Enbridge Announces Grand Opening of the Largest Photovoltaic Facility in the World

SARNIA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 30, 2010) - Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) and First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) have completed the expansion of the Sarnia Solar Project from 20 megawatts of capacity to 80 megawatts (MW) making it the largest operating photovoltaic facility in the world.

To celebrate this milestone, Enbridge will hold a Grand Opening celebration in Sarnia, Ontario. Enbridge and First Solar representatives along with the Ontario Energy Minister, Hon. Brad Duguid, will be on-hand after the formalities to speak with the media.

Mars Chocolate Headquarters First Private Sector LEED Commercial Interiors Gold Facility in New Jersey

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars Chocolate North America announced today that its corporate headquarters facility located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, is the first private sector Commercial Interiors project in New Jersey  to receive LEED Gold Certification—an internationally accepted benchmark for designing, constructing and operating green buildings—from the U.S. Green Building Council. The office is also the first existing Mars site globally to achieve this designation.

LEED Gold certification is the culmination of months of work to incorporate more than 30 Green Building strategies into the renovation of the 100,000 square foot office facility. Enhancements include the installation of water-conserving fixtures that reduce water usage by more than 30 percent; a reduction in energy use by 15 percent through the use of a newly upgraded Building Energy Management System, variable frequency drives and energy-efficient lighting and controls; an upgraded roof utilizing a highly reflective roofing material that reduces heat gain to the building; the utilization of more than 20 percent recycled content in materials, from carpet to ceiling tiles; and the installation of bike racks and preferred parking for carpools/vanpools.

"The achievement of LEED Gold certification at the Mars Chocolate North America headquarters is a tremendous achievement and a testament to Mars' commitment to the environment and to the communities in which we conduct business," said Todd Lachman, president of Mars Chocolate North America. "This accomplishment joins a host of others that comprise our larger sustainability strategy focused on sourcing, operations and our brands."

LEED certification of the Hackettstown corporate headquarters follows closely on the heels of the site's November 2009 opening of the largest ground-based solar facility installed in New Jersey. The solar garden is comprised of more than 28,000 ground-mounted solar panels on 18 acres adjacent to Mars Chocolate North America's headquarters, where more than 1,200 associates work and M&M'S® Brand Chocolate Candies are manufactured. The solar garden provides 2 MW of power during peak hours, which is equivalent to approximately 20 percent of the plant's peak energy consumption.  It reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,000 metric tons, equivalent to removing 190 vehicles from the road each year.

Mars Chocolate North America's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its New Jersey headquarters.  The company's Waco, Texas, manufacturing plant was recognized by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for its use of methane gas from the local landfill to replace 60 percent of the site's natural gas usage. Several of the company's manufacturing facilities also recycle 95 percent of their waste, significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Tigo Energy Teams With SCHOTT Solar to Bring Electronic Intelligence to Photovoltaic Projects

LOS GATOS, Calif., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Tigo Energy® and SCHOTT Solar today announced the companies are working together to bring electronic intelligence to the solar module and increase power output.

As part of the partnership, SCHOTT Solar has extensively tested and established system compatibility, including the frame mounting procedure, with the Tigo Energy Maximizer™ Solution and SCHOTT's industry-leading solar photovoltaic (PV) modules.  Additionally, Tigo Energy will be actively supporting the SCHOTT Solar initiative to include intelligent electronics in next-generation module design. 

The Tigo Energy Maximizer Solution creates smart modules that provide up to a 20 percent increase in energy production, active management capabilities and enhanced safety for utility, commercial and residential solar arrays. The implementation of the Tigo Energy PV-Safe™ feature, which enables the deactivation of all high voltage DC on the rooftop, was reviewed by local fire agencies and recognized to significantly reduce risk during a fire emergency.

"Tigo Energy actively supports the SCHOTT Solar initiative to bring increased electronic intelligence to the solar module itself and increase power harvest, and the Tigo Energy Maximizer Solution will help SCHOTT customers achieve that goal," said Jeff Krisa, Vice President at Tigo Energy.

"Customers purchase SCHOTT modules for bankable quality and reliability backed by an industry leading 25-year linear power warranty. When used with the Tigo Energy Maximizer Solution, SCHOTT modules operate at their full potential with all leading inverters, and the system can be economically deployed in any size project," said Mukesh Shah, Product Management Director at SCHOTT Solar PV, USA.

As part of the evaluation stage of the partnership, SCHOTT Solar and Tigo Energy engaged the installation community to validate the customer benefits of the solution. "The Tigo Energy Maximizer solution keeps the SCHOTT POLY 235 modules running at their peak output," said Jeff Wiggins, CEO of SolNV and President of Nevada SEIA. "Tigo Energy and Schott Solar give our customers the peace-of-mind of being able to watch the energy production of each module for the full life of the installation." SolNV completed the 5.7kW system installation earlier this year.

Tigo Energy has developed its innovative Maximizer technology aimed at accelerating the adoption of today's photovoltaic components and technologies increasing system output and maintenance effectiveness. Tigo Energy products are available in high volume and can be deployed in residential, commercial or utility scale systems today. 

San Diego-Based DiscounTechnology Goes Solar With Stellar Solar

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- DiscounTechnology is pleased to announce the installation of a 30 kW solar electric system at their San Diego, California  headquarters. Plans are already in the works to add on an additional 30kW early next year. The system was designed and installed by San Diego  solar company Stellar Solar and utilized SunPower high-efficiency solar modules and Stellar's proprietary non-penetrating rooftop racking system.

Jesse Menczer, founder and CEO of DiscounTechnology, explained his firm's ambitious green initiative:

"We've been growing rapidly over the years and therefore needed much bigger facilities. We bought a functionally obsolete building in Mission Valley that was built in the early 1980s and embarked on a total remodel, both interior and exterior of the building. This gave us an opportunity to make the building not only high-tech, but also green. We have implemented skylights and solar tubes in as many work-spaces as possible to avoid using artificial light and thus electricity. We've also deployed ultra-efficient HVAC systems and LED technology in all of our exterior and parking lot lighting. The landscaping has been replaced with indigenous, low water, drought tolerant species to reduce our impact on water supplies. The PV solar system was an obvious and necessary part of our efficiency and environmentally friendly goals." He added, "We wanted an experienced commercial solar integrator who was competitively priced and Stellar Solar fit that bill perfectly. They are professionals who take solar seriously, as evidenced by their proprietary racking system."

Michael Powers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Stellar, added, "What DiscounTechnology has done with that building is really amazing. They are truly walking the talk when it comes to green initiatives and leading by example within their industry and community."

New IDC Energy Insights Study Highlights Technologies Designed to Prevent Fires in Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDC Energy Insights announced at the IDC Energy Insights Clean Energy Outlook conference the availability of a new report, Technology Selection: Reducing Fire Risk in Rooftop Solar PV Systems (Document #EI224977) that highlights the risk of fire in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and features the technologies that help prevent those fires. 

According to the research, rooftop solar PV systems offer a unique set of benefits to home and commercial building owners seeking a quiet, unobtrusive source of clean electricity. However, the simplicity of PV systems, including their lack of moving parts and minimal maintenance requirements, makes it easy for system owners to overlook the risks that are associated with installing a power generator on a rooftop. One of those risks includes the potential for electricity to arc across an unwanted gap in the PV system's electrical circuit, thereby creating an arc-fault.

"The risk of fire must be taken into account when evaluating any electrical system that operates at high voltages and high power levels, and rooftop solar PV systems are no exception," said Jay Holman, research manager, IDC Energy Insights. "Arc-faults pose the greatest fire risk. Detecting and extinguishing arc-faults in DC PV systems will require the development of new devices called DC PV Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (DC PV AFCIs), designed to detect the signature of an arc-fault in the current of a PV system and stop the current from flowing through the arc-fault."

The 2011 U.S. National Electric Code (NEC) includes a requirement for arc-fault protection in certain new rooftop PV systems. In response, solar industry vendors are already developing technologies that not only meet this requirement, but go beyond it and provide additional protection against PV system fires. However, efforts are being slowed by the lack of an industry standard against which to certify the new devices, as well as delayed adoption of the NEC by many states and jurisdictions. As a result, it could be months or years before the majority of new PV systems being installed in the US include these new protections.

"All too often, new fire safety requirements do not make it into the code until a tragic event raises awareness of risks to the national level. Arc-fault protection in rooftop PV systems serves as an example of how an industry can take proactive measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring," concluded Holman.

The IDC Energy Insights study details the different ways in which electrical systems can fail, the ways in which those failures can cause fires, and the steps to be taken to detect and mitigate those failures before a fire can occur. Comparisons are made between the well-documented risk of fires in household electrical distribution systems and the less understood risk of fires in rooftop solar PV systems. The report reviews additions to the U.S. 2011 National Electrical Code meant to address the risk of fire in certain types of rooftop PV systems and the impact of those changes on solar systems in the U.S. is assessed. Finally, recommendations are made for solar industry vendors and solar PV system owners who must comply with the new requirements of the U.S. National Electric Code.

The IDC Energy Insights Clean Energy Outlook conference is an invitation-only forum that distills the latest happenings in distributed and renewable energy. It brings together industry leaders with diverse views to discuss current and future market scenarios, the competitive landscape, and end-user experiences with information technology in these dynamic markets.

For additional information about this study, or to arrange a one-on-one briefing with Jay Holman, please contact Sarah Murray at 781-794-3214 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              781-794-3214      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or sarahbethmurray@gmail.com. Reports are available to qualified members of the media. For information on purchasing reports, contact insights@idc.com; reporters should email sarahbethmurray@gmail.com.

SOLON to Develop and Build Breakthrough 18MW Solar Power Plant for Arizona Public Service

TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tucson-based SOLON Corporation, one of the largest crystalline silicon solar module manufacturers and provider of turnkey solar power plants in the U.S., today announced a contract with Arizona Public Service (APS) to develop, design and construct an 18-megawatt (MW) solar power plant featuring SOLON’s turnkey system design, high-efficiency modules and single-axis trackers. APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves more than 1.1 million customers in the state.  

Once installed this system will be one of the largest photovoltaic (PV) systems in the country, creating more than 550 local jobs during construction, and ultimately capable of generating enough solar energy to power more than 4,500 homes. Located on 145 acres of land, the system is scheduled to start construction in the first quarter of 2011 and be completed in 2011. APS will own and operate the solar production facility.

As a complete PV system provider, SOLON is handling the Gila Bend, Ariz.-based project for APS every step of the way—from site development and system design, to engineering, procurement and construction. The project features SOLON’s Velocity MW Solar System, which will provide 18 preconfigured, one-megawatt modular solar fields specifically designed to help utilities quickly scale to capacity. In total, SOLON will provide the APS system with 108 robust SOLON-engineered single axis trackers, utilizing over 75,000 high-efficiency, industrial solar modules.

“We are pleased to be teaming with SOLON to bring our customers more solar power. This new solar plant is part of APS’ company-wide mission of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona,” said Brad Albert, General Manager Resources Acquisition and Renewable Energy for APS.

The SOLON Velocity MW Solar System consists of standardized clusters, which reduce the number of components with a proportional reduction in field installation labor. The preconfigured design also accelerates plant permitting and site development. When operated in conjunction with SOLON SCADA, a web-based system for remotely monitoring, controlling and reporting on a plant’s performance, Velocity MW offers the most comprehensive solution for achieving efficient solar plant development and ongoing management.

“Through our Velocity MW system, SOLON is delivering a breakthrough design for fast, reliable solar energy that will allow us to quickly scale the APS project to capacity,” said Dan Alcombright, Regional Vice President and General Manager of North America for SOLON. “We are proud to collaborate with APS on this milestone project - an effort that is reflective of SOLON’s dedication to producing the technology, superior solar solutions and jobs that advance the local Ariz. economy and the U.S. utility-scale solar energy market.”

Wilmington Trust to Provide Collateral Agent Services for Colorado’s Largest Solar Power Project

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wilmington Trust announced today that it is serving as collateral agent for the construction of a 19-megawatt solar photovoltaic power project in Alamosa County, Colorado. The project, known as the Greater Sandhill Solar Project, will provide power to Xcel Energy and is being constructed by SunPower Corp. When completed, the project will be the largest solar power plant in Colorado.   

As collateral agent, Wilmington Trust is responsible for the receipt, transfer, distribution, and investment of funds, as well as protecting the rights of the financing parties, MetLife and John Hancock Financial Services. Wilmington Trust is not a lender to, and has no credit exposure to, the project. It provides collateral agent services, for which it is paid a fee, through its Corporate Client Services (CCS) business.

“For decades, Wilmington Trust has been a premier provider of trustee and administrative services to corporate clients,” said Jack Beeson, senior vice president and head of Corporate Capital Markets Services for CCS. “The Greater Sandhill Solar Project marks the seventh financing transaction in the solar power industry that CCS’ project finance team has provided in 2010. We are pleased to be among the providers whose specialized services are needed to support this project.”

The Greater Sandhill Solar Project is an example of what some observers believe is an effort to reduce the United States’ dependency on oil and provide cleaner energy. The use of solar electric systems to provide energy to homes and businesses has increased in recent years. This is due, in part, to state, local, federal, and utility company incentives and decreasing installation costs. Federal grants created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 helped fund 182 solar projects nationwide, representing more than 46 megawatts of solar capacity as of February 2010, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a national trade association. A megawatt of solar electric capacity can power up to 270 average homes, according to Energy Acuity, a clean-tech research firm.

Wilmington Trust’s CCS business provides diversified trustee and administrative services for capital markets transactions, special purpose entities, and retirement plans, as well as institutional investment management services. Because Wilmington Trust does not underwrite securities offerings or lend to large corporate clients, it is able to deliver corporate trust services that are conflict-free.

Wilmington Trust Corporation (NYSE: WL) is a financial services holding company that provides Regional Banking services throughout the mid-Atlantic region, Wealth Advisory services for high-net-worth clients in 36 countries, and Corporate Client services for institutional clients in 89 countries. Its wholly owned bank subsidiary, Wilmington Trust Company, which was founded in 1903, is one of the largest personal trust providers in the United States and the leading retail and commercial bank in Delaware. Wilmington Trust Corporation and its affiliates have offices in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, the Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, and Amsterdam.

Sharp Signs Contract for 58 MW (DC) Photovoltaic Solar Power Project

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - September 27, 2010) - Sharp Electronics Corporation, a subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a World Leader in Solar Electricity, announced a supply agreement for the 58 MW (DC) (45 MW ac) Avenal photovoltaic solar power facility. When completed, Avenal will be among the largest of its kind in the world.

Avenal consists of three adjacent projects, all located on agricultural land near the city of Avenal in Kings County, Central California. The Avenal Solar Power Facility was developed by Eurus Energy, a global renewable energy development company and is jointly owned by Eurus and NRG Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG). All three projects will utilize thin film solar modules from Sharp, a global leader in solar electricity. Ryan Company, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR), will perform engineering, procurement and construction for the project.

The power produced by Avenal, enough to power approximately thirty six thousand homes when operating at peak capacity, will be purchased by PG&E under 20-year power purchase agreements approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

Construction on the first two projects, Sun City (25 MW DC) and Sand Drag (24 MW DC) will begin immediately and a third, Avenal Park (8 MW DC), is expected to begin construction soon thereafter. When all three are commissioned in mid 2011, they will displace over 225,000 pounds of NOx, 630,000 pounds of SOx and 70,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent of removing nearly 20,000 cars from the road. It's expected the project will create up to 200 total jobs during construction and up to 5 permanent jobs.

"This project is one of the largest solar power installations in the world, and one of the largest Sharp has supplied to date. It also marks a significant step forward for California's renewable energy efforts and we are proud that our cutting edge thin-film modules will help deliver clean power to the residents of California," said Eric Hafter, senior vice president for the Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. "Together with Eurus Energy America and NRG Solar, we are turning land that once used photosynthesis to convert the sun's rays to produce food for our communities into a farm that uses photovoltaics to convert the sun's rays into clean energy for the same communities."

The Sharp thin-film solar panels utilized for the project feature Sharp's tandem-junction design that captures a wider part of the solar spectrum. The panels will be manufactured in the Sharp plant in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. This plant is one of the greenest manufacturing sites in the entire world. Thin-film solar cells have a structure in which thin layers of silicon are deposited onto a glass substrate, enabling a dramatic reduction in the amount of silicon used. The production processes are simpler, thereby lowering production costs.

"Eurus Energy America is excited to team with Sharp on this historic solar installation," said Mark Anderson, president & CEO, Eurus Energy America. "We look forward to growing our portfolio of renewable generation assets and furthering our strong relationship with Sharp, a highly reliable partner with a high quality line of thin-film products."

"With nearly 50 years in the solar electricity business and a commitment to the industry that is supported by one of the world's most advanced solar panel manufacturing facilities, Sharp stands ready to supply the growing market for large scale solar installations," said Kozo Takahashi, CEO and Chairman, Sharp Electronics Corporation.

"Sharp's expertise and experience will be an important contribution to the success of Avenal in adding zero-emission solar power in California and in helping the state meet its ambitious renewable portfolio standard by the end of the decade," said Tom Doyle, President of NRG Solar. "As the current owners of the largest PV site in the state, we are looking forward to joining with our partners on Avenal, Eurus, Sharp and Quanta and the state of California to develop a site that adds more than twice that solar capacity to the state's portfolio."

Eco-Pole Street Light Uses Wind and Solar Energy Exclusively to Power 60 Watt LED Street Light

BALTIMORE, MD--(Marketwire - September 27, 2010) -  SavWatt USA, Inc (PINKSHEETS: LDVK) continues to lead the LED Lighting and Green Revolution with the announcement of a new 60 Watt LED Street Light and Parking Lot Light powered by a patent pending unique Wind Turbine and Solar panels. With all 3 technologies working together SavWatt's new Eco-Pole enables placement of a street light/parking lot light pole anywhere without the need for traditional electric power and installation. SavWatt's Eco-Pole LED 60 Watt Street Light replaces a traditional 250 Watt Metal Halide light and will save 100% of the energy costs, maintenance and reduce environmental pollution.

Sam Abecassis, SavWatt's VP of Product Development, commented, "SavWatt has been working on the Eco-Pole for several months, resulting in a product that provides an average 18 month return on investment. The Eco-Pole unit will provide efficient GREEN lighting, is self energized and aesthetically pleasing looking. We are in the process of registering Eco-Pole with UL, ETL, FCC, Energy Star and the US Departments of Energy and Transportation, with the goal of shipping these units in 2011. Demand for these units has been overwhelming, as Energy-efficient LED lighting is being installed in more places, in more countries every day. Companies, cities, universities and the federal government are saving energy and money by joining the LED Lighting and Green Revolution."

Solar Park Initiatives, Inc. Signs Letter of Intent to Build California Solar Park

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL--(Marketwire - September 27, 2010) -  Solar Park Initiatives, Inc. (OTCBB: SOPV), a Florida-based solar energy company dedicated to utility and commercial solar park developments in North America, announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent to develop a solar park in California.

Solar Park Initiatives, Inc. has signed a Letter of Intent with the host landowner securing 285 acres of land for the design, construction and operation of a 20Mw solar park under a Power Purchase Agreement with a local utility company. It is anticipated that the project will generate up to $70 million in revenue.

David Surette, CEO of Solar Park Initiatives, stated, "Solar Park Initiatives continues to search for good opportunities in the solar sector and develop land for its optimal use and value. This is one opportunity we anticipate completing, keeping investors abreast of our milestones."

LDK Solar Announces Strategic Financing Agreement With China Development Bank for Up to RMB 60 Billion

XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LDK Solar Co., Ltd. ("LDK Solar") (NYSE: LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers and PV products, today announced that it has entered into a strategic financing agreement with China Development Bank Corporation (CDB), a joint stock banking corporation wholly owned by the state of China.  Under terms of the agreement, CDB will provide up to RMB 60 Billion (or approximately US$8.9 Billion) of credit facilities to LDK Solar over a five-year period.  The financings will support LDK Solar's long-term growth initiatives and corporate development plans.  Terms of the individual credit facilities and lending agreements will be subject to CDB's internal risk management requirements and operational regulations.

"We are very pleased to enter into this strategic financing agreement with CDB which demonstrates their confidence in and support of LDK Solar," stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar.  "Through our strong partnership with CDB, we will have an enhanced ability to pursue our long-term growth strategy and further strengthen our position within the PV industry market."

Humane Society Silicon Valley Awarded Gold LEED Certification by U.S. Green Building Council

MILPITAS, Calif., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has become the first Animal Community Center in the nation to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

"We achieved our Gold LEED certification by reducing our electricity demands and water consumption through a variety of conservation technologies and products while providing state-of-the-art animal care," said Carol Novello, HSSV's president. "Our Animal Community Center represents a progressive shift in animal care and has truly become an inspiring model of humane care, community involvement and green building design for shelters nationwide."

"Furthermore, by investing in a premium HVAC system, high quality construction practices, and low VOC products, we have greatly improved the health and well-being of our animals," said Novello.

"At our old facility, stress, small cages, overcrowding and poor air exchange created the perfect environment for upper respiratory infection and kennel cough.  In our new Animal Community Center, both the quantity and quality of our environment has improved significantly.  Animals are housed in individual room-like condos with 100% air exchange.  The noise factor-particularly in the dog habitats-has been significantly reduced, allowing dogs to sleep uninterrupted.  Also, our cats are no longer subjected to the constant sound of barking of dogs.  The new feline environments also allow for them to perform more natural behaviors like stretching, hiding, and climbing vertically." 

Solar system and other energy and water efficiencies

HSSV's solar system is the largest solar installation in Milpitas. Owned and operated by Tioga Energy, a provider of renewable energy services to commercial, government and non-profit institutions, the photovoltaic system went live in July 2010. The 274 kW solar parking shade structure and rooftop systems are composed of 1,335 photovoltaic (PV) modules.  Starting on day one, these provide an estimated 33 percent of all energy used at HSSV's Animal Community Center, creating significant energy savings for the lifetime of the system.  In fiscal year 2011, HSSV expects the solar installation will help the organization save up to $50,000 in energy costs.

The solar system is only one aspect of the center's green attributes: The Animal Community Center was constructed using 90 percent of the concrete from the old building's foundations and incorporates a number of energy and water efficiency technologies:

• A highly efficient kennel cleansing system to ensure proper disinfecting of kennels while using only 2.2 gallons/minute.
• Heat recovery wheels in the HVAC system capture and reuse heating and cooling while filtering air and providing 100% air exchange.
• A reflective "cool" roof to minimize solar heating of the building in the winter and reduce air-conditioning costs in the summer.
• Strategic building placement and extensive use of windows and solar light pipes provide natural lighting to more than 75% of the building's interior space. Occupancy sensors manage lighting use.
• Onsite bioswales capture and naturally cleanse rainwater run-off before it enters the water treatment system, thus reducing the energy needed to clean water supplies.
• Artificial turf in dog parks and landscaping with native plants eliminates the need to regularly water.

Nautilus Solar Energy Completes Acquisition of Meadows Field Airport Solar Facility

SUMMIT, N.J., Sept. 27, /PRNewswire/ -- Nautilus Solar Energy ("Nautilus Solar") today announced the acquisition of the Meadows Field Airport solar facility ("Project") from Regenesis Power, LLC ("Regenesis Power").  The 880kW one-axis tracking solar photovoltaic facility is located in Bakersfield, California at Meadows Field Airport.

"We are very pleased to have completed this acquisition. This is an excellent asset with a strong operating history and a highly experienced staff. We look forward to working with Meadows Field Airport and Kern County to help them service their customer base," said Nautilus Solar CEO James M. Rice.

Regenesis Power CEO John Polumbo said, "Meadows Field Airport has demonstrated leadership in the field of airport and municipal development with its smart energy strategy and they have been exemplary partners throughout this entire process." He added, "We are pleased to have successfully concluded this transaction with Nautilus Solar, they have been an excellent team to work with."

The Project is one of the largest operating municipal solar installations in Kern County, California, covering six acres.  The transaction represents another strategic step in Nautilus Solar's development efforts.  With a robust project portfolio in the Northeast, Nautilus Solar is aggressively pursuing project development opportunities on the West Coast, including California.

About Nautilus Solar Energy:

Founded in 2006, Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC ("Nautilus Solar") is a leading independent solar power producer headquartered in Summit, New Jersey. Nautilus Solar develops, constructs, finances, owns and operates distributed generation and utility-scale solar electric systems. The company sells its generated electricity through long term power purchase agreements. Nautilus Solar is majority-owned by an investment affiliate of Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC, based in Greenwich, CT.

Nautilus Solar was named a winner of the NJ BPU Clean Energy Award, as Trade Ally of the Year in 2009. For more information, please visit the website at www.nautilussolar.com.

Quantum Affiliate Asola Wins Frost & Sullivan World Growth Leadership Award in Solar Technology

IRVINE, Calif. and ERFURT, Germany, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq:  QTWW) today announced that its German solar photovoltaic affiliate Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH ("Asola") was awarded the "World Advanced Mobile Solar Technology Growth Leadership Award" by Frost & Sullivan Global Research Platform.

Frost & Sullivan has noted that "in the field of automotive solar technology, the company already boasts a wealth of experience and expertise that makes it a worldwide leader in the sector," and that "the company has been and will remain at the forefront as an environment friendly and innovative one offering economic usage of high-quality solar technology."  Frost & Sullivan recognized the following key performance drivers for Asola: (1) superior quality products (2) meeting industry quality standards (3) customer-centric approach and (4) successful partnership ties and contracts.

"We are truly honored by this prestigious award and recognition," said Reinhard Wecker, the founder and CEO of Asola. "We have strategically positioned ourselves with the highest quality products that combine innovative, customer-centric features with aesthetic design and robustness."

"This award is a strong recognition of the creativity and dedication of Asola's leadership team and employees, and a reflection of the close partnership with Quantum," commented Alan. P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum.  Quantum is a partner of Asola and holds 25 percent on the Asola GmbH.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has proven to be a leader in the industry and that, through its pioneering technology, sound business strategy, and research effort, has been successful in moving the state of the industry forward. Its excellence in the field has extended beyond its technical advancements and encompasses a comprehensive view of market participants resulting in an ongoing improvement in the industry over time. The award recognizes the company for its broader, more comprehensive participation in the industry and for its contributions to the advancement of the market.

Microchip’s Grid-Connected Solar Micro Inverter Reference Design Lowers the Cost and Improves the Efficiency of Solar Power Systems

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced a fully digitally controlled, Grid-Connected Solar Micro Inverter Reference Design with an advanced, high-efficiency topology. Complete documentation, including software, schematics and application note, can be downloaded for free today from Microchip’s website at http://www.microchip.com/get/PLHH.

The solar power industry is evolving to meet the requirements of a changing landscape, as it moves from a cottage industry to mass production. Solar design engineers are being challenged to optimize energy harvesting, reduce installation costs, and improve system reliability and efficiency while standardizing their designs. This reference design enables them to achieve these goals through digital power conversion techniques, supported by the unique features of Microchip’s dsPIC33 ‘GS’ series of digital-power Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). The reference design connects to any standard solar panel and converts the panel’s DC output into AC power, which can then be fed into the public power grid. In a real-world application, multiple units can be connected together to achieve the desired power output.

“This reference design will help the solar power industry to quickly improve its inverter technology, through the use of more flexible and efficient digital power conversion techniques,” said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip’s High Performance Microcontroller Division. “The transition to digital power will enable solar energy conversion to be maximized, while reducing the installation and overall costs of solar systems.”
Additional features of Microchip’s Grid-Connected Solar Micro Inverter Reference Design include:

• Peak efficiency of 95%
• Power factor of >0.95
• Output Current THD <3%
• Maximum power point tracking of 99.5%
• Nighttime power consumption of <1W
• System Islanding to detect grid failure
• Full Digital Control

This reference design works with any photovoltaic (PV) panel that supplies a maximum 220 watt output, and it comes in two versions supporting either 110V or 220V power grids. Both versions of this reference design are implemented using a single dsPIC33 ‘GS’ digital-power DSC, which provides fully digital control of the power-conversion and system-management functions.

Availability
 
Complete documentation, including software, schematics and application note, can be downloaded for free today from Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/PLHH. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.

Enphase Energy Prepares for Global Expansion With Appointment of Chief Marketing Officer

PETALUMA, CA--(Marketwire - September 24, 2010) -  Enphase Energy, the leader in solar microinverter systems, today announced that Bill Rossi has joined the company as chief marketing officer. Rossi brings a track record of successful leadership at companies including Google and Cisco, and his appointment comes as Enphase prepares to expand into new segments of the U.S. solar market, as well as new geographic regions worldwide.

"Bill is a strong leader who will play a key role in building our organization for the next phase of growth," said Paul Nahi, chief executive officer, Enphase Energy. "His mix of experience in high-growth hardware and software industries, and proven ability to execute in fast-paced, diverse environments is exactly what we need to support our ambitious plans."

Prior to joining Enphase Energy, Rossi led Google's marketing efforts for Google Apps, a suite of cloud computing applications for businesses. He also previously served as CEO of Greenfield Networks, which was later acquired by Cisco. Prior to that, Bill was the vice president and general manager of the Wireless Networking Business Unit at Cisco, which he successfully grew from inception to more than $650 million in annual sales.

"Enphase is changing the solar industry with its microinverters, having gained double digit market share in just two short years," said Rossi. "The recent announcement of our next-generation microinverter platform is evidence of our rapid technology innovation and aggressive strategy for making microinverters the clear choice for solar installers worldwide."

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Australia's Victoria State Seeks Federal Funds to Support Mallee Solar Park, an Industrial Info News Alert

PERTH, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - September 24, 2010) -  Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas) -- The state government of Victoria, Australia, is reported to be seeking federal government assistance to help fund the 180-megawatt (MW) Mallee Solar Park solar photovoltaic (PV) energy project in the state. Victoria's Premier, John Brumby, has announced that energy company TRUenergy Pty Limited (Melbourne, Australia), a subsidiary of CLP Holdings Limited  (OTC:CLPHY) (Hong Kong), won a $95 million public tender to construct the solar park, but added that the project would only proceed if it attracted funds from the government's $1.43 billion Solar Flagships Program.

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Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. IIR's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. For more information send inquiries to powergroup@industrialinfo.com or visit us online at www.industrialinfo.com.

Solar Power Leader Torresol Energy Selects IFS Applications

ITASCA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Torresol Energy, a leader in the concentrated solar power (CSP) sector, has selected IFS Applications to manage the entire lifecycle of its engineering projects and to maintain its solar thermal energy plants.
   
Torresol Energy’s objective is to become a worldwide leader in the solar thermal energy industry. Every new project that the company develops, regardless of its location—Southern Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East or the United States—will introduce new technologies. The aim is to make CSP a viable, ecological and sustainable alternative to traditional power sources.

At present, Torresol Energy is developing two projects in Cadiz and Seville, Spain, with cylindrical-parabolic trough collectors (CPTC) technology. Torresol Energy will add an overall productive capacity of 67 MW and 460 GWh/year, the equivalent of the average consumption of 65,000 homes. Gemasolar in Seville is the first project to be developed with a central tower system and heliostat farm technology, and is the first commercial-scale plant in the world to apply this kind of technology.

Given the magnitude of the planned investments, Torresol Energy decided to look for an ERP solution that would support project and asset management, and that could be used at the different Torresol Energy plants worldwide.

“We have chosen IFS Applications because it supports our project-oriented business model. IFS’ customer base and experience in the utility sector is impressive, with successful implementations in several nuclear plants and the largest hydropower project in the world, Three Gorges in China,” said Manuel Fernández, CFO of Torresol Energy. “Furthermore, the fact that IFS Applications is a component-based solution was the key to why we selected IFS. The unique component technology allows it to adapt and grow with us as we expand and invest in new projects.”

The implementation of IFS Applications across Torresol Energy will be carried out in two major phases and during a period of approximately nine months. The following components will be implemented: IFS Financials, IFS Human Resources, IFS Project Management, IFS Document Management, IFS Business Performance, IFS Business Analytics, IFS Maintenance, and IFS Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

The project will also integrate IFS solutions with the SCADA systems of Torresol Energy to enable projects to be managed throughout their lifecycle from quotation, planning and building of assets to the operation and maintenance of these assets, regardless of their location.

Utilities and Telecom is one of IFS’ targeted market segments. Since it was founded, IFS has developed and delivered best practice industry-specific solutions with leading functionality for enterprise asset management, product-lifecycle management and project management.

The solution supports all critical business enterprise processes—planning, engineering, procurements, construction/project management, commissioning, O&M, and asset performance assessments with integrated applications in financials, capital project management, supply chain, asset and work management, service and contracts management, human resource management, etc. Customers include Three Gorges (China), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (India), Hafslund (Norway), Mälarenergi (Sweden), GECOL (Libya), Horizon Utilities (North America), Brookfield Renewable Power (North America) and nuclear projects OKG (Sweden), PBMR (South Africa), and Qinshan Nuclear Power (China).

Vanguard Energy Partners Brings Solar Energy to NJ Schools

BRANCHBURG, N.J., Sept. 23  /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Energy Partners, a leader in the design and installation of large-scale solar electric systems, announces the completion of two solar energy projects at schools in Gloucester and Morris  Counties, NJ. The solar installations at the public Pitman High School and the independent Gill St. Bernard's School, will help offset the utility bills at school buildings while simultaneously educating students and the community about renewable energy.

"We're very excited to help schools utilize solar energy to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, said Vanguard CEO, Jim LaFleur.  "It is also rewarding to know that the schools will be using the arrays as a teaching opportunity for students and the community."

Vanguard installed a 301-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the rooftop of Pitman High School that will generate approximately 350,000 kWh per year. The solar electric system is comprised of 1,284 modules and will produce nearly 40% of the energy needed to power the school from the clean, renewable power of sunlight. Additionally, the energy production from the solar array is equivalent to avoiding 553,646 pounds of carbon emissions. This is comparable to taking 48 cars off the road or conserving 28,249 gallons of gasoline annually.

"We are so excited about our solar project and how it is working," stated Pitman Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Schulte.  "While we're capturing the energy of the sun and converting it into electricity, were reducing our reliance on fossil fuel, lowering greenhouse gases and saving taxpayer money. We are truly going green!"

At Gill St. Bernard's School (GSB) in Gladstone, Vanguard installed the 146-kilowatt array on the roof of the Athletic Center.  The 676 panels will generate approximately 162,000 kilowatt hours or nearly 70 percent of the facility's electricity in the first year. This energy production is the equivalent of avoiding 256,908 pounds of carbon emissions, taking 22 cars off the road or conserving 271 barrels of oil annually. Teachers will be integrating the solar array and information on its power production into math and science classes this year.

The Gill St. Bernard's project was installed with no capital investment from the school because officials entered into a solar power purchase agreement (PPA). Vanguard arranged the financing and maintains the system and the school purchases ongoing solar power at a reduced rate. 

"Private financing, along with the expertise of Vanguard, makes this a win-win for GSB and helps us on our way to energy sustainability," said Sid Rowell, Headmaster of Gill St. Bernard's.

Both schools will have to ability to evaluate their respective power consumption, solar production and system efficiency using SunFlow Monitor, a real-time, web based monitoring system provided by Noveda Technologies.

Frito-Lay Modesto Powers Facility With Help From the Sun

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America Modesto, Calif., manufacturing facility is building on its environmental sustainability efforts by installing an innovative cylindrical solar photovoltaic (PV) system on its rooftop.  The one megawatt system is the largest Solyndra installation in the United States. 

"Frito-Lay is utilizing innovative technologies and renewable energy such as solar power to help minimize our impact on the environment," said Thomas Melead, technical manager, Frito-Lay Modesto. "The Solyndra PV system allows us to maximize one of California's greatest natural assets – the sun – to take some of the plant off of the electrical grid."

The project consists of approximately 5600 panels, covering 247,000 square feet, and was completed in 8 weeks. The system has an installed capacity of one megawatt, which at peak production will reduce the plant's electricity use from outside sources by 25%. It also reduces CO2 emissions by 1,000 metric tons per year.

"Frito-Lay is a tremendous example of a corporation showing its commitment to sustainability by taking advantage of unused roof space to implement a powerful renewable energy system," said Brian Harrison, CEO, Solyndra. "They now have a large clean, quiet, emission-free power plant on their roof, making the sun a great additional ingredient in their products."

In addition to Solyndra, Inc., the system was installed with the support of Panelized Structures, a Solyndra Certified Solutions Provider and Pacific Solar Energy.

"Frito-Lay wanted to install solar on their rooftop and the Solyndra system was the best match for their requirements," said Keith Coonce, President, Panelized Structures Inc. (Panelized Solar). "The fast and easy installation of Solyndra panels ensured minimal business disruptions and allowed us to meet a very aggressive installation deadline." 

The rooftop PV system is the second solar project at the Modesto facility.  In 2008, the Modesto facility unveiled a five-acre solar concentrator field made up of 54,000 square feet of concave mirrors. The solar energy captured by the 384 solar collectors is used to generate steam that helps heat the cooking oil used in the SunChips manufacturing process. Since 2000, the facility's resource conservation program has reduced its use of electricity by 19%, natural gas consumption by 30% and water by 44% per pound of produced product.

In July, the Modesto plant achieved LEED® Existing Buildings Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Salk Institute Going Solar with Stellar Solar

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salk Institute of Biological Sciences has selected San Diego solar  company Stellar Solar to design and install a new 500 kW rooftop solar electric system for its architecturally renowned campus in La Jolla, according to Tim Ball, the Institute's senior director of facilities services.

The project also combines the sustainability of solar energy with the sensibility of architectural preservation, Ball pointed out. The buildings were completed in 1965 and officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991. As such, providing a long-term strategy to care for the facility's energy needs was a key part of the decision.

In addition, solar is seen as a way to help save money on the Institute's energy bill, Ball said. "As a non-profit institution, we are always looking for ways to stretch budgets and save money," he explained. "As a research facility, we use a lot of electricity. Although we get a very good rate from SDG&E, we found we could produce our own solar electricity onsite for about 30% lower than what SDG&E charges us."

Stellar Solar was selected to design and build the solar array because it was a local firm with a proven track record of success, Ball said. "Not many firms have been in the solar business as long as Stellar Solar has and we wanted to work with a group that could integrate themselves easily into our existing work on a weekly basis. Stellar has the know-how to do that," he said.

Stellar Solar president Kent Harle said his firm considers it an honor to be selected to work on a high-visibility solar project such as this one. "The San Diego Union-Tribune calls the Salk Institute 'the single most significant architectural site in San Diego,'" he said. "It is also significant that this site will now be solar-powered and we are so very proud to be a part of making that happen," he said.

Eurus Energy America Selects Quanta Services for Construction of Two Utility-Scale Solar Facilities

HOUSTON, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:  PWR) today announced that it has secured two contracts for utility-scale solar installations with Avenal Solar Holdings LLC, a joint venture between Eurus Energy America and NRG Solar, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG).  Under the contracts, Quanta will provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the 20 megawatt Sun City Project and the 19 megawatt Sand Drag Project, both of which are near Avenal, Calif.   The Avenal projects, located in Kings County, Calif., were developed by Eurus and are owned jointly by Eurus and NRG.

"These projects are expected to be significant contributors to the local community through the creation of jobs and the generation of clean power," said Mark E. Anderson, president of Eurus Energy America.  "By partnering with Quanta, we are able to access a strong, local workforce and proven expertise, optimizing plant design and maximizing balance-of-plant efficiencies."

Under the contract, Quanta will provide comprehensive design and construction services including engineering and site preparation. Engineering is underway with construction expected to start by the end of September and completion projected for the spring of 2011.

"We look forward to showcasing our industry-leading EPC capabilities on these fast-track projects," said John R. Colson, chairman and chief executive officer, Quanta Services. "We appreciate the confidence that Eurus has demonstrated by awarding Quanta these contracts."

Last month, the California Public Utilities Commission approved 20-year power purchase agreements under which Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) will buy electricity produced by the solar power plants.  The power generated by the new solar facilities will be transported throughout high load areas in California.  When operating at full capacity, the projects are expected to produce enough renewable energy to power approximately 31,000 homes.

LiveLight Energy & Stone Bridge Homes NW Present Affordable Solar-Ready Homes on Bull Mountain in Tigard, Oregon

TIGARD, Ore., Sept. 23  /PRNewswire/ -- The Arlington Heights Community, another successful collaboration between LiveLight Energy, LLC, and Stone Bridge Homes NW, opens this weekend on Bull Mountain in Tigard.  Complimentary refreshments from NW Natural will be available and KINK FM will be on-site with prizes and giveaways. Solar displays and a fully furnished model will be open for tours from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26. Further details about the new homes being built at Arlington Heights, as well as driving directions and more, can be found at dmrealty.com/arlingtonheights.html.

According to LiveLight Energy solar assessments, these new Bull Mountain green certified homes maximize savings on annual utility bills. The homes at Arlington Heights on Bull Mountain are priced from the mid-$300,000s and offer options for customizable solar panel systems.

Multiple financial advantages are currently available to homebuyers interested in solar panel systems, from local and state energy tax credits and buy-back programs, to the federal energy tax credit, which can pay up to 30 percent of a system. LiveLight Energy staff will be on-site to explain these incentives and outline how an affordable payback rate of solar on a new Arlington Heights home is five years or less when built into a mortgage. Additional information on how solar systems increase home resale value and protect homebuyers from utility rate increases will also be explained.

With two of these Bull Mountain homes are already presold, homebuyers should be aware that some deadlines for this Arlington Heights neighborhood are fast approaching. Stone Bridge Homes NW is offering a $5,000 incentive to buyers who purchase through September 30, 2010.

As SolarWorld of Hillsboro's largest Oregon vendor, LiveLight Energy is able to negotiate the best possible pricing for solar systems. The dollars Oregon businesses and residents spend on photovoltaic systems will work hard locally – because LiveLight Energy uses only Oregon vendors and workers for all other components, subcontracts, construction and installation.

LiveLight Energy also provides post-installation customer service support programs and extensive warranties at no additional cost. For further details, please visit livelightenergy.com.

For more information go to: dmrealty.com/arlingtonheights.html or livelightenergy.com or contact Kelly Ritz 503-387-7602 or 24/7 Mara Woloshin of LiveLight Energy: 503-241-3834, mara@woloshin.com

Pacific Blue Energy Corp. Provides Update on Acquisition of Gila Bend Property

PHOENIX, Sept. 23  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Pacific Blue Energy Corp. (OTCBB: PBEC), a publicly traded developer of renewable energy projects, today announced that an option for the purchase of 100 acres in the town of Gila Bend in Maricopa County, Arizona has been extended to December 10, 2010 from the original closing date of September 10, 2010.

When the sale is final, PBEC plans to take advantage of the town's favorable support for renewable energy by building a utility-scale solar energy project. That support, which was previously expressed by members of the Gila Bend Town Council in a past news release, will hopefully provide an opportunity for PBEC to fast-track the permitting process.

"This land will be an important part of PBEC's portfolio," says PBEC CEO Joel Franklin. "With Gila Bend's commitment to the solar industry, PBEC is interested in capitalizing on the opportunity to expand its ability to deliver renewable energy to the region."

In order to secure the extension on the purchase of the 100 acres, PBEC had to cancel the option on the 707 acres adjacent to that property. However, the Company's intention remains to purchase and develop all 807 acres.

About Pacific Blue Energy Corp.

Pacific Blue Energy Corp. (PBEC) is a publicly traded solar energy company that seeks to build and manage large renewable energy projects. PBEC's goal is to maximize shareholder value through select property acquisition, timely renewable energy facility construction and informed management of those projects. Headquartered in Arizona, one of the prime solar energy markets in the United States, PBEC is positioned to take advantage of technological advances that will drive the coming surge in the U.S. solar generated electricity market.

More information is available at www.PacificBlueEnergyCorp.com

Eurus Energy and NRG Solar Partner to Build California’s Largest Solar Photovoltaic Generating Facility

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eurus Energy America and NRG Solar, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), have joined forces to build what will be, upon completion, the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) generating facility in California. When operating at full capacity, the three Avenal zero-emission solar projects—Avenal Park, Sun City and Sand Drag—will generate a total of 45 megawatts (MW), enough power to meet the needs of 36,000 homes cleanly and efficiently. The Avenal projects, located in Kings County, CA, were developed by Eurus and are owned jointly by Eurus and NRG.   

Eurus and NRG have completed construction financing on all three projects, and given full notice to proceed on Sun City (20 MW) and Sand Drag (19 MW) to the Ryan Company, Inc., the engineering, procurement and contracting firm that will construct the Avenal projects. Ryan Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR), will begin mobilizing immediately to start construction, with the projects expected to achieve commercial operation in mid-2011. The California Public Utilities Commission has approved the 20-year Avenal power purchase agreements with Pacific Gas & Electric.

NRG Solar and Eurus’ expertise developing solar power, utility construction and operation, backed by their corporate resources, will ensure the Avenal projects are brought online and on schedule to help the state achieve its short-term goals for greater renewable power—and advance California’s progress significantly toward achieving its stated target of 33% renewable power generation by 2020.

“We believe Avenal represents not only a bold new chapter in developing clean, zero-emission solar power in California, but also is a key piece in helping the state meet its ambitious renewable portfolio standard by the end of the decade,” said Tom Doyle, President of NRG Solar. “California continues to lead our nation in mandating the increasing use of renewable power, and, as the owners of the largest PV site there today, we look forward to continuing our partnership with California and our leadership as a developer of this bountiful, sustainable power source.”

“The Avenal projects are just the first of many utility-scale PV solar projects that we expect to be developing, building and owning in the State of California. We are very pleased to be adding these solar power projects to our portfolio of wind projects helping California reach its nation-leading goals to increase the utilization of emission-free power generation,” said Mark E. Anderson, President and CEO of Eurus Energy America.

Along with the clean power it will bring to California, the projects also will bring much-needed jobs to an economically distressed area.

Avenal will be built with thin film solar panels provided by Sharp Electronics, solidifying Sharp’s presence in the California utility scale market and bolstering diversity of supply for California’s growing solar infrastructure.

Evergreen Solar Appoints Michael El-Hillow President and Chief Executive Officer

MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ESLR), a manufacturer of String Ribbon® solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, today announced that it has appointed Michael El-Hillow to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately, replacing Richard M. Feldt who has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer with a privately-held company. Mr. El-Hillow was also re-elected a director of the Company at a September 22, 2010 meeting of the Board.

Mr. El-Hillow previously served as Chairman of the Board for Evergreen from October 2005 to January 2007 when he was recruited to the Company as the Chief Financial Officer. In September 2009, he also assumed the responsibilities of Chief Operations Officer. Mr. El-Hillow will continue to oversee operations in his new role. The Company will immediately begin a search for a Chief Financial Officer. Paul Kawa, Corporate Controller, will serve as interim Chief Financial Officer.

Edward C. Grady will succeed Mr. Feldt as the Chairman of the Evergreen Solar Board of Directors. Mr. Grady has been a director since 2005 and has most recently served the Board as its lead independent director. In commenting on Mr. El-Hillow’s appointment he stated, “In his roles as both corporate executive and board member Mike has played an instrumental role in both our evolution and growth. His leadership has been a catalyst in Evergreen’s expansion from a small regional technology company into a global manufacturing and customer service organization with facilities and offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. In addition to his financial role, Mike assumed significant operational responsibilities over the last year. His direct leadership is driving our Devens facility to exceed all of its operating goals as well as enabling Evergreen to move decisively with its expansion in China.”

Mr. Grady added, “Mike’s intimate involvement in all facets of Evergreen’s strategy and operations position him as the ideal executive for elevating the Company’s operational and commercialization success. The Board is extremely pleased to have someone of Mike’s caliber and demonstrated talent leading this Company.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Rick as he guided Evergreen Solar over the last seven years and he will be missed,” said Mr. El-Hillow. “He has left a great platform that our stakeholders, customers and employees will continue to benefit from as we further leverage our unique technology and extend our leadership position as solar power becomes an increasingly critical resource for growing economies worldwide.”

SolarWorld Launches SolarWorld Financial Solutions

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SolarWorld Americas, the sales and marketing arm of the largest and most experienced U.S. solar electric panel manufacturer, today unveiled a pioneering suite of no-money-down financing options that the company’s authorized installers and their customers can seize to speed their solar projects over initial cost hurdles and onto economic and environmental savings. 

The SolarWorld Financial Solutions program delivers financing options from outside financial-service partners to empower the company’s authorized installers to further differentiate their businesses and close more sales. With SolarWorld, customers of those installers now can tap not only high-performance crystalline silicon solar panels but also those financing solutions that work best for them in immediately capturing power from the sun without staking significant upfront system costs.

Initial offerings enable residential customers to lease Sunkits solar systems or defer payment until state and federal incentives can be realized. Commercial customers and not-for-profit organizations can select among various leases or a power purchase agreement (PPA). Under a PPA, a third party finances a solar system for a property owner; in turn, the property owner pays the financier for the system’s power at a discounted rate. The residential lease is currently available only in select Western states. SolarWorld Financial Solutions will continue to explore new financing options into the future.

“This portfolio provides a broad range of options for a variety of customers to ease financial access to solar projects,” says Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas. “The advance in ready-made financing versatility leads American markets in addressing solar’s upfront costs – the only ones that matter in a technology requiring no fuel, moving parts, maintenance, emissions or labor to operate. The upsides to the pocketbook and planet alike begin accruing immediately.”

“We’ve been a loyal partner of SolarWorld’s technology for years,” says Jose Luis Contreras, president and co-founder of Solar Energy Inc. of San Diego. “Its new financing portfolio, combined with leads we receive from the company’s aggressive marketing, will further the distance we can put between ourselves and competitors who sell solar products that come with little, if any, manufacturer support. Our customers will recognize the value proposition, and we are sure to land more sales.”

Carmanah Receives $1.1 Million in Orders from US Coast Guard

VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Carmanah Technologies Corporation has received orders totaling over $1.1 million in recent weeks from the United States Coast Guard as part of the Coast Guard’s seasonal stock-up. More than 2,500 Carmanah/Sabik M700 series solar LED marine lanterns are scheduled for delivery to Coast Guard stations in 25 US states along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and the Mississippi, Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes regions in the coming weeks. The orders are part of an ongoing Coast Guard initiative to replace incandescent lanterns with self-contained solar LED lanterns.

Durable, reliable and ready for immediate deployment, Carmanah/Sabik solar LED marine lanterns are widely used by coast guards and port authorities worldwide, both as permanent aids-to-navigation lighting solutions, and for emergency preparedness and disaster-response applications. Carmanah/Sabik solar LED marine lanterns are an ideal choice for temporary or emergency lighting applications. Self-powered, self-contained and virtually indestructible, the lanterns can be installed in minutes and will operate maintenance-free for years.

“The US Coast Guard was Carmanah’s first customer and the excellent relationship we have continued to enjoy with them over the years is a testament to Carmanah’s commitment to continuously advancing and refining our technology to meet the high expectations of this very discerning customer,” said Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO. Lattimore also cited recent standing offer awards from the Canadian Coast Guard for Carmanah/Sabik solar LED marine lanterns.

Over a decade ago, Carmanah Technologies Corporation developed the very first solar LED lantern for the US Coast Guard and has continued to work with maritime authorities worldwide to develop best-in-class, self-contained solar LED aids-to-navigation lighting solutions that meet the technical specifications and quality standards of the marine industry. A strategic partnership with Finland-based marine lighting pioneer Sabik Oy, announced in March of 2010 further strengthens both companies’ positions in this highly technical market and expands their ability to provide the performance, reliability and functionality demanded by customers such as the US and Canadian Coast Guards.

For more information, visit www.carmanah.com, or telephone 1.877.722.8877 (toll free in US and Canada). File images are available on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carmanahsolar/.

ONTILITY Adds Key Manufacturer Partnerships

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ONTILITY, the solar industries’ fastest growing distribution, training and support services firm, has added new strategic partnerships with leaders in the renewable energy community. ONTILITY adds Solyndra, Zep Solar, SoloPower, Lumeta, Canadian Solar, Solectria, Scheuten and Schneider to its complete list, consisting of the best names in solar. In keeping with other current manufacturer partnerships, ONTILITY will offer sales, end-to-end project support and training with each new manufacturer relationship.

“We work closely with our Certified Partners™ and Dealer Installers to identify key solar manufacturers that we should offer and support,” says Thomas Pash, ONTILITY’s President and CEO. “One of the competitive advantages of having over 500 Certified Partners™ and Dealer Installers is that we have hundreds of integrators continuously providing us feedback, which enables us to strategically select only the leading manufacturers for distribution partnerships. We understand that offering reliable and efficient solar products is imperative to the success of our Certified Partners™ and Dealer Installers.”
ONTILITY Offers the Most Complete support and enablement platform in the solar industry
ONTILITY supports residential, commercial and utility scale solar integrators throughout North America. ONTILITY provides the most complete support and enablement platform in the solar industry, including:

Solar Products – Over 100 Manufacturers / Maintains over 10M in Monthly Inventory

Solar Training – NABCEP and IREC Training Courses and Certification Programs

Financial Support – Financial Solutions for Your Business and Customers

Design Support – End-to-End Design Support Services

Consulting Support – NABCEP Certified Installation Consultants to Support Your Projects

Rebate Support – Rebate Assistance and Coverage Solutions

Logistics Support – Remote, Field, Project Site and Rooftop Delivery Solutions

About ONTILITY
ONTILITY supports provider and consumer solar power, energy efficiency and weatherization projects through our best-in-class, end-to-end value chain, the solar power and efficient energy EcoCommunity™. ONTILITY connects the nodes in the solar power and efficient energy 'last mile' through renewable, efficient, ecologically and economically aware solar power, solar thermal, and energy efficiency products, services, training, solutions and technologies to five (5) core key markets:

• Residential - Solar Power, Solar Thermal and Energy Efficiency - through our ONTILITY Certified Partner™ Program
• Commercial and Utility Scale - Solar Power, Solar Thermal and Energy Efficiency - in partnership with our ONTILITY Certified Partners™
• Education and Workforce Development - Solar Power, Solar Thermal, Energy Efficiency and Weatherization - training the green workforce.
• Communities – Information, Education, Community Programs, Trade Shows, Fairs, Expos - enabling sustainability – ProjectEcoAppleSeed Portal
• Large-Scale Regional and National Service and Solution Providers – Electric and Utility, Cable and Security, Industry Supply Houses

ONTILITY connects the green economy down to the 'last mile'.

More Information, Please Call or Visit Us: 877.558.7479 or www.ontility.com.

SOLARIS Scores Key Solar Industry Award

BALZERS, Liechtenstein--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After only 12 months on the market, the SOLARIS production tool from Oerlikon Systems wins the solar industry’s most prestigious award for innovation and technological excellence in a production system; the “Solar Industry Award 2010.”

“SOLARIS was the PV industry choice in the “PV Tool Award” category by winning with a majority of the votes – a clear winner,” says Jackie Cannon, Director of SOLAR & IC Publishing.
The annual “Solar Industry Awards” highlight and promote important aspects of the global PV and solar industry, including people, process & tools, and companies. Individuals in the industry select the winning products according to the following parameters:

• Industrial significance
• Competitive advantage
• Product innovation in terms of unique technology
• Product acceptance in the marketplace
• Potential of a product to become an industry standard

SOLARIS: new generation technology
“The SOLARIS concept continues to win fans across the industry,” adds Dr. Volker Wüstenhagen, Head of Advanced Nanotechnology. “As a compact, cost-effective platform with single wafer handling it has become a very popular solution with PV manufacturers.”
“This award also confirms our unwavering commitment to the ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental) standards,” adds Andreas Dill, CEO of Advanced Technologies. “We continue to be very committed to the development of more sustainable new production solutions by reducing both the direct and indirect impact of our business operations and products on the environment.”
An advanced PVD sputter system, SOLARIS is an optimal production solution for front and backside coating of crystalline silicon solar cells. Its multi-layer capability allows passivation and SiN coating on the front side and passivation and Al contact layers on the backside. Its strikingly small footprint (3.3 x 2.2 m) and easy integration into existing production lines give SOLARIS a remarkably low ‘cost of ownership’.
A star at the EU PVSEC
The SOLARIS team was handed over the award at the 25^th EU PVSEC in Valencia, Spain during the most important industry venue in Europe where the SOLARIS production tool was demonstrated live at the booth of the Meyer Burger Technology Ltd. Meyer Burger is the strategic cooperation partner for Sales and Marketing of SOLARIS in the industry of Photovoltaics worldwide.
Oerlikon – Enabling High Technology
 
Oerlikon (SIX:OERL) is one of the world’s leading international high-tech industrial groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin-film solar and thin-film coating, drive, precision, and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of more than 16000 at more than 150 locations in 37 different countries. The company’s sales amountedto CHF 2.9 billion in 2009 and it ranks either first or second in the respective global markets.

Solargiga Forms Joint Venture Company

 HONG KONG, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China's leading monocrystalline silicon solar ingots and wafers manufacturer, Solargiga Energy Holdings Limited ("Solargiga" or the "Company", HKSE Stock Code: 757, Taiwan Depositary Receipts: 9157TT, and its subsidiaries, the "Group"), announced that the Company entered into a cooperation agreement (the "Agreement") with Liaoning Oxiranchem, Inc. ("Liaoning Aoke", SZSE stock code: 300082.SZ) on 21 September 2010 for the proposed establishment of the Joint Venture to engage in the business of manufacturing multicrystalline silicon solar ingots and wafers with a production capacity of 500MW.

The amount of total investments and registered capital of the Joint Venture are proposed to be RMB 675 Million and RMB 200 Million. Solargiga will own 37% interest in the Joint Venture company with the capital injection of RMB 74.0 Million. The production plant will be located in Longqiwan New Zone, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province in the PRC. 50 casting furnaces, 75 wiresaws and other equipment are expected to be installed.

The construction of the new production plant will be divided into 2 phases in 5 years. The capacity of the first phase will be 200MW and is expected to take 2 years to complete. 20 casting furnaces, 30 wiresaws and other equipment are expected to be installed. The capacity of the second phase will be 300MW and is expected to take 3 years to complete. 30 casting furnaces, 45 wiresaws and other equipment are expected to be installed.

In addition, Solargiga and Liaoning has agreed that the sales of all the output from the production plant will be coordinated by Solargiga.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. HSU You Yuan, CEO and Executive Director of Solargiga, said, "The cooperation between the Company and the Liaoning Aoke allows the Group to strengthen the development of its multicrystalline silicon solar business. It will also accelerate the horizontal production expansion plan of Solargiga so as to satisfy the demand from customers. Looking ahead, the group would continue to seek new business opportunities for development, grasp the huge market opportunities to increase market share and reward our shareholders with satisfactory business performance."

LDK Solar Reaches Agreement with Q-Cells

XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- LDK Solar Co., Ltd. ("LDK Solar") (NYSE:  LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers and PV products, today announced that it has reached an agreement with Q-Cells SE (Q-Cells) regarding an existing solar wafer supply contract that the two companies entered into in December of 2007.  LDK Solar has agreed to an early repayment of the prepayment of $244.5 million  Q-Cells made pursuant to the supply agreement.  Under the new agreement, LDK Solar will repay the prepayment in its entirety, which currently stands at $224.9 million, by the end of 2011.  Payments totalling $135 million  will be made in 2010.  The current repayment will be funded by restricted cash, which was previously earmarked for such transactions.

At the same time, both parties reached an agreement on pricing terms for the existing solar wafer supply contract which extends to 2018.

Power-Save to Supply Solar to CBS Television Studios

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Power-Save Energy Company (OTC Bulletin Board:  PWSV), an emerging leader in the renewable energy and energy efficiency products industry, announced today a contract from CA Power-Save to supply a complete photovoltaic solar system for installation on CBS Television City, East Studio and Main Studio Building in Los Angeles, California. Power-Save Energy Co. will supply all the solar equipment, Solar Panels from Ningbo Solar, Inverters from PV Powered based in Oregon and Racking from Unirac based in New Mexico.  CA Power-Save will be designing and installing this 411 kW solar array onto CBS Television Studios Buildings. This specific contract is worth $2,405,8350.00 to CA Power-Save.

This project is significant to Power-Save Energy Co. in that it furthers the company's pursuit of larger commercial projects. This specific commercial installation has been funded through a Federal Tax grant, a Los Angeles Dept of Water and Power rebate, and funding from the customer CBS. The customer will save approximately $120,000 per year in electrical costs and have a ROI of less than 5 years.

Chris Frye, Owner of CA Power-Save, stated, "This is a fantastic opportunity for CA Power-Save to design, engineer and install a large solar array for a notable commercial customer. This represents yet another example of how implementation of renewable energy can increase profits for businesses across America when adequate financing and incentives are in place.

Michael Forster, Power-Save Energy Company CEO, also stated, "We will certainly continue to market and sell to Corporate America.  These large, successful companies continue to be forward looking in spite of the current economy and implement strategic energy saving green measures that will benefit their bottom line and the environment for many years to come."

Jansen Flips Switch On New Jersey's Largest Solar Energy System

TITUSVILLE, N.J. (Sept. 22, 2010) /PRNewswire/ — With the flip of a switch on Thursday, the largest solar panel array in New Jersey will come to life on the campus of Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as company leaders and employees inaugurate the largest solar installation of any site among the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies around the world.

The 4.1 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic array of 13,496 ground-mounted panels tracks the sun from east to west, and is estimated to generate enough energy to provide 70 percent of the site’s annual electricity needs, or roughly the amount needed to power 600 homes annually. The Titusville site, which hosts multiple Johnson & Johnson companies, broke ground on the array in April.

“Our contributions here in Titusville are part of a larger shared commitment to renewable energy with colleagues at other sites in the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies,” said Joaquin Duato, Company Group Chairman, Pharmaceuticals-The Americas. “Our employees are eager to continue this legacy in Titusville, where we installed our first solar panels in 2004. We’re proud to be doing the right thing for the environment where we work and where we live.”

In addition to the Titusville site, Johnson & Johnson has solar power systems planned or completed at 20 sites worldwide, which together represent an installed capacity of about 13 megawatts.

The Titusville campus is one of several Johnson & Johnson sites that are certified as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) sites. LEED is an internationally recognized green certification system aimed at improving performance across key metrics, such as energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Partnership lists the company as the nation’s sixth-largest purchaser of renewable energy. Johnson & Johnson also has received six Green Power Leadership Awards from the EPA and Department of Energy since 2002.

Photovoltaics Growth Powered by Market-Driven Innovation

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- DuPont Electronics & Communications President David B. Miller said today that the company expects to achieve $1 billion  in revenue from sales into the photovoltaic market in 2010 -- one year ahead of schedule.  The growth is supported by new market-driven innovations that improve solar module efficiency and performance, bringing costs down in line with other forms of energy and reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels.

"We are delivering growth through our market-leading position in materials such as DuPont™ Solamet® metallization paste, DuPont™ Tedlar® backsheet films and a family of encapsulant resins and films that improve the efficiency and reliability of solar modules," Miller told analysts participating in the DuPont Business Series webcast.

"Our broad portfolio of offerings spans crystalline silicon cells and modules as well as thin film modules, putting us in an ideal position to capitalize on market growth in both segments of the photovoltaics industry.  Several notable new product launches this year have helped us to accelerate growth above market.  We also are investing in greater production capability and partnering with our customers to help keep pace with the fast rising global demand," said Miller.

The photovoltaics industry has been experiencing explosive growth in 2010 as demand for high-performance and lower-cost products continue to increase.  With a global population expected to exceed 9 billion in 2050 and global energy consumption projected to increase 60 percent, and more than double in emerging markets in the next 20 years, Miller emphasized the need to face head-on the challenge of developing renewable energy sources, and how innovation will be a driving force toward delivering solutions.

"Addressing energy needs is a global concern.  The generation of renewable energy will be the fastest growing sector in the energy market for the next 20 years, and materials for photovoltaic applications are a critical success factor for sustainable growth," said Miller.  "We can apply the power of our market-driven science to offer products and technologies that can transform the sun's potential into clean energy, contributing to decreasing dependence on fossil fuels."

DuPont is applying the power of its integrated science to help reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels. DuPont has a range of market-leading innovations that address the renewable energy challenge, including enabling materials for photovoltaics, biofuels, renewably sourced materials and technologies engineered to improve energy efficiency.

Today's presentation can be found at the Investor Center of the company's website at www.dupont.com.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) (www.dupont.com) is a science-based products and services company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 90 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

Entech Solar Announces Expiration of Rights Offering

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Entech Solar, Inc. (OTCBB: ENSL) (the “Company” or “Entech Solar”) announced today that the subscription period of its previously announced rights offering providing stockholders of record on August 4, 2010 the right to purchase up to an aggregate of 37,500,000 shares of common stock (which included 14,850,955 shares issuable upon the exercise of rights issued to The Quercus Trust which agreed not to exercise or transfer any rights it received pursuant to the rights offering), at the subscription price of $0.08 per share, expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 20, 2010. Preliminary results indicate that rights to purchase approximately 7,919,000 shares of common stock were exercised for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $633,500.

About Entech Solar

Entech Solar, Inc. is a leading developer of renewable energy technologies and sustainable daylighting solutions for the commercial, industrial and utility markets. Entech Solar designs concentrating solar modules that produce electricity from sunlight as part of the SolarVolt™ product line. The Company also manufactures and markets the Entech™ Tubular Skylight, a state-of-the-art tubular skylight that provides superior light output and optical efficiency for the commercial and industrial green building initiatives. For more information on the Company’s SolarVolt product or Entech Solar, please visit www.entechsolar.com, or call Bob Walters at 817-224-3600.

Sharp Corporation to Acquire Recurrent Energy for up to $305 Million

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recurrent Energy and Sharp Corporation (TSE: 6753) announced today that they have reached a definitive agreement for Sharp to acquire Recurrent Energy, a leading solar project developer and generating company with a 2 GW pipeline. The acquisition is expected to close before the end of 2010, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
  
The terms of the agreement call for Sharp to pay up to $305 million in cash at closing, subject to balance sheet adjustments, to purchase a 100 percent stake from Recurrent Energy shareholders. Recurrent Energy is a Hudson Clean Energy Partners portfolio company. Other shareholders include Mohr Davidow Ventures.

As a leader in solar project development with a well-recognized name, Recurrent Energy will retain its name, operating as a subsidiary of Sharp. Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy, will retain his title and continue to lead the company following the acquisition. Mr. Harris will report to Toshishige Hamano, Sharp’s Executive Vice President responsible for overseas business. Recurrent Energy’s executive team and employees will also continue with the company.

“We are excited to have reached a definitive agreement for Sharp to acquire Recurrent Energy, a leading solar project developer and generating company with a 2 GW pipeline. It is essential for Sharp to function as a developer in the photovoltaic field, in order to further expand its business in this area. With Recurrent Energy’s know-how as a developer, Sharp aims to become a total solutions company in the photovoltaic field, extending from developing and producing solar cells and modules to developing and marketing power generation plants,” said Toshishige Hamano.

“We’re thrilled to reach this agreement with Sharp, a company known for its global leadership in solar technology,” said Arno Harris, CEO, Recurrent Energy. “Sharp’s support will help us to accelerate our growth and further cement Recurrent Energy’s goal to build the leading global solar generating company.”

Recurrent Energy has driven rapid growth of its development pipeline, with over 330 MW of contracted distributed-scale solar power projects including 170 MW with the Ontario Power Authority, 60 MW with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), and 50 MW with Southern California Edison, and announced projects and joint development agreements in Europe and the Middle East.

“We’ve enjoyed a tremendous partnership with the Recurrent Energy team and believe Sharp is the right partner to accelerate the growth of the business,” said Neil Auerbach, a Recurrent Energy director and Managing Partner at Hudson Clean Energy Partners.

Yingli Green Energy to Host Investor Day at Its Baoding Headquarters on November 3rd, 2010

 BAODING, China, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE:  YGE), ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturers, which markets its products under the brand "Yingli Solar," today announced that the Company will host an Investor Day in Baoding, China on Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010.

Yingli Green Energy Investor Day includes a visit to the Company's manufacturing facilities followed by presentations and Q&As from our senior management team. To RSVP for the Yingli Green Energy Investor Day event, please send an email to investorday@yinglisolar.com before October 20th, 2010.

Alteris Renewables Offers 'Zero Down Solar'

WILTON, Conn., Sept. 21/PRNewswire/ -- The top renewable energy integrator in the northeast United States, Alteris Renewables, Inc., has introduced new financing options available to homeowners throughout the region that offer solar power systems with no money down.  As the first renewable energy integrator to offer residential customers in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont  the opportunity to install high quality solar power systems with no money down, Alteris is committed to bringing reliable, sustainable power to the masses.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (USEIA), while solar energy use is on the rise in the United States, it still makes up only 1% of total energy produced.  Cost is often cited as one of the key reasons U.S. consumers are resistant to embracing renewable energy.

"It is more affordable than ever for homeowners to go green with solar power," said Ron French, President of Alteris Renewables, "By having finance options that allow residential customers to take advantage of state and federal incentives without a significant cash outlay, we are eliminating cost as a hurdle for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and their dependence on fossil fuels."

Mr. French points out that expanding the use of clean and renewable energy will help build our economy, and create a better, more sustainable lifestyle for us all. "If less than one percent of the homes in Alteris' home market took advantage of the Zero Down Solar programs to install solar systems, it would be the equivalent of planting more than 135 million trees." 

For information on Zero Down Solar options in your state, contact Alteris Renewables at  info@AlterisInc.com or 800.339.7804.