete construction of the 18 rooftop systems comprising the 16.2 MW project during 2011. Construction of these PV systems is subject to California Public Utility Commission approval, financing of the project, certain permitting, and other customary closing conditions.
GSLO Still Receiving Tremendous Public Interest in New PREE™ Deal
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The President of GoSolarUSA, Inc. (Pink Sheets:GSLO) disclosed today that the Company is still encountering a flood of inquiries for details about the new PREE™ deal that was finalized on July 14th. PREE™ owns a breakthrough technology that uses wireless internet signals and solar energy to keep Smartphones constantly charged without having to be plugged in. Most of the requests to GSLO have been for more PREE™ product details and possible PREE™ distributorships. The Company has been experiencing a steady wave of public interest since first announcing a potential deal with PREE™ on June 9th.
“Since we are a public company, we put great effort into keeping the public informed on Company matters,” stated Thomas Massey, President of GoSolarUSA. “However, SEC rules prevent us from sharing information with some shareholders to the exclusion of others.”
“We’ve received several questions from shareholders related to the decision of our predecessor company to elect ‘shell company’ status in its SEC filings during the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2009. After an internal review of the Company’s filings and operations during the relevant periods, as well as discussions with the previous management team, we have determined that the Company was NOT a ‘shell company’ during the relevant periods. During the process of applying for a trading symbol from FINRA the Company was forced to elect ‘shell company’ status even though the Company had significant assets, operations, and revenue; any one of which was, individually, sufficient to exclude the Company from ‘shell company’ classification per SEC guidelines. FINRA essentially obligated the Company to elect shell company status because it believed that the Company’s trading subsidiary would not continue to be a part of the Company’s business, even though management had no plans to divest this business. It is therefore the position of the Company that it is not currently, nor has it ever been, a ‘shell company’ per SEC guidelines,” concluded Massey.
“Since we are a public company, we put great effort into keeping the public informed on Company matters,” stated Thomas Massey, President of GoSolarUSA. “However, SEC rules prevent us from sharing information with some shareholders to the exclusion of others.”
“We’ve received several questions from shareholders related to the decision of our predecessor company to elect ‘shell company’ status in its SEC filings during the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2009. After an internal review of the Company’s filings and operations during the relevant periods, as well as discussions with the previous management team, we have determined that the Company was NOT a ‘shell company’ during the relevant periods. During the process of applying for a trading symbol from FINRA the Company was forced to elect ‘shell company’ status even though the Company had significant assets, operations, and revenue; any one of which was, individually, sufficient to exclude the Company from ‘shell company’ classification per SEC guidelines. FINRA essentially obligated the Company to elect shell company status because it believed that the Company’s trading subsidiary would not continue to be a part of the Company’s business, even though management had no plans to divest this business. It is therefore the position of the Company that it is not currently, nor has it ever been, a ‘shell company’ per SEC guidelines,” concluded Massey.
Pocono Raceway Activates World’s Largest Solar-Powered Sports Facility
POCONO, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the country begins to aggressively seek alternative energy sources, a significant new solar energy project is ready to flip the switch in what might be considered an unlikely place – a NASCAR racetrack in Long Pond, PA.
Yet, considering the major sustainability programs being initiated throughout the NASCAR industry, the 3 megawatt ground-mount photovoltaic solar energy system at Pocono Raceway is completely in step with a sport taking major strides to preserve the environment.
The 25-acre solar installation, located adjacent to the 2.5-mile race track, is so large it’s visible from outer space. With its 40,000 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, it will become the primary electric energy source for the race track while adding electricity to the local power grid.
“This is an important milestone for Pocono Raceway and our sport,” said Brandon Igdalsky, President of Pocono Raceway. “Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the NASCAR industry’s commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight as the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes. This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to go green can do it.”
“NASCAR is committed to becoming a leader in environmental responsibility by reducing our impact and serving as a testing ground for innovative new approaches for sustainability,” said Brian France, Chairman and CEO of NASCAR. “This meaningful green project reflects the NASCAR industry’s collaborative approach to preserving the environment and highlights Pocono Raceway’s significant contribution as the first major U.S. sports venue to go green with 100% renewable energy. We encourage other tracks and sponsors to follow this lead in making sustainable programs and renewable energy a continued priority for the sport.”
The Pocono Raceway Solar Project, developed by enXco, and owned by Pocono Raceway, host of two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series summer events, is located along Long Pond Road adjacent to the storied raceway on land that previously served fan parking needs but is no longer used due to a reconfiguration of other parking lots on the property.
The installation consists of nearly 40,000 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,100 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
Amid the recent push to find alternative energy sources, the benefits of solar power have been tested and proven time and again. It is virtually silent, produces zero emissions and is the most readily available energy source on Earth.
“We are proud to partner with Pocono Raceway to develop the largest renewable energy stadium project in the world by more than two times,” said Peter Solomon, Director, Solar Origination at enXco. “The Pocono Raceway Solar Project marks the first project for enXco in Pennsylvania and also our first turnkey solar project. We recognize the dedicated efforts of NASCAR to become more sustainable and we look forward to helping other tracks to follow Pocono’s leadership to reduce their carbon footprint through the generation of solar energy.”
NASCAR fans have strong feelings about individual and corporate responsibility in caring for the environment. These fans have become more engaged in environmentally-minded activities, such as recycling and using energy efficient light bulbs, according to the most recent independent research (Experian Simmons National Consumer Survey):
* Green is important to NASCAR fans: 3 of 4 NASCAR fans (77%) believe each of us has a personal obligation to do what we can to be environmentally responsible compared to 75% of the overall U.S. population.
An official dedication ceremony will take place today at 11:00am today at the solar site along Long Pond Road across from Gate 3 with special guests along with local officials and representatives from Pocono Raceway, enXco and NASCAR. Photos and audio will be available at NASCARMedia.com.
Yet, considering the major sustainability programs being initiated throughout the NASCAR industry, the 3 megawatt ground-mount photovoltaic solar energy system at Pocono Raceway is completely in step with a sport taking major strides to preserve the environment.
The 25-acre solar installation, located adjacent to the 2.5-mile race track, is so large it’s visible from outer space. With its 40,000 photovoltaic modules drawing energy from the sun, it will become the primary electric energy source for the race track while adding electricity to the local power grid.
“This is an important milestone for Pocono Raceway and our sport,” said Brandon Igdalsky, President of Pocono Raceway. “Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the NASCAR industry’s commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight as the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceway’s energy needs, while helping to power local homes. This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to go green can do it.”
“NASCAR is committed to becoming a leader in environmental responsibility by reducing our impact and serving as a testing ground for innovative new approaches for sustainability,” said Brian France, Chairman and CEO of NASCAR. “This meaningful green project reflects the NASCAR industry’s collaborative approach to preserving the environment and highlights Pocono Raceway’s significant contribution as the first major U.S. sports venue to go green with 100% renewable energy. We encourage other tracks and sponsors to follow this lead in making sustainable programs and renewable energy a continued priority for the sport.”
The Pocono Raceway Solar Project, developed by enXco, and owned by Pocono Raceway, host of two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series summer events, is located along Long Pond Road adjacent to the storied raceway on land that previously served fan parking needs but is no longer used due to a reconfiguration of other parking lots on the property.
The installation consists of nearly 40,000 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,100 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 1,000 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway.
Amid the recent push to find alternative energy sources, the benefits of solar power have been tested and proven time and again. It is virtually silent, produces zero emissions and is the most readily available energy source on Earth.
“We are proud to partner with Pocono Raceway to develop the largest renewable energy stadium project in the world by more than two times,” said Peter Solomon, Director, Solar Origination at enXco. “The Pocono Raceway Solar Project marks the first project for enXco in Pennsylvania and also our first turnkey solar project. We recognize the dedicated efforts of NASCAR to become more sustainable and we look forward to helping other tracks to follow Pocono’s leadership to reduce their carbon footprint through the generation of solar energy.”
NASCAR fans have strong feelings about individual and corporate responsibility in caring for the environment. These fans have become more engaged in environmentally-minded activities, such as recycling and using energy efficient light bulbs, according to the most recent independent research (Experian Simmons National Consumer Survey):
* Green is important to NASCAR fans: 3 of 4 NASCAR fans (77%) believe each of us has a personal obligation to do what we can to be environmentally responsible compared to 75% of the overall U.S. population.
- Green companies are recognized by NASCAR fans: 2 of 3 NASCAR fans (65%) indicate companies should help consumers become more environmentally responsible compared to 64% of the overall U.S. population.
- NASCAR fans exhibit “green behavior” in their everyday lives: More than 80% of NASCAR fan households recycle, up +12% over the past 5 years.
- Green products are increasingly used by NASCAR fans: Approximately 40% of NASCAR fan households use energy efficient light bulbs, more than double the amount just 5 years ago.
An official dedication ceremony will take place today at 11:00am today at the solar site along Long Pond Road across from Gate 3 with special guests along with local officials and representatives from Pocono Raceway, enXco and NASCAR. Photos and audio will be available at NASCARMedia.com.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Saft and Acciona Energia Join Forces to Offer Improved Stability, Power Management and Grid Connection for Photovoltaic Plant in Spain
PARIS, July 28, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
- Containerized Lithium-ion Energy Storage Battery Marks Major Step in Viability of Renewable Energy Sources
Saft has announced a three-year deal to work with Spain's Acciona Energia SA as part of a Eurogia+ labelled project aimed at improving the viability of photovoltaic and other renewable energy source power plants. The project will demonstrate the technical and financial benefits of using a containerized energy storage, conversion and management system to provide grid ancillary services as well as power management to help smooth the plant output.
As part of the initial project at a photovoltaic (PV) plant in Tudela, Spain, Saft will develop a modular lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system to be housed inside a six-meter container designed for industrial applications. The container includes active temperature control systems and a fire suppression system. The long-life Li-ion battery offers very high energy-efficiency, no battery maintenance and an easy way to measure the battery state of charge even while in use.
The project also seeks to integrate PV plants within the grid as conventional power plants by means of new control systems to be developed by Acciona Energia, including test of new PV technologies, with a final aim of reducing the Cost of Energy (LCOE) and providing additional services such as ancillary services, improving grid stability and back up power security.
"With the ever increasing contribution of renewables in our electricity mix, it is of crucial importance to improve the electrical behaviour of renewable power plants The decision to work with Saft on this project was a natural one", said Miguel Arraras, Solar PV Development Director Acciona Energia. "In addition to their batteries high energy-efficiency and reliability, their containerized solution is ideal when it comes to addressing environmental constraints of field deployment. Saft's knowledge of designing, manufacturing and controlling large energy storage systems means it will be a key contributor to the partnership."
As part of the system, Saft will be able to offer the customer 1.1MW power at up to 1,000V. Each container is easily scalable and will interface with existing power conversion devices.
"We are delighted to be working with Acciona on this groundbreaking project," said Francois Bouchon, Director of the Energy Storage Business Unit, Saft. "We believe the introduction of containerized energy storage makes photovoltaic and other renewable energy source plants an increasingly attractive option for the future. The ability to address issues around reliability, stability and power management is a huge step for the power industry in its efforts to integrate ecological concerns."
- Containerized Lithium-ion Energy Storage Battery Marks Major Step in Viability of Renewable Energy Sources
Saft has announced a three-year deal to work with Spain's Acciona Energia SA as part of a Eurogia+ labelled project aimed at improving the viability of photovoltaic and other renewable energy source power plants. The project will demonstrate the technical and financial benefits of using a containerized energy storage, conversion and management system to provide grid ancillary services as well as power management to help smooth the plant output.
As part of the initial project at a photovoltaic (PV) plant in Tudela, Spain, Saft will develop a modular lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system to be housed inside a six-meter container designed for industrial applications. The container includes active temperature control systems and a fire suppression system. The long-life Li-ion battery offers very high energy-efficiency, no battery maintenance and an easy way to measure the battery state of charge even while in use.
The project also seeks to integrate PV plants within the grid as conventional power plants by means of new control systems to be developed by Acciona Energia, including test of new PV technologies, with a final aim of reducing the Cost of Energy (LCOE) and providing additional services such as ancillary services, improving grid stability and back up power security.
"With the ever increasing contribution of renewables in our electricity mix, it is of crucial importance to improve the electrical behaviour of renewable power plants The decision to work with Saft on this project was a natural one", said Miguel Arraras, Solar PV Development Director Acciona Energia. "In addition to their batteries high energy-efficiency and reliability, their containerized solution is ideal when it comes to addressing environmental constraints of field deployment. Saft's knowledge of designing, manufacturing and controlling large energy storage systems means it will be a key contributor to the partnership."
As part of the system, Saft will be able to offer the customer 1.1MW power at up to 1,000V. Each container is easily scalable and will interface with existing power conversion devices.
"We are delighted to be working with Acciona on this groundbreaking project," said Francois Bouchon, Director of the Energy Storage Business Unit, Saft. "We believe the introduction of containerized energy storage makes photovoltaic and other renewable energy source plants an increasingly attractive option for the future. The ability to address issues around reliability, stability and power management is a huge step for the power industry in its efforts to integrate ecological concerns."
SRS Energy Partners with Sunset Magazine to Power 'Dream Remodel'
PHILADELPHIA, July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- SRS Energy, a leading developer of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products, today announced that its Sole Power Tile has been chosen to power the Sunset Dream Remodel Home. The Open House began last Friday and will continue through August 15th, 2010.
This historic 1920's bungalow in Los Gatos, California, has been overhauled into a modern Mediterranean villa. De Mattei Construction transformed a 1,500 square foot rental property into a green oasis using sustainable building materials. The Sole Power Tile, the first curved solar roof tile, was selected for its seamless integration with the barrel-style clay roof, preserving the home's historic appeal while delivering renewable energy savings.
"We did this remodel consciously because of the times," says Kathi McCalligan, Sunset's Home Programs Director. "We wanted to showcase that smart design can be beautiful." The Sole Power Tile system is a stunning complement to a gallery of green design including drought-tolerant landscaping, low VOC paint, and an eco-friendly custom kitchen island.
"Builders and homeowners have become increasingly aware of the financial benefits of solar power," says SRS Energy CEO, JD Albert. "Sunset's Dream Remodel is a perfect fit for the Sole Power Tile which fuses the timeless style of clay tile with excellence in engineering." The Sunset Sole Power Tile system includes sixty solar roof tiles, with an estimated annual production of 1,200 kilowatt hours. The Sole Power Tile system is expected to eliminate expensive, top-tier electricity costs for the future owner.
The Sole Power Tile was recently recognized as the first curved solar roof tile to obtain UL certification and CEC listing. SRS Energy and US Tile, the largest manufacturer of clay tile in North America, have partnered to launch the Sole Power Tile system in California with a nationwide rollout of the product to follow.
This historic 1920's bungalow in Los Gatos, California, has been overhauled into a modern Mediterranean villa. De Mattei Construction transformed a 1,500 square foot rental property into a green oasis using sustainable building materials. The Sole Power Tile, the first curved solar roof tile, was selected for its seamless integration with the barrel-style clay roof, preserving the home's historic appeal while delivering renewable energy savings.
"We did this remodel consciously because of the times," says Kathi McCalligan, Sunset's Home Programs Director. "We wanted to showcase that smart design can be beautiful." The Sole Power Tile system is a stunning complement to a gallery of green design including drought-tolerant landscaping, low VOC paint, and an eco-friendly custom kitchen island.
"Builders and homeowners have become increasingly aware of the financial benefits of solar power," says SRS Energy CEO, JD Albert. "Sunset's Dream Remodel is a perfect fit for the Sole Power Tile which fuses the timeless style of clay tile with excellence in engineering." The Sunset Sole Power Tile system includes sixty solar roof tiles, with an estimated annual production of 1,200 kilowatt hours. The Sole Power Tile system is expected to eliminate expensive, top-tier electricity costs for the future owner.
The Sole Power Tile was recently recognized as the first curved solar roof tile to obtain UL certification and CEC listing. SRS Energy and US Tile, the largest manufacturer of clay tile in North America, have partnered to launch the Sole Power Tile system in California with a nationwide rollout of the product to follow.
Pacific Blue Energy Corp. Begins Permitting Process for Solar Project in Gila Bend
PHOENIX, July 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Pacific Blue Energy Corp. (OTCBB: PBEC), a publicly traded developer of renewable energy projects, today announced that it is preparing to begin the permitting process for 100 acres in Gila Bend, Arizona, the purchase of which should be completed in the near future. As a result of the town's solar overlay policy and strong support from town officials and staff, PBEC is on track to have the first phase of its 150 MW solar farm approved in two to four months, as opposed to the typical time frame of two years.
"Our recent meeting with the town mayor and manager demonstrated their commitment to fast tracking this project," says Joel Franklin, CEO of PBEC. "We are excited about making the first phase of our Gila Bend solar farm a reality."
PBEC is in the process of completing an American Land Title Association study on the 100 acres, which determines property lines and the location of improvements as well as identifies all easements, utilities and other conditions affecting the property. The ALTA study is scheduled to be completed by Friday, July 30, 2010.
At the same time, PBEC has begun a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, which will be completed by the first week of August. The Assessment is a specific study of the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances.
"We are confident that PBEC's solar project will continue to put the spotlight on Gila Bend as a place to develop renewable energy projects," says Gila Bend Mayor Ron Henry. "We have identified the solar industry as a top priority in our economic development initiatives. Our land availability, affordability, rapid land entitlement process, and our unique geographic proximity to multi-modal transportation make Gila Bend the prime location for the solar industry."
"Our recent meeting with the town mayor and manager demonstrated their commitment to fast tracking this project," says Joel Franklin, CEO of PBEC. "We are excited about making the first phase of our Gila Bend solar farm a reality."
PBEC is in the process of completing an American Land Title Association study on the 100 acres, which determines property lines and the location of improvements as well as identifies all easements, utilities and other conditions affecting the property. The ALTA study is scheduled to be completed by Friday, July 30, 2010.
At the same time, PBEC has begun a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, which will be completed by the first week of August. The Assessment is a specific study of the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances.
"We are confident that PBEC's solar project will continue to put the spotlight on Gila Bend as a place to develop renewable energy projects," says Gila Bend Mayor Ron Henry. "We have identified the solar industry as a top priority in our economic development initiatives. Our land availability, affordability, rapid land entitlement process, and our unique geographic proximity to multi-modal transportation make Gila Bend the prime location for the solar industry."
Solar Nation™ Installs Second Solar-Electric System for Metallion Industries
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Nation has announced the installation and commissioning of a solar-electric system on a building owned by Metallion Industries. The 31kW solar-electric system is the second array installed by Solar Nation for the Estacada, OR, company during the past year.
The new solar-electric system consists of 130 SolarWorld Sunmodule panels covering 2,354 square feet of preexisting roof space. The cells of the Sunmodule panels were manufactured in Hillsboro, Oregon, and the modules were assembled in Camarillo, California. Metallion opted to have the additional solar-electric system installed in order to reduce and stabilize energy costs for itself and its tenants.
"Since installing our first solar-energy system at the end of 2009, we have received direct financial benefits from solar energy while at the same time acting as good stewards of the environment, which benefits current generations and generations to come. We are happy with how our first system worked and decided to have Solar Nation finish what they had started," said Nolan Bechtel, Owner of Metallion Industries, Inc.
"We are extremely proud that Metallion Industries has chosen to install a second solar-electric system, because it means that Solar Nation satisfied the customer. By installing this second solar-electric system, Metallion Industries has further lowered its operating costs and the operating costs of its tenants, making them stronger businesses and employers, all while cutting carbon emissions and improving the environment," said Paul Hodge, CEO of Solar Nation (www.solarnation.com).
It is estimated that during each year of its 25-year warranted life, the CO2 offset of Metallion’s new solar-energy system will be the equivalent of removing over four passenger vehicles from the road for that year.
The new solar-electric system consists of 130 SolarWorld Sunmodule panels covering 2,354 square feet of preexisting roof space. The cells of the Sunmodule panels were manufactured in Hillsboro, Oregon, and the modules were assembled in Camarillo, California. Metallion opted to have the additional solar-electric system installed in order to reduce and stabilize energy costs for itself and its tenants.
"Since installing our first solar-energy system at the end of 2009, we have received direct financial benefits from solar energy while at the same time acting as good stewards of the environment, which benefits current generations and generations to come. We are happy with how our first system worked and decided to have Solar Nation finish what they had started," said Nolan Bechtel, Owner of Metallion Industries, Inc.
"We are extremely proud that Metallion Industries has chosen to install a second solar-electric system, because it means that Solar Nation satisfied the customer. By installing this second solar-electric system, Metallion Industries has further lowered its operating costs and the operating costs of its tenants, making them stronger businesses and employers, all while cutting carbon emissions and improving the environment," said Paul Hodge, CEO of Solar Nation (www.solarnation.com).
It is estimated that during each year of its 25-year warranted life, the CO2 offset of Metallion’s new solar-energy system will be the equivalent of removing over four passenger vehicles from the road for that year.
SunReports and Valentin Software Close the Loop on Solar System Performance
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valentin Software, Inc., the global market leader in solar PV and solar thermal design and simulation software, and SunReports, Inc., a provider of performance monitoring solutions for residential and small commercial solar installations, have teamed up to close the loop on estimation tools and provide valuable performance data to the solar industry. SunReports will provide actual performance data to customers whose PV and solar thermal systems were designed and estimated using Valentin’s software programs.
Valentin Software’s design simulation software has been validated, tested, and used to design and plan thousands of installations in over 70 countries throughout the world. The company’s easy-to-use design tools enable users to optimize each system’s design to maximize the performance and return on investment. Using a complex simulation, the software automatically calculates the performance over the expected life of the system.
“We understand the value of predictive data as seen in the thousands of installed systems designed with our software,” says Paul DeKleermaeker, North American General Manager for Valentin Software. “The SunReports feedback loop is a natural and valuable extension to the prediction capabilities our customers rely on us for, thus allowing them to identify system operations issues in advance.”
SunReports will complement the Valentin Software’s simulation results by providing actual performance data that can be compared with the Valentin estimated performance. This complete solution provides solar installers with unprecedented visibility into system performance, both predicted and actual, via the SunReports Installer Portal, in addition to helping installers identify system installation and maintenance requirements early on.
Thomas Dinkel, CEO of SunReports comments, “With SunReports and Valentin’s state-of-the-art product line, installers now have the ability to rate the performance of their entire installed-base against their performance predictions to customers. This ability to show highly accurate actual vs. predicted performance data on the same visual provides installers with a valuable and powerful differentiation tool when going to market.”
Valentin Software’s design simulation software has been validated, tested, and used to design and plan thousands of installations in over 70 countries throughout the world. The company’s easy-to-use design tools enable users to optimize each system’s design to maximize the performance and return on investment. Using a complex simulation, the software automatically calculates the performance over the expected life of the system.
“We understand the value of predictive data as seen in the thousands of installed systems designed with our software,” says Paul DeKleermaeker, North American General Manager for Valentin Software. “The SunReports feedback loop is a natural and valuable extension to the prediction capabilities our customers rely on us for, thus allowing them to identify system operations issues in advance.”
SunReports will complement the Valentin Software’s simulation results by providing actual performance data that can be compared with the Valentin estimated performance. This complete solution provides solar installers with unprecedented visibility into system performance, both predicted and actual, via the SunReports Installer Portal, in addition to helping installers identify system installation and maintenance requirements early on.
Thomas Dinkel, CEO of SunReports comments, “With SunReports and Valentin’s state-of-the-art product line, installers now have the ability to rate the performance of their entire installed-base against their performance predictions to customers. This ability to show highly accurate actual vs. predicted performance data on the same visual provides installers with a valuable and powerful differentiation tool when going to market.”
GSLO Development Partner PREE™ Launches New Website
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GoSolarUSA Inc. (PinkSheets: GSLO) announced today that the PREE™ Corporation has launched a new website which has been designed to further inform the public about the PREE™ company, technology and products in development. PREE™ owns a breakthrough technology that uses wireless internet signals and solar energy to keep Smartphones constantly charged without having to be plugged in. On July 20th, GSLO and the principles of PREE™ signed Definitive Agreements for the development, delivery and marketing of the new cutting-edge PREE™ product line. GSLO Management is anticipating significant market demand for the PREE™ technology and its associated products. GSLO has encountered a wave of public interest in the PREE™ technology since first announcing a potential deal with PREE™ on June 9th.
PREE™ stands for “Providing Reliable Energy Everywhere”. The new website can be seen at http://preecorp.com/
The PREE™ technology is designed for use with a wide range of Smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone (NASDAQ: AAPL), Research in Motion’s Blackberry (NASDAQ: RIMM) and Google’s Android (NASDAQ: GOOG). GSLO believes that a large market already exists for the new PREE™ technology and the PREE™ product line that is currently in development.
Smartphone users often find that their batteries can’t keep up with power-hungry applications. A typical Smartphone battery will lose 5% to 10% of its life every hour. As a result, (before the PREE™) users had to plug their phones into a charger at least once a day or more. The PREE™ product is a device being configured to empower users to disconnect from the plug and go wireless for as long as they need to use their applications. This exciting device converts inbound wireless LAN waves and solar energy into an electrical charge powerful enough to keep the Smartphone charged.
More information on the PREE™ can be seen at www.GoSolarUSA.com/technology.html
Mobile phone accessories generate billions of dollars of revenue to manufacturers. GSLO is excited to be a part of bringing a new American technology to the market that can be used worldwide. The phone accessory market is projected to reach $80 Billion by 2012. The company feels that this product has major market potential.
For more information on the Company see: www.GoSolarUSA.com.
PREE™ stands for “Providing Reliable Energy Everywhere”. The new website can be seen at http://preecorp.com/
The PREE™ technology is designed for use with a wide range of Smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone (NASDAQ: AAPL), Research in Motion’s Blackberry (NASDAQ: RIMM) and Google’s Android (NASDAQ: GOOG). GSLO believes that a large market already exists for the new PREE™ technology and the PREE™ product line that is currently in development.
Smartphone users often find that their batteries can’t keep up with power-hungry applications. A typical Smartphone battery will lose 5% to 10% of its life every hour. As a result, (before the PREE™) users had to plug their phones into a charger at least once a day or more. The PREE™ product is a device being configured to empower users to disconnect from the plug and go wireless for as long as they need to use their applications. This exciting device converts inbound wireless LAN waves and solar energy into an electrical charge powerful enough to keep the Smartphone charged.
More information on the PREE™ can be seen at www.GoSolarUSA.com/technology.html
Mobile phone accessories generate billions of dollars of revenue to manufacturers. GSLO is excited to be a part of bringing a new American technology to the market that can be used worldwide. The phone accessory market is projected to reach $80 Billion by 2012. The company feels that this product has major market potential.
For more information on the Company see: www.GoSolarUSA.com.
RSB Funds Offers Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Entities Utility Rate-Indexed PPAs for Solar Projects
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Renewable Social Benefit Funds (RSB Funds) today announced the introduction of a unique solar energy financing program exclusively for nonprofit and tax-exempt entities in the U.S. that will guarantee solar power at a five percent (5%) savings compared to the cost of traditional power. Under this national program, RSB Funds will make solar energy available through power purchase agreements (PPAs), where solar prices are indexed at a fixed 5% discount to the customer’s prevailing utility rate for the life of the agreement, even if power rates drop. RSB Funds has partnered with Pacific Edison, Golden Power Partners, and Martifer Solar USA for the implementation of this new program.
“Across the country, schools, local governments and nonprofits are dealing with monumental economic challenges caused by the recession. In the meantime, energy prices continue to rise and consume an increasing portion of critical operating budgets,” said Jonathan Jaffrey, CEO, RSB Funds. “RSB Funds designed this plan with these organizations in mind, and we absolutely guarantee that our clients will spend less on utility bills with this rate-indexed PPA option.”
The PPA will require no money down, include operations and maintenance for all systems at no additional cost, and increase or decrease with electric rates. It is guaranteed to generate solar power at a 5% savings compared to the cost of traditional power for the lifetime of the agreement.
“Given recent energy price volatility, many of our clients distrust projections about future utility rate increases, and that can make them nervous about adopting solar energy,” said Dion Camp-Sanders, CEO of Pacific Edison. “This utility rate-indexed PPA pricing program solves that problem and allows our clients to embrace solar energy with the comfort and security of knowing that they will always be paying 5% less than utility rates. We are pleased to join RSB Funds as a solar project development partner in support of this revolutionary product.”
“Across the country, schools, local governments and nonprofits are dealing with monumental economic challenges caused by the recession. In the meantime, energy prices continue to rise and consume an increasing portion of critical operating budgets,” said Jonathan Jaffrey, CEO, RSB Funds. “RSB Funds designed this plan with these organizations in mind, and we absolutely guarantee that our clients will spend less on utility bills with this rate-indexed PPA option.”
The PPA will require no money down, include operations and maintenance for all systems at no additional cost, and increase or decrease with electric rates. It is guaranteed to generate solar power at a 5% savings compared to the cost of traditional power for the lifetime of the agreement.
“Given recent energy price volatility, many of our clients distrust projections about future utility rate increases, and that can make them nervous about adopting solar energy,” said Dion Camp-Sanders, CEO of Pacific Edison. “This utility rate-indexed PPA pricing program solves that problem and allows our clients to embrace solar energy with the comfort and security of knowing that they will always be paying 5% less than utility rates. We are pleased to join RSB Funds as a solar project development partner in support of this revolutionary product.”
SolarWorld Sponsors LA Project to Demonstrate Powers of Disabled Veterans, Temporary Housing, Solar Energy
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Veterans with disabilities resulting from military conflicts such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrated their abilities in rapidly erecting a temporary home featuring high-performance SolarWorld solar panels this week on Los Angeles City Hall’s south lawn.
The project to build a universally accessible house in a matter of hours was one element of a 20th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which recognizes and protects the rights of Americans with disabilities to participate in U.S. work, commerce and community life.
The LA Department of Disability, the nonprofit group Prevent Hate and veterans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Long Beach Healthcare System staged the home project to demonstrate a joint training program to foster empowerment in at-risk and marginalized populations. The dwelling exemplified an ADA-compliant structure that can be quickly deployed during emergencies, used to reduce homelessness and constructed easily by people with disabilities. SolarWorld Sunmodules were placed, but not installed, on the roof. Prevent Hate promotes community empowerment and intergroup relations.
SolarWorld, the largest and most experienced crystalline solar technology manufacturer in the Americas, was premier sponsor of the temporary home project on July 26. The company recognizes the destabilizing and military effects of the world’s overdependence on fossil fuels and the need for veterans returned to their home countries to find sustainable employment. SolarWorld also advocates the unique strengths of its solar technology in generating electricity in remote locations and emergency situations.
In the USA, SolarWorld has joined sponsors of four Oregon job fairs for soldiers returning from the two Mideast conflicts. The company is culminating an expansion to 500 MW of annual capacity and 1,000 people in Hillsboro, Ore., and is seeking employees with a high mechanical aptitude and work ethic. Moreover, the company has made three rounds of donations of solar panels – including a gift announced July 13 for 100 kilowatts – for health clinics or water-pumping stations in earthquake-torn Haiti.
“We need to embrace suitable job candidates among our returning military for redeployment on a new, green mission for America: marshaling our own manufacturing prowess to diversify our energy base to include reliable, clean, undiminishing energy from the sun,” said Kevin Kilkelly, SolarWorld’s president of U.S. sales. “We also need to spread that technology in countless regions that, due to disaster, war or poverty, lack electricity to care for themselves according to basic health and life standards.”
The project to build a universally accessible house in a matter of hours was one element of a 20th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which recognizes and protects the rights of Americans with disabilities to participate in U.S. work, commerce and community life.
The LA Department of Disability, the nonprofit group Prevent Hate and veterans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Long Beach Healthcare System staged the home project to demonstrate a joint training program to foster empowerment in at-risk and marginalized populations. The dwelling exemplified an ADA-compliant structure that can be quickly deployed during emergencies, used to reduce homelessness and constructed easily by people with disabilities. SolarWorld Sunmodules were placed, but not installed, on the roof. Prevent Hate promotes community empowerment and intergroup relations.
SolarWorld, the largest and most experienced crystalline solar technology manufacturer in the Americas, was premier sponsor of the temporary home project on July 26. The company recognizes the destabilizing and military effects of the world’s overdependence on fossil fuels and the need for veterans returned to their home countries to find sustainable employment. SolarWorld also advocates the unique strengths of its solar technology in generating electricity in remote locations and emergency situations.
In the USA, SolarWorld has joined sponsors of four Oregon job fairs for soldiers returning from the two Mideast conflicts. The company is culminating an expansion to 500 MW of annual capacity and 1,000 people in Hillsboro, Ore., and is seeking employees with a high mechanical aptitude and work ethic. Moreover, the company has made three rounds of donations of solar panels – including a gift announced July 13 for 100 kilowatts – for health clinics or water-pumping stations in earthquake-torn Haiti.
“We need to embrace suitable job candidates among our returning military for redeployment on a new, green mission for America: marshaling our own manufacturing prowess to diversify our energy base to include reliable, clean, undiminishing energy from the sun,” said Kevin Kilkelly, SolarWorld’s president of U.S. sales. “We also need to spread that technology in countless regions that, due to disaster, war or poverty, lack electricity to care for themselves according to basic health and life standards.”
Sulfurcell Signs 16 MW Supply Agreements in China and India for Thin-film Solar Panels
BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sulfurcell GmbH, one of the leading manufacturers of CIS thin-film solar modules, has concluded supply agreements with new customers in India and China in excess of 16 megawatts (MW). In China, over 10 MW of Sulfurcell’s solar panels will be deployed in new construction and building integrated applications. In India, over 6 MW of the company’s modules will be used for commercial rooftop projects.
“Sulfurcell’s innovative solar energy solutions have been met with great interest in the Asian market,” says CEO and company founder Dr. Nikolaus Meyer. “The new supply agreements in China and Asia for over 16MW of our CIS modules mark an important stage for us as we expand into the global market.”
Sulfurcell has concluded a supply agreement exceeding 10 MW with a Chinese company that plans to deploy Sulfurcell solar panels for large-scale construction projects and building integration (BIPV) applications in mainland China. Sulfurcell’s high quality black modules are especially well suited for building-integrated solar energy systems.
In India, Sulfurcell will provide over 6 MW of modules by 2012 to the Prime Group of New Delhi for mainly commercial rooftop projects. The Prime Group, which has subsidiaries in Europe and the Far East, produces and operates high-tech products and is also active in the renewable energy sector.
“We value not just the technological competitive edge offered by the Sulfurcell modules, which are particularly good at generating high yields in spite of the heat of this region, but also Sulfurcell’s reputation for high quality,” said Surinder Mehta, Founder of the Prime Group. “Our agreement with Sulfurcell marks the beginning of a what we hope will be a mutually beneficial collaboration.”
“Sulfurcell’s high quality and powerful thin-film solar modules are uniquely well-suited for BIPV,” said Dr. Nikolaus Meyer. “In the coming years, we hope to help shape the building-integrated photovoltaics segment with expertise and innovations.”
“Sulfurcell’s innovative solar energy solutions have been met with great interest in the Asian market,” says CEO and company founder Dr. Nikolaus Meyer. “The new supply agreements in China and Asia for over 16MW of our CIS modules mark an important stage for us as we expand into the global market.”
Sulfurcell has concluded a supply agreement exceeding 10 MW with a Chinese company that plans to deploy Sulfurcell solar panels for large-scale construction projects and building integration (BIPV) applications in mainland China. Sulfurcell’s high quality black modules are especially well suited for building-integrated solar energy systems.
In India, Sulfurcell will provide over 6 MW of modules by 2012 to the Prime Group of New Delhi for mainly commercial rooftop projects. The Prime Group, which has subsidiaries in Europe and the Far East, produces and operates high-tech products and is also active in the renewable energy sector.
“We value not just the technological competitive edge offered by the Sulfurcell modules, which are particularly good at generating high yields in spite of the heat of this region, but also Sulfurcell’s reputation for high quality,” said Surinder Mehta, Founder of the Prime Group. “Our agreement with Sulfurcell marks the beginning of a what we hope will be a mutually beneficial collaboration.”
“Sulfurcell’s high quality and powerful thin-film solar modules are uniquely well-suited for BIPV,” said Dr. Nikolaus Meyer. “In the coming years, we hope to help shape the building-integrated photovoltaics segment with expertise and innovations.”
Satcon to Announce Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results on Thursday, August 5
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Satcon Technology Corporation® (NASDAQ CM: SATC), a leading provider of utility scale power solutions for the renewable energy market, plans to announce its financial results for the second quarter 2010 after the close of market on Thursday, August 5, 2010. In conjunction with the announcement, management will host a conference call that day at 5:00 p.m. ET.
To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 407-8289 (U.S. and Canada) or (201) 689-8341 (International). The call will also be available as a live and archived audio webcast on the “Investor Relations” section of Satcon’s website at http://investor.satcon.com.
About Satcon
Satcon Technology Corporation is the leading provider of utility scale power solutions for the renewable energy market, enabling the industry's most advanced reliable and proven clean energy alternatives. For over 24 years, Satcon has designed and delivered the next generation of efficient energy systems for solar photovoltaic, stationary fuel cells, and energy storage systems. To learn more about Satcon, please visit www.Satcon.com.
To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 407-8289 (U.S. and Canada) or (201) 689-8341 (International). The call will also be available as a live and archived audio webcast on the “Investor Relations” section of Satcon’s website at http://investor.satcon.com.
About Satcon
Satcon Technology Corporation is the leading provider of utility scale power solutions for the renewable energy market, enabling the industry's most advanced reliable and proven clean energy alternatives. For over 24 years, Satcon has designed and delivered the next generation of efficient energy systems for solar photovoltaic, stationary fuel cells, and energy storage systems. To learn more about Satcon, please visit www.Satcon.com.
Carmanah Provides Solar LED Lighting for Bridge Lighting Project
VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Carmanah Technologies Corporation is providing 26 EverGEN 1710 solar LED lighting units to illuminate the Selkirk Trestle Bridge in Victoria, BC. The units will run the length of the 300 meter long railway trestle bridge and will provide illumination for pedestrians and cyclists who use this significant commuter corridor.
The EverGEN 1710 units will incorporate Advanced Occupancy Sensing, leading edge occupancy sensing technology that is not offered by any other light on the market. Advanced Occupancy Sensing allows all the lights on the trestle to be activated when just one light senses motion. This functionality significantly increases safety and security by allowing a pedestrian or cyclist to illuminate the entire bridge by moving under just the first light on the trestle.
In addition, the EverGEN 1710 units will require no electrical connections, allowing them to install easily on the bridge and to operate free of ongoing electricity bills as stipulated in the project requirements. In addition to cost saving benefits, the units also offer environmentally friendly illumination by reducing sky glow as per Dark Sky Guidelines, and meeting Department of Fisheries and Ocean Habitat Regulations for light spill.
The installation of the EverGEN systems was initiated by a local community cooperative whose aim is to help move important community projects through to completion while supporting local businesses. The cooperative also aims to provide the basis for wider acceptance of sustainable technologies.
“The most important consideration is the benefit to the community this project will provide,” said a Cooperative representative. “This project will hopefully become a model for what community initiatives can do when they are allowed to.”
“We are pleased that Carmanah technology was chosen to be a part of this community-initiated project,” said Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO. “It really speaks to the viability of solar LED lighting, not just in terms of cost-savings and contribution to eco-friendly infrastructure, but also to the appeal of the technology to communities and community organizations seeking to exhibit leadership and provide a model for other communities to follow.”
The EverGEN 1710 units will incorporate Advanced Occupancy Sensing, leading edge occupancy sensing technology that is not offered by any other light on the market. Advanced Occupancy Sensing allows all the lights on the trestle to be activated when just one light senses motion. This functionality significantly increases safety and security by allowing a pedestrian or cyclist to illuminate the entire bridge by moving under just the first light on the trestle.
In addition, the EverGEN 1710 units will require no electrical connections, allowing them to install easily on the bridge and to operate free of ongoing electricity bills as stipulated in the project requirements. In addition to cost saving benefits, the units also offer environmentally friendly illumination by reducing sky glow as per Dark Sky Guidelines, and meeting Department of Fisheries and Ocean Habitat Regulations for light spill.
The installation of the EverGEN systems was initiated by a local community cooperative whose aim is to help move important community projects through to completion while supporting local businesses. The cooperative also aims to provide the basis for wider acceptance of sustainable technologies.
“The most important consideration is the benefit to the community this project will provide,” said a Cooperative representative. “This project will hopefully become a model for what community initiatives can do when they are allowed to.”
“We are pleased that Carmanah technology was chosen to be a part of this community-initiated project,” said Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO. “It really speaks to the viability of solar LED lighting, not just in terms of cost-savings and contribution to eco-friendly infrastructure, but also to the appeal of the technology to communities and community organizations seeking to exhibit leadership and provide a model for other communities to follow.”
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Southern California Edison Awards 36 Contracts for Utility-Scale Solar Rooftop Project
ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern California Edison awarded 36 contracts to independent power producers for a total of nearly 60 megawatts from photovoltaic solar panels that will produce emission-free energy for SCE customers. The panels will be installed on 31 unused rooftops and five ground-mount sites in SCE’s service territory.
The solar rooftop project, approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in June 2009, calls for a total of 500 megawatts of solar generating capacity, most of it on otherwise unused large warehouse rooftops. Half of the 500 megawatts will be from independent power producers who respond to SCE’s request for offers under competitive solicitations; the remaining 250 megawatts will be owned and operated by SCE. It is expected that this project will create about 1,200 jobs for Southern Californians.
“These contracts make significant strides toward distributed renewable generation for one of the most innovative solar programs in the country,” said Marc Ulrich, SCE vice president, Renewable and Alternative Power. “We’re working to help California meet its Million Solar Roofs goal and supply even more renewable energy to our customers where and when it’s most needed, without the added time and expense to construct major new transmission facilities.” The contracts awarded today are the first executed under the competitive solicitations for independent power producers.
SCE believes that its solar rooftop project will be a boon for the solar industry and consumers alike, with the resulting cost per unit significantly more cost effective than more common residential photovoltaic installations in California. Eventually, this could help drive down installation costs of photovoltaic generation for everyone. When complete, the solar panels will cover an area totaling 4 square miles on about 250 otherwise unused warehouse roofs. The total power production will rival a utility-scale power plant, enough electricity to serve 325,000 average homes at a point in time. SCE has already installed panels on three rooftop warehouses in California’s Inland Empire that are delivering – or are in line to deliver – electricity to the grid.
SCE is the nation’s leading utility for renewable energy. In 2009, SCE delivered 13.6 billion kilowatt hours of renewable power to its customers, about 17 percent of its total power portfolio.
The solar rooftop project, approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in June 2009, calls for a total of 500 megawatts of solar generating capacity, most of it on otherwise unused large warehouse rooftops. Half of the 500 megawatts will be from independent power producers who respond to SCE’s request for offers under competitive solicitations; the remaining 250 megawatts will be owned and operated by SCE. It is expected that this project will create about 1,200 jobs for Southern Californians.
“These contracts make significant strides toward distributed renewable generation for one of the most innovative solar programs in the country,” said Marc Ulrich, SCE vice president, Renewable and Alternative Power. “We’re working to help California meet its Million Solar Roofs goal and supply even more renewable energy to our customers where and when it’s most needed, without the added time and expense to construct major new transmission facilities.” The contracts awarded today are the first executed under the competitive solicitations for independent power producers.
SCE believes that its solar rooftop project will be a boon for the solar industry and consumers alike, with the resulting cost per unit significantly more cost effective than more common residential photovoltaic installations in California. Eventually, this could help drive down installation costs of photovoltaic generation for everyone. When complete, the solar panels will cover an area totaling 4 square miles on about 250 otherwise unused warehouse roofs. The total power production will rival a utility-scale power plant, enough electricity to serve 325,000 average homes at a point in time. SCE has already installed panels on three rooftop warehouses in California’s Inland Empire that are delivering – or are in line to deliver – electricity to the grid.
SCE is the nation’s leading utility for renewable energy. In 2009, SCE delivered 13.6 billion kilowatt hours of renewable power to its customers, about 17 percent of its total power portfolio.
| COMPANIES AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR ROOFTOP SOLAR | ||||||||
| Company Name | Company HQ | Project location | Project size (MWDC) | Estimated Online Date | ||||
| Tioga Solar XIX, LLC | San Mateo, Calif. | City of Industry | 0.75 | 4/15/2011 | ||||
| Greenpower Williams LLC | Burbank, Calif. | Valencia | 1.30 | 10/1/2011 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | Mira Loma | 1.20 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | Ontario | 1.54 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | Ontario | 1.46 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | Corona | 1.13 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | Rialto | 1.19 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | Santa Fe Springs | 0.81 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | Pomona | 1.25 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | San Bernardino | 1.42 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SunEdison Utility Solutions, LLC | Beltsville, Md. | Fontana | 1.17 | 1/25/2012 | ||||
| SS San Antonio West LLC | Ridgefield Park, N.J. | Chino | 1.86 | 10/1/2011 | ||||
| Golden Solar, LLC | Santa Fe Springs, Calif. | Santa Fe Springs | 1.43 | 4/1/2011 | ||||
| Golden Solar, LLC | Santa Fe Springs, Calif. | Santa Fe Springs | 1.34 | 4/1/2011 | ||||
| Industry Metrolink PV 1, LLC | San Francisco, Calif. | City of Industry | 2.00 | 12/1/2010 | ||||
| Advanced Solar Integration Technologies, LLC | Irvine, Calif. | Commerce | 1.20 | 1/28/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Rancho Cucamonga | 1.26 | 1/31/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Ontario | 0.66 | 1/31/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Ontario | 0.56 | 1/31/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Ontario | 0.58 | 1/31/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Chino | 0.70 | 1/31/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Rancho Cucamonga | 0.89 | 2/28/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Rancho Cucamonga | 1.61 | 3/31/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Los Angeles | 1.70 | 3/31/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Buena Park | 2.51 | 3/31/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | La Mirada | 1.10 | 4/30/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | La Mirada | 1.02 | 4/30/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Foothill Ranch | 1.39 | 4/30/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Lake Forest | 0.94 | 4/30/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | Compton | 0.66 | 4/30/2011 | ||||
| Photon LLC | Fremont, Calif. | City of Industry | 0.59 | 4/30/2011 | ||||
| Solar Power, Inc.* | Roseville, Calif. | Palm Springs | 2.83 | 9/15/2011 | ||||
| Solar Power, Inc.* | Roseville, Calif. | Palm Springs | 4.96 | 12/15/2011 | ||||
| SEPV 1, LLC* | Woodland Hills, Calif. | Palmdale | 2.27 | 3/31/2011 | ||||
| SEPV 2, LLC* | Woodland Hills, Calif. | Twentynine Palms | 2.32 | 3/31/2011 | ||||
| Cascade Solar LLC* | San Juan Capistrano, Calif. | Joshua Tree | 10.00 | 12/15/2011 | ||||
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