FPL to Offer Solar Energy Rebates Through New Pilot Program

JUNO BEACH, Fla., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Power & Light Company customers who are interested in installing solar-powered upgrades to their homes and businesses can apply for rebates starting June 21 through a new pilot program approved by the Florida Public Service Commission.

Rebates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for residential and business customers who install solar water heating or solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in 2011. The program is designed to help reduce energy consumption and peak demand.

"While the funding is limited, this new pilot program will help make individual investments in distributed, small-scale solar power more affordable for more customers," said Marlene Santos, FPL's vice president of customer service.

Approximately 1,100 of FPL's 4.5 million customer accounts currently operate their own solar generation. FPL expects the funding cap for new solar PV rebates to be reached quickly due to growing interest in distributed solar generation.

Interested customers should begin exploring options as soon as possible to ensure that they have time to identify a contractor and gather the required information before the application period opens on June 21. Program details and application checklists are available now at www.FPL.com/solarrebates.

•     Residential Solar Water Heating – FPL's residential solar water heating program will provide $1,000 per installed solar water heater. A solar water heater can cut a family's water heating costs by up to 85 percent, according to the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC).  FPL estimates rebates will be available for about 4,500 customers depending on the size of the systems installed.
•     Business Solar Water Heating – Business customers will be eligible for a variable rebate based on the size of the system installed that will equal $30 per 1,000 BTUh/day of the maximum rated output of the installed system. The maximum incentive during the life of the program is $50,000 per site. Businesses with multiple locations can receive a maximum combined rebate of up to $150,000 per funding year. FPL estimates rebates will be available for about 50 customers depending on the size of the systems installed.
•     Residential Solar PV – The residential solar PV program will provide an incentive of $2,000 per kW of the rated direct-current (DC) output of a PV system up to a maximum of $20,000. FPL estimates rebates will be available for about 400 customers depending on the size of the systems installed.

    Business Solar PV – The business PV program will provide a variable incentive depending on the output of the system. The rebate will be up to $50,000 per site during the life of the program and will be calculated as: $2 per DC watt nameplate rating of the solar panel up to the first 10 kW; $1.50 per DC watt nameplate rating of the solar panel from 10 kW up to 25 kW and $1 per DC watt nameplate rating of the solar panel greater than 25 kW. Businesses with multiple locations can receive a maximum combined rebate of up to $150,000 per funding year. FPL estimates rebates will be available for about 80 customers depending on the size of the systems installed.


FPL will also connect the customers' solar PV systems to the electric grid through its net-metering program, which allows customers to receive a credit for the electricity they produce but don't use. For more details, visit www.FPL.com/netmetering.

These new solar incentives are part of FPL's expansive energy-efficiency program for customers. FPL ranks No. 2 among electric utilities nationwide in electric generation avoided through demand-side management programs, according to the latest U.S. Department of Energy data.

"Because of our partnership with customers, FPL has saved more megawatts than nearly any other utility in the country. These efforts have allowed FPL to avoid building 13 medium-sized power plants since 1980," Santos said.

In addition to the residential and business customer rebate programs, FPL is partnering with not-for-profit organizations to install solar water heaters in new construction for low-income families. FPL also plans to expand a successful energy-producing, educational program that has installed 10 solar PV arrays at schools and other educational facilities within the company's service territory. Through this pilot program, FPL plans to install at least one Next Generation Solar Education Station in 28 school districts throughout Florida.

NOTE: FPL does not endorse or recommend any individual installers for any of its programs, nor does FPL bear any responsibility for the quality or performance of any products or contractors chosen or hired by the customer. Customers should choose products and contractors carefully, given the many variables involved. The decision to select, hire and the management of the contractor that will install the eligible products is the customer's sole responsibility. FPL bears no responsibility for the quality or performance of any products or contractors chosen by the customer. There are many installers in Florida with varying levels of capability and experience. Customers should check to make sure the work performed by a contractor meets all applicable licensing and building code requirements.

BrightSource Board Chairman John Bryson Nominated For U.S. Commerce Secretary

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, President Obama nominated John Bryson, BrightSource Energy’s chairman of the board of directors, to become the next Secretary of Commerce. The following is a statement from John Woolard, BrightSource’s President and CEO, in response to this significant nomination:

“John is a visionary and passionate leader. As Chairman of BrightSource Energy, John has demonstrated superlative management skills during a time of significant growth for our company. His experience and thoughtful approach in working with a wide range of stakeholders makes him an ideal choice to lead dynamic organizations.”

Envision Solar Successfully Completes First Project with Morrow-Meadows Corporation

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Envision Solar International, Inc., (www.envisionsolar.com) (OTCBB: EVSI), a leading sustainable infrastructure designer and developer, has successfully completed the design, engineering and installation of a 300-kilowatt shaded parking solar array for Morrow Meadows in Arizona. The array will provide shaded parking for the tenants of a commercial property while generating clean, renewable solar energy. The parking structure will reduce the electricity bill while creating a hedge against future energy cost increases.

Envision Solar Founder Robert Noble said, “Our company has long been recognized as the leading inventor and project developer of solar parking array systems. We have projects installed throughout the U.S., including Dell Computer Headquarters in Round Rock, Texas and the National Renewable Energy Labs in Golden, Colo. Together with Morrow Meadows, we have completed an installation which generates 300 Kilowatts of clean energy output, while still providing a much-needed amenity—shade for cars and people and an architecturally beautiful enhancement to the neighborhood.”

Desmond Wheatley, Envision Solar president, said, “Our on-time, on-budget completion of this project is a strong validation of our ability to operate anywhere in the country. Our business model relies on our capability of scaling our offering globally, which means that we have to be able to effectively export our expertise and products. This successful project completion proves again that we can do that. We look forward to doing many more such projects with Morrow Meadows under the Master Services Agreement we signed late last year.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Envision Solar is responsible for the solar master planning, design and development of solar projects and the supply of its ParkSolar℠ designs using Solar Tree® and Solar Grove® products, as well as CleanCharge™ and EnvisionTrak™ technology to enhance energy yield and reduce total cost of ownership for the project. Morrow Meadows provides full-service electrical, engineering and contracting services as well as bringing a significant install base and customer prospect list to the relationship.

Morrow-Meadows Business Development Director Jim Laehy added, “This was our first full turn-key project with Envision Solar, and we are delighted with the results. As we continue to grow our pipeline of solar projects we look forward to working with the company again. Morrow Meadows is very proud of its ability to continuously deliver excellence to our customers and working with Envision Solar gives us one more tool to facilitate that commitment.”

Hanwha SolarOne Announces Special Investor Meeting During June 2011 Intersolar Europe Conference in Munich

SHANGHAI, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha SolarOne Co., Ltd. ("Hanwha SolarOne" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: HSOL), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic ("PV") cells and modules in China, today announced that it will host a special investor meeting in Munich, Germany, during the upcoming Intersolar Europe Conference being held from June 6-10th, 2011.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9th, 2011 from 8:00-10:30 AM.  Investors are invited to join Hanwha SolarOne's management team – including CEO Dr. Peter Xie, CSO Mr. Sungsoo Lee, CFO Mr. Gareth Kung, and VP of Investor Relations, Mr. Paul Combs – for an 8:00 AM breakfast, followed by a special presentation and Q&A session from 8:30-10:00 AM.

Meeting Venue:  Hotel Novotel Munchen Messe

Willy-Brandt-Platz 1
81829 Munchen Riem (Munich), GERMANY
Telephone: +49 8999 4000
E-mail: h5563@accor.com
Further directions to the venue can be found by visiting Novotel's website.

Institutional investors only.  To attend, email your rsvp to: paul.combs@hanhwa-solarone.com

GCL and Canadian Solar Announce Joint-Venture

TORONTO, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company", "we" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar companies, and Suzhou GCL Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited ("GCL", stock code: 3800.HK), today announced a major solar joint-venture to build a 600 MW capacity wafer plant in Suzhou dedicated to Canadian Solar's requirements. The initial 600 MW can be expanded to 1.2 GW.

The total capital expenditure for the first phase of the project is approximately US$77 million, which is expected to be financed 33.3% through the registered capital and 66.7% through debt. Under the terms of the agreement, GCL will contribute 90% of the registered equity, and Canadian Solar will contribute 10%.

Mr. Gongshan Zhu, Chairman and CEO of GCL, said, "We are very pleased to be partnering with Canadian Solar on a long-term basis.  This partnership with Canadian Solar, one of the industry's most innovative leaders worldwide, is central to our ability to strategically expand our manufacturing capacity and to reach our growth targets.  We have worked together for three years now, sharing both a commitment to high-quality and service.  Our teams boast industry leading technical expertise, customer support and sales acumen.  Our respect for each other will help us achieve further success on this expanded scale."

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, said, "This is a major strategic development for Canadian Solar, GCL and the broader solar industry.  This joint-venture will supplement our other wafer arrangements and make Canadian Solar fully prepared to compete at 2GW scale by early 2012. In GCL, we gain a valued long-term partner, with essential large scale manufacturing expertise.  We expect this venture to help further lower our manufacturing costs from the first quarter of 2012 onwards, and further improve Canadian Solar's gross margins, with a minimal capital expenditure requirement. Importantly, by securing high-quality wafers we can support the increased demand levels for our high-quality solar module products which we are seeing from customers in solar markets worldwide.  We look forward to a successful cooperation with GCL in the years ahead."

Canadian Solar remains on track to expand its annualized capacity for solar cells to around 1.3GW to 1.4GW by mid-2011. In addition, Canadian Solar also plans to announce a joint venture to build a 600MW solar cell facility that will enable it to reach approximately 2GW of internal solar cell capacity during the first quarter of 2012. The Company is also on track to reach 2GW of annualized capacity for module lamination by mid-2011. As a result, the Company is on track to achieve a 2GW 'virtual vertical integration' from wafer to cell and module at the beginning of 2012.

The Company would like to reiterate that its internal cell and module capacities, which are 220MW and 350MW for the second quarter of 2011, respectively, are currently running at full utilization rates, reflecting the strong endorsement of Canadian Solar products in the marketplace. The percentage of third-party cells vs. internally produced cells in the second quarter of 2011 is expected to be higher than that in the first quarter of 2011 due to the full utilization of the Company's module capacity. However, the Company still expects to maintain a similar or improved blended gross margin in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2011 based on its trend forecast for third party cell and wafer prices.

Magnum Pv brings the world's most advanced solar manufacturing technology to Ontario, Canada

TORONTO, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Magnum Pv will begin production of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) modules on its state-of-the art manufacturing line in Brampton, Ontario this October. The production line was developed by German solar technology giant Schmid Technology Systems GmbH.

The first modules with UL/CSA certification will roll off of the Magnum Pv line as early as mid-October. At the heart of the system is a fully-automated tabber stringer featuring high-precision contactless resistance soldering which radically reduces long-term cell degradation due to thermal microfractures.

As part of the Magnum Group of Companies and headquartered at its 142,000 sq. ft facility in Brampton, Ontario, Magnum Pv has access to extensive engineering and manufacturing experience acquired through years of industry leadership in metals and traditional power generation.

Magnum Pv is currently securing orders in its initial production runs. Magnum Pv offers the highest quality monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV modules in Ontario, available in 245, 250, 290 and 300 watt models. In addition to solar PV modules, Magnum Pv will offer complete turnkey solutions including project planning, financing, development, installation and commissioning. All Magnum Pv modules are backed by a best in class 25-year comprehensive product warranty.

Trina Solar to Showcase New Products at Intersolar Europe

CHANGZHOU, China, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, today announced the introduction of new products at this year's Intersolar Exhibition in Munich, Germany, which will be held from June 8 to 10, 2011. These include the Company's new monocrystalline module with Comax technology ("TSM-DC/DA01A"), and its Trinamount mounting hardware solution.

Renowned core technology combined with new "Comax" cell - TSM-DC/DA01A

The new monocrystalline module TSM-DC/DA01A was designed to endorse Trina Solar's philosophy of "More Power, Less Space". It is composed of 72 newly developed 5-inch "Comax" cells and is expected to provide an effective solution for residential and small commercial systems. The cell is nearly fully squared which gives approximately 4% more surface area compared to a standard cell. This, combined with enhanced technology, means that it is expected to produce up to 10 watts more than the Company's standard monocrystalline product.

Trinamount I, II & III – One principle, many different roof types

In addition, under the newly created "Solutions" product series, Trina Solar is developing products that expand upon current PV module offerings to include other system-related components. By combining the Company's high performing modules with the innovative Trinamount mounting solutions, overall system costs are expected to be considerably reduced, increasing the pricing competitiveness of solar energy compared to traditional energy sources. Trinamount hardware will be compatible with a wide variety of roof types. Trinamount I is designed for tile roofs and is compatible with Trina Solar's TSM-PC/PA05 module. Trinamount II is designed for pitched roofs, and comes with mounting hardware for composition shingle, standing seam, corrugated and trapezoidal metal. Trinamount III is designed for use on flat roofs, especially designed for commercial PV systems. Trina Solar expects to distribute the Trinamount solution in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia by the end of the third quarter of 2011. All solutions follow the common goal of reducing system costs through an innovative approach to PV mounting methodologies.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase our two new premium products at the Intersolar Exhibition," said Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trina Solar. "To further elevate our position as the industry's leading brand, we will continue to focus our efforts on delivering innovative market-driven products to bring the best value to our customers."

Natcore Technology, Kodak Sign Joint Development Agreement

RED BANK, N.J., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Natcore Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; NTCXF.PK) has signed a joint development agreement with the Eastman Kodak Company that will marry Natcore's unique combinations of materials and materials processing technology, including its exclusive liquid phase deposition (LPD) process, with Kodak's coating, formulation, drying and conveyance technologies.

The scope of work will encompass development of all of Natcore's thin-film photovoltaic technology, along with Natcore's advanced low-cost antireflection coating technology. The first emphasis will be on getting the nanostructured thin-film solar cell technology into commercial production. The goal is to develop the roll-to-roll processing needed to make the flexible thin-film cell, verify it in Kodak's pilot line, design and build the commercial scale deposition equipment for insertion into one of Kodak's under-utilized film lines, and start commercial production. Natcore would initiate work on other projects as circumstances dictate.

The thin-film cells could lower the cost of producing solar panels to less than $0.50/watt and reduce array installation costs by 60%.

The work will be conducted at Natcore Research and Development Center, located in Building #308 at Eastman Business Park in Rochester, NY. On April 20, Natcore signed a lease for this space, where it will consolidate most of the R&D work currently underway at Ohio State University and Rice University.

The Project Managers will be Dr. Dennis Flood for Natcore Technology and Dr. Charles S. Christ for the Eastman Kodak Company. Dr. Flood is a founder of Natcore and is the company's Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Christ is Director, R&D, and Printing Systems Development and Quality at Kodak.

Natcore continues its search for a manufacturing partner in the production of the thin-film solar cells developed through this agreement. Eastman Kodak is being strongly considered for that program, as are Asian alternatives. Natcore has stated its preference to keep the manufacturing in the U.S. "We profoundly hope that we'll be able to manufacture at Eastman Business Park in Rochester," said Natcore President and CEO Chuck Provini. "As a public company, Natcore must make the best decision for its shareholders, and manufacturing in Rochester offers certain advantages to leverage existing infrastructure and expertise right here in the U.S. Nevertheless, we have to be realistic. We have to go where the funding takes us."

Vermont Enacts First-in-Nation Solar Registration

WILLISTON, Vt., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vermont has enacted a first-in-the-nation registration process for small solar systems, providing a national model for mitigating costly local solar permitting.

H.56, signed into law by Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin May 25, establishes a simple registration process for solar systems 5kW and smaller. 

The process, which replaces permitting, allows solar customers to install the system 10 days after completing a registration form and certificate of compliance with interconnection requirements.  The utility has 10 days to raise any interconnection issues, otherwise a Certificate of Public Good is granted and project may be installed.

A recent study earlier this year produced by SunRun found that permitting adds an average cost of $2,500 to each solar installation and that streamlining the often cumbersome process would provide a $1 billion stimulus to the solar industry over the next five years.

The report finds that the additional installation cost— $.50 per watt— is due to wide permitting variations not connected to safety, excessive fees, and an unnecessarily slow process.  The report cites that Germany has a 40 percent installation price advantage over the United States.  Vermont already has a much more cost-effective, free statewide permitting process than most states.

"Cutting unnecessary red tape and costly permitting for small renewables should be a national priority.  It will help us meet our energy needs and make domestic solar competitive worldwide," said David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables, manufacturer and installer of the AllSun Tracker. 

Mark Sinclair, executive director of Clean Energy States Alliance, says "solar registration is an innovative way to address the high costs and long timeframes that are often associated with installing small-scale renewable energy systems."

The registration process will go into effect January 2012.

Vermont's legislation also expands the state's successful net metering program by establishing a statewide solar customer benefit, which gives solar a minimum value of $0.20, increasing the allowable size of net metering projects from 250kW to 500kW, increasing the per utility net metering cap from 2 percent to 4 percent, and improving group net metering billing.

"Vermont has lead the way in creating an installation environment that encourages solar development by reducing permitting time and resources.  This continues that leadership," said Martha Staskus, chair of Renewable Energy Vermont, the state's renewable trade association.

About AllEarth Renewables, Inc.  www.allearthrenewables.com AllEarth Renewables is a Vermont company that specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of complete grid-connected wind and solar renewable energy systems that lessen dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company's goal is to provide turnkey products that harness the power of wind and sun for homes and businesses while creating sustainable, well-paying jobs.

GridPoint Renewable Energy Solution Selected for 15 Texas Parks and Wildlife Facilities

ARLINGTON, Va., May, 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- GridPoint, Inc., an established leader for smart energy solutions, announces today it has been selected to design, engineer and install 15 solar arrays for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).  The arrays, totaling 436 kW, will be distributed across the state at various TPWD state parks, fish hatcheries and other sites. Installation is scheduled to begin later this month with an estimated completion date of August 2011. 

"TPWD is pleased to work with GridPoint as we strive to meet the key objectives for sustainable conservation outlined in the 2010 Land and Water Plan," states Rich McMonagle, TPWD infrastructure division director.  "GridPoint's solar solution helps us to support conservation actions that mitigate anticipated climate change impacts to plants, fish and wildlife and encourage the development of renewable energy projects which do not adversely affect those communities."

In 2010, TPWD updated the 2005 Land and Water Resources Conservation Plan with the goal of guiding the agency in conserving the state's natural and historic heritage and in providing public access to the outdoors. Later that year, TPWD was awarded a competitive federal stimulus grant for solar installations as part of the Distributed Renewable Energy Technology Program.  TPWD is installing solar photovoltaic (PV) generation systems at its main headquarters in Austin and high-visibility state park, fish hatchery and wildlife management area locations throughout Texas, including:

•     State Parks: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Cooper Lake State Park, Cedar Hill State Park, Lake Arrowhead State Park, San Angelo State Park, Davis Mountain State Park, Choke Canyon State Park, Mustang Island State Park, Government Canyon State Park and McKinney Falls State Park
•     Fish hatcheries and WMAs: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery, A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery, and Kerr Wildlife Management Area

"Partnering with TPWD allows GridPoint to assist this visionary public department in its commitment to the environment," said Jeff Ross, senior vice president of GridPoint. "The installation of solar arrays encourages science-based solutions for natural resource conservation across Texas and is a prime example for parks and wildlife organizations nationally."

The solar energy systems will also feature an intelligent monitoring solution to record, and in some cases display for visitors, the current and historical energy production. This information allows TPWD to closely monitor system performance through a Web interface.

Siemens Receives Photovoltaic Power Plant Order in the USA

ORLANDO, Fla., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Energy, Inc. has been selected by Syncarpha Capital to provide engineering, procurement and construction services for a 3-megawatt-peak (MWp), ground-based PV power plant in Eastampton, New Jersey. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2011 and the plant is scheduled to go online in September 2011. Syncarpha Capital, an investment company launched to capitalize on opportunities in the alternative energy sector, will finance the solar power plant. Utilizing proven Siemens technology and plant performance guarantees, the solar facility will help to satisfy New Jersey's rapidly growing demand for renewable power. 

"Siemens is proud to partner with Syncarpha Capital to install solar generating capacity in New Jersey, and we look forward to working in concert on what we expect to be the first of many such projects," stated Thomas Mart, Director, PV, Siemens Energy, Inc. "This order plays an important role in the continued development of our photovoltaic business."

Solar power is part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2010, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about $35 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of environmentally friendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 270 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of the megacities Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Delhi and Singapore.

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world's leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2010 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR25.8 billion and received new orders totaling more than EUR30.1 billion and posted a profit of more than EUR3.5 billion. On September 30, 2010, the Energy Sector had a work force of more than 88,000. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/energy.

Syncarpha Capital (New York) is an investment company committed to removing the roadblocks to widespread adoption of solar energy by utilities, commercial and government electricity buyers. With a private equity fund focused on  solar projects, Syncarpha works with a variety of organizations to finance and build on-site solar systems that reduce energy costs and ensure a cleaner, greener future. Further information is available on the Internet at: www.syncarpha.com

Amtech’s Solar Subsidiary, Tempress Systems, to Exhibit at the 2011 Intersolar-Europe Conference and Exhibition in Munich

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors, and sapphire and silicon wafers, today announced that its solar subsidiary, Tempress Systems, will exhibit at the 2011 Intersolar-Europe Conference and Exhibition taking place June 8-10, 2011 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich, Germany (Hall A5, Booth 340).

About Amtech Systems, Inc.

Amtech Systems, Inc. manufactures capital equipment, including silicon wafer handling automation, thermal processing equipment and related consumables used in fabricating solar cells, LED and semiconductor devices. Semiconductors, or semiconductor chips, are fabricated on silicon wafer substrates, sliced from ingots, and are part of the circuitry, or electronic components, of many products including solar cells, computers, telecommunications devices, automotive products, consumer goods, and industrial automation and control systems. The Company’s wafer handling, thermal processing and consumable products currently address the diffusion, oxidation, and deposition steps used in the fabrication of solar cells, LEDs, semiconductors, MEMS and the polishing of newly sliced silicon wafers.

BioSila Inks Deal For 500kW of Solar PV

May 30, 2011 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- BioSila Canada Corp. has entered into an agreement with Atlantic Wind & Solar Inc., to incorporate a 500kW solar energy system on the rooftop of one of their biomass fuel manufacturing plants.

BioSila Chairman, John Mumlek, comments, "As part of our commitment to preserving the environment, utilizing our 200,000 square foot Mattawa plant rooftop for a solar energy park was an obvious choice, and is right in line with our overall business model."

Under the terms of the agreement, the energy produced from the solar plant will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority, as part of the provinces Feed In Tariff program.

Over the next 20 years, the system is expected to generate enough solar electricity to power approximately 100 local homes, and will offset the emissions of over 10,350 tons of harmful CO2 gases into the earth's atmosphere.

The BioSila Complex, located in Northeastern Ontario, will produce 252,000 tons of European-standard, power-plant grade, wood pellet fuel for the industrial, commercial and residential biomass energy markets using state of the art production systems. The new production facility is scheduled to open in 2012, BioSila said.

The company plans to incorporate a 10-megawatt co-generation facility on the site, which will also be part of the Province's green energy initiative program.

Trina Solar Announces Charitable Initiative with Patrick Dempsey Organization, Dempsey Racing at 100th Anniversary of Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS, May 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Industry leading, global solar panel manufacturer Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) has become a sponsor of actor/racer Patrick Dempsey's Dempsey Racing Team. Together, the two organizations will establish a solar charity initiative. The initiative will increase Trina Solar's brand awareness in the United States through the sponsorship and promotion of Patrick and the other Dempsey Racing drivers as solar ambassadors who will appear at different events, including the Indianapolis 500 ("Indy 500"), America's premier and most viewed automobile race.

Through this collaboration, Trina Solar has identified Dempsey Racing as a preferred motor racing property that complies with the Company's principles. Trina Solar also has become an associate sponsor of the Sam Schmidt Motorsports, the Centennial Indy 500 Pole winning car of Alex Tagliani, and the car of fourth position starter, Townsend Bell.

"We are delighted to announce this collaboration with Dempsey Racing and to have their drivers as our solar ambassadors," said Robert Muhn, Senior Director of Sales (Americas). "This alliance, in conjunction with our charity projects, will bring solar to the general public in the US and around the world. Trina Solar and Dempsey Racing look forward to a long and successful relationship."

"The 2011 season has already been a fantastic year for Dempsey Racing, and it continues to get better as we join with Trina Solar in the pursuit of excellence on and off the track," Dempsey said. "The future of our sport and our world lies in clean, renewable energy, and we've been looking for partners who can help myself and the team actively promote these technologies on a worldwide scale.  We are excited to be allied with Trina Solar."

While Trina Solar is already committed to a two-car team in Formula One, this association is expected to elevate the company's brand in North America through the IndyCar series races and wherever the races are shown globally on television, while promoting the wide-scale adoption of sustainable technologies. The IndyCar Series is the first in motorsports to use 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in its engines.

The sponsorship will take the form of on-car logo branding on the engine cover of the Dallara/Honda, ensuring excellent opportunities for worldwide marketing exposure.

"We are honored to be associated with Trina Solar and the clean, renewable energy industry," said Sam Schmidt. "Though we are a small racing team, I attribute our success to the fact that we align ourselves with quality companies like Trina Solar."

Trina Solar's association with Mr. Dempsey extends the solar manufacturer's momentum as the Company expands its leadership role in raising solar awareness throughout the world.

Solar Power Partners and JCM Capital Sign another 6 MW of Rooftop Solar Projects in Ontario

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Power Partners (SPP) and JCM Capital jointly announced today that they have signed an agreement with Rumble Energy, to provide full development, construction and long-term equity financing for a 6 MW portfolio of commercial-scale rooftop installations located throughout Ontario.
   
The agreement follows the recent SPP-JCM announcement on the launch of their Solar Fund to develop, finance, own, and operate 200 MW of solar projects, in Ontario, bringing the current portfolio volume to 60 MW. SPP and JCM have already initiated 54 MW of projects, some of which will start construction in 2011. The Fund focuses on the installation of solar projects on large commercial and industrial buildings across Ontario, utilizing the province's Feed-in-Tariff program via solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with the Ontario Power Authority.

Managing Director of JCM, Christian Wray, stated that this agreement continues to add high-quality solar projects to the Fund. “This is an experienced solar developer in both FIT and micro-FIT projects. We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with them to grow Ontario’s commercial rooftop solar market.”

“Our partnership with JCM and SPP brings valued experience to the Ontario renewable energy market and signals a strong relationship to develop quality FIT solar projects in the Ontario market,” said Kelly Rumble, CEO of Rumble Energy.

“As the Ontario market matures, we are seeing a natural consolidation that occurs in every early market. SPP and JCM are at the epicenter of this movement by providing the leading partnership platform supporting the local industry in completing projects,” said Todd Michaels, Senior Vice-President of Project Development for SPP.

In addition to future projects, the Fund seeks to identify projects that can start construction in 2011. Visit www.solarpowerpartners.com/OntarioFund for more information.

Alfa Laval Wins Breakthrough Solar-Power Order

LUND, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alfa Laval – a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling – has received an order in the US to provide Alfa Laval Packinox heat exchangers to the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant. The order value is substantial and well in line with the largest reported over the past 12 months. Delivery is scheduled for 2012.

“We are very proud to be part of such a ground-breaking project in the important area of renewable energy”, says Lars Renström, President and CEO of the Alfa Laval Group. “It is a unique order in many ways; it includes a unique product and will to be used in the world’s largest solar power plant.”

The Alfa Laval Packinox heat exchangers, specifically developed for this application, will be the heart of the thermal storage system where heat from solar power is stored in molten salt, thereby enabling electricity production even on rainy days or at night. The solution will allow the plant to operate for additional 6 hours on stored energy, i.e. from 12 to 18 hours – an increase of about 50 percent over normal daytime solar power production, which better matches the demands from the local power consumers.

This is the biggest solar power order so far for Alfa Laval, who has developed solutions for solar power pilot plants during several years and has to day a number of references from countries in the world’s solar belt.

Due to a confidentiality agreement with the customer, Alfa Laval is unable to disclose the exact value of the order and the name of the customer.

Cleaner Air Solutions to Install over 3MW of SolarEdge Systems in UK, as Part of New Partnership

HOD HASHARON, Israel & DURHAM, United Kingdom--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SolarEdge Technologies, a leading global provider of end-to-end solar power optimization systems, and Cleaner Air Solutions, one of the largest providers of solar PV systems in the UK, announce a new distribution partnership increasing SolarEdge’s activities in the UK. In the first quarter of 2011 Cleaner Air Solutions ordered 3MW of SolarEdge power optimizers and solar inverters. The run rate is expected to rise through the spring and summer.
   
SolarEdge installations harvest up to 25% more energy than traditional PV systems, tracking the MPP of each module individually. In addition, installers benefit from a new form of design freedom which enables the installation of PV systems on rooftops across multiple roof facets and with partial shading. PV owners such as property management companies and social housing organizations will benefit from increased energy output, and from employing more rooftops for PV.

The possibility of monitoring PV systems at module level and in real time is another significant novelty which helps save on maintenance and operation costs while giving added peace of mind to installers and end-users. The SolarEdge PV monitoring solution is complete with a built-in safety mechanism which automatically switches off DC voltage once the system is disconnected.

“SolarEdge offers a great opportunity to bring PV to everyone,” says Terry Skee, Commercial Director at Cleaner Air Solutions. “We expect higher return on investment with the added energy output provided by SolarEdge.”

“We are very impressed by Cleaner Air Solutions’ commitment to PV market growth in the UK. We recognize the high level of professionalism of Cleaner Air Solutions and its team and are looking forward to a successful partnership” says Zvi Lando, VP Global Sales at SolarEdge.

To learn more click www.cleanerairsolutions.co.uk, or visit SolarEdge at Intersolar Europe, hall B4, booth 310, on June 8-10, Munich, Germany.

Ruukki has Developed a Fully-Integrated Solar Panel Facade

HELSINKI, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruukki is the first company to have developed a photovoltaic system that has been fully integrated into a facade to convert sun rays into energy. The solar power system does not depend on the sun's warmth, only its radiation. The electricity generated is used either to meet the building's own needs or is fed into the electricity grid.

The solar panel facade has been designed for application in buildings of a high architectural standard that comply with increasingly stricter environmental regulations. Developed and patented by Ruukki, the system is fully integrated into the facade and is the most cost-effective way on the market to make a fully-glazed facade that generates energy from the sun. The system enables power to be produced even in areas with no direct sun rays since the technology can also utilise sun rays in cloudy weather. In snowy areas and next to water, the system increases output from reflected rays.

"The solar panel facade is Ruukki's response to the need to produce energy from renewable energy sources. The main message of the product is sustainable development and ecology, which are combined with Ruukki's newest technological innovations and the latest technology available," says Jouni Metsamaki, SVP, Building Components, at Ruukki.

In the facade of an average-sized office building in Finland, for example, Ruukki's solar panel facade can produce 18,000 kWh of electricity a year. This is enough to meet the annual needs of a medium-sized, electrically-heated small-family home. Output and capacity can easily be increased according to the area available and capacity requirement.

Fully integrated into the facade

"The unique concept in Ruukki's solar power system is that it is fully integrated into the facade of the building, both functionally and visually. The almost completely black fully-glazed facade enables solutions of a high architectural standard," says architect Laura Paunila at Ruukki. No visible fastenings have been used and thanks to their even colouring, the PV modules based on thin-film technology are aesthetically pleasing, unlike, for example, panels of crystalline silicon.

A sun panel facade is ideal not only for office and commercial construction, but also for residential and commercial construction. The system does not limit choice of base materials or type of building and the facade can be installed in newbuild and renovation construction and on different bases.

Flexible, case-by-case design and easy implementation

A solar panel facade is the easiest and most effortless way for a building to generate electricity. The system is based on modular solar power or PV panels, which have been made from glazed PV modules and Ruukki's steel rainscreen panel system. The modules are almost black in colour. They can be combined with Ruukki's other facade products and are part of the Ruukki Design Palette range of facade products, which allow the size and shape of the other components in the facade to be freely defined. The PV modules are based on CIGS thin-film technology (Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide), which is a commonly used technology in solar cells.

A solar panel facade has a similar structure to Ruukki's Liberta rainscreen panel facade and is installed just like an ordinary Ruukki facade. The facade has been pre-designed and delivery includes all the components and supplies required at the site. Also the cabling system has been pre-designed. On-site installation is both fast and easy.

Rautaruukki supplies metal-based components, systems and integrated systems to the construction and engineering industries. The company has a wide selection of metal products and services. Rautaruukki has operations in 27 countries and employs around 11,700 people. Net sales in 2010 totalled EUR 2.4 billion. The company's share is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (Rautaruukki Oyj: RTRKS). The Corporation uses the marketing name Ruukki.

CNPV Announces First Chinese PV Company to Have Triple Management Accreditation From TUV Rheinland Upon Receipt of OHSAS Approval

LUXEMBOURG and DONGYING, China, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- CNPV Solar Power SA, a public limited liability company organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products, announced today that, it has passed the OHSAS 18001 international standards for occupational health and safety after auditing by TUV Rheinland.

CNPV continues to charge through the certifications accreditations as part of its commitment to business excellence. Barely pausing to breathe, determined to succeed, the Company continues to invest in its systems and people. Recognising that the rigours of external assessment bring much higher benefit that the approval itself, the Company continues to stretch its targets and "punch above its weight". Never a Company to take the easy option, it instructed TUV Rheinland to audit against OHSAS 180001 after making internal preparation over a period of six months. The announcement today is not only the achievement of OHSAS 18001, but the first Chinese PV Company to achieve accreditation for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 from TUV Rheinland, one of the most respected certification bodies in the world.

The lead auditor for TUV Rheinland confirmed, "As a result of CNPV's accreditation for this Health and Safety standard, and a collective review of our database, we can confirm that this is the First Chinese PV Company to have achieved accreditation for Quality, Environmental and EHS systems from our organisation. We are delighted to work with them as they proceed onto their next qualification, which judging by the speed of their recent commitment, will be in the near future."

"Fantastic," confirmed Mr. Zhang Shunfu, CNPV's CEO and Mr B. Veerraju Chaudary, CNPV's COO & CTO. "To be able to confirm from TUV Rheinland that our commitment to the health and safety standards of our employees is on the right track is very fulfilling. Our choice of TUV Rheinland, one of the most reputed and challenging certification bodies, was driven by our wish to test our systems, hopefully finding where we could, and can, improve to the benefit of all. When we subsequently found out that we were the first Chinese PV Company to achieve accreditation for the three systems from this demanding certification organisation, our desire to develop further was further stimulated. Our long term strategy of growth requires clear and careful systems management. We have set demanding targets for ourselves, taken the harder options where possible, all in the knowledge that by making change and constantly evaluating our performance we can achieve the approaching targets more efficiently. We are delighted that we have achieved this milestone on our strategic map, it gives us great confidence to push forwards quickly onto our next challenge."

OHSAS 18001 is an Occupation Health and Safety Assessment Series for health and safety management systems. It is intended to help organizations to control occupational health and safety risks. It was developed in response to widespread demand for a recognized standard against which to be certified and assessed.

Sun Center Studios Takes Center Stage in Pennsylvania With 216kW Solar System

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Pa., May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Center Studios, the newest and most anticipated facility dedicated to help establish Pennsylvania as a haven for filmmaking, has just unveiled a 216 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system, thereby joining some of Hollywood's leading film studios in a commitment to sustainability and renewable energy sources. The system is the largest solar project in Delaware County, PA and ranks in the Top 1 percent of all solar projects funded by the Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Rebate Program. Mercury Solar Systems' Philadelphia office designed and installed the system with the help of IBEW Local 654 Electricians and Pusey Electric in March 2011.

"Sun Center Studios' commitment to sustainability extends throughout the entire facility from the efficient design of the campus's new buildings and stormwater management, our use of organic and locally grown foods whenever possible, to our participation in "smart-grid" technology programs through integrated demand response and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations along with a fleet of hybrids for our production company clients," commented Adam Rotwitt, Senior Vice President of Sun Center Studios. "We believe our studio will serve as a role model for other local Pennsylvania businesses as well as companies operating in the film and television industry."

The solar system is expected to produce enough energy to power 19 average size homes and reduce 270,626 pounds of carbon dioxide every year. This is equivalent to recycling over 4.2 million cans of soda, planting 21 acres of trees and taking 27 cars off the road annually.

"We continue to see strong demand from businesses looking to invest in solar energy due to the environment benefits but also because of the significant cost savings they will realize over the life of the system," said Andrew Kleeman, Senior Vice President of Mercury Solar Systems.

David Richman, Commercial Sales for Mercury Solar Systems further commented, "The solar incentives in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are some of the most generous in the country making this an optimal time to invest. We commend Sun Center Studios for incorporating solar into their state-of-the art facility."

Chevrolet Volt Owners 'Charging on Sunshine'

DETROIT, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mark Hildebrandt developed an interest in clean energy in the 1970s. Over the years, it became his vocation – he owns a company that installs solar panels – so it's only natural that he counts on the sun to create the electricity to charge his Chevrolet Volt.

"I made the switch to renewable energy a while ago, and thus with solar energy, I can power my house, charge my Volt and pump energy back into the grid, which I get credit for," said Hildebrandt, owner of Sunventrix in Saline, Mich., and one of the first Volt purchasers in the state.

"As more Volts are sold, I believe the demand for solar charging stations will increase," he said. "I have spoken to a handful of Volt owners in Michigan that are really interested in charging their Volts from solar energy."

Hildebrandt isn't alone in harnessing the sun for battery power. ZD Wines' winemaster and CEO, Robert deLeuze, has run his Napa, Calif.-based winery exclusively on solar power since 2007, and today you can often find deLeuze's Volt among the grape vines charging from the winery's photovoltaic system.

"Solar power generation makes sense, and I think the Volt will help generate more interest in home installations" said deLeuze. "ZD Wines has had a solar power station for the past three years and purchasing my Volt was a driving factor in installing a solar photovoltaic system at my house."

According to OnStar data, many Volts are going up to 1,000 miles between gasoline fill-ups.

"The majority of miles driven by Volt customers are powered electrically by the Volt's battery," said Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director.

The Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, home of the Volt, is already using sunlight to charge Volts before they are loaded for transport to dealerships. The plant has a 20kW Solar Carport that houses 10 Volt charging stations. Additional charging stations are planned for other locations around the plant.

The Volt's extended-range capability offers a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.

S-DLE Center to Boost Durability, Lifetime of Solar Power Plants

CLEVELAND, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Case Western Reserve University and industry are teaming up to dramatically improve the productive lifetime of solar energy technologies, energy-efficient lighting, roofing, building exteriors and more.

The effort received a boost from the state this week, when the Ohio Third Frontier Commission recommended a $2.88 million grant to help fund the Solar-Durability and Lifetime Extension Center at Case Western Reserve. Awarded under the Third Frontier Wright Projects Program, the S-DLE Center will include new labs and a sun farm on campus.

Such a center fills a critical need cited by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Energy Department says establishing and implementing lifetime and degradation science for advanced energy and energy efficiency products, especially early in development, is crucial to U.S. competitiveness.

Case Western Reserve and its partners will provide companies with the indoor and outdoor laboratory facilities needed to expose and evaluate materials, components and products under solar radiation of up to 1,000 suns, and under extremes in temperature, humidity, freezing and thawing cycles and other environmental factors.

"The facilities and equipment will enable users to determine the effects of 25 years of exposure to solar radiation and the environment in a much shorter time span," said Roger H. French, the F. Alex Nason Professor in materials science and engineering, macromolecular science and physics at the university. 

French will be the S-DLE center director. Also from the university, Alexis Abramson is the commercialization director and Frank Ernst, Ken Singer and Dave Schiraldi are co-investigators.

The standards and protocols developed to withstand a quarter-century of weathering will ultimately enable companies to accelerate and lower the cost of product development, provide longer-lasting products with improved product warranties, and lower cost of ownership to consumers.

The S-DLE Center builds on Case Western Reserve's ongoing project with Replex Plastics, a company in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, developing mirrors to boost light intensity on, and power output from, photovoltaic modules and systems. French and Replex are validating the lifetime and durability of mirror augmented PV systems, as this approach can reduce the cost of solar power. The Third Frontier Commission awarded that project a $900,000 grant in February.

The Ohio Third Frontier grant is supplemented by the $3 million cost share commitment made to the center by Case Western Reserve and the S-DLE industrial partners: DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, Underwriters Laboratories and Ohio-based Q-Lab, eQED and Xunlight26.

The state funding will enable the installation of a dozen solar trackers – essentially a post topped with a motorized platform that uses GPS to automatically follow the sun (the "sun farm"), indoor solar simulators that produce up to 1000 times the sun's intensity, and a variety of environmental test chambers. The center will offer a variety of equipment to evaluate optical, interfacial, thermo-mechanical and electrical properties of materials, components and products exposed to the elements atop the trackers or in the labs.

The facilities will be available to other industrial and academic users. The center is in discussions with 11 additional companies that would pay for access and services.

To provide broader service, the S-DLE Center is establishing exchange programs with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden, Colorado, and with industrial partner Q-Lab, which has facilities in Arizona and Florida, to test materials and products in the different environments.

SOURCE Case Western Reserve University

Canadian Solar Announces 15 MW Sales Agreement with Isolux for Three UK Solar Farms

TORONTO, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company", "we" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar companies, today announced a further expansion of its activities in the UK solar market. Under the agreement, Canadian Solar will supply 15 MW of solar modules for three UK solar farms, constructed by Spanish renewable energy project company Isolux. These three PV systems, over 15 MW in total, are located in Churchtown, East Langford and Manor Farm, and use Canadian Solar's high quality and high-performing CS6P solar modules. The projects are expected to be completed this June.

"Canadian Solar's global leadership and long track record in the UK market made it the powerful solar module partner we needed to help grow our business together in the UK. Canadian Solar's solar modules have an attractive cost-performance-ratio, high reliability and top quality, along with a 25 year, non-cancellable warranty backed by AM best rated insurance companies in Europe and the U.S. Canadian Solar's leadership and warranty insurance policy definitely helped our project finance on the bank side. This way, we can guarantee our systems' high performance," explained Manuel Codes Diaz, CEO of Isolux.

"Canadian Solar is a dominant presence in the UK alternative energy market. We have been committed to the UK market since founding the Company given our broader penetration of the EU market. We have built out a strong partner, distributor and support network across all market EU markets. As a result, we are in an ideal position to work and further grow with partners, like Isolux. We find time and again that Canadian Solar's quality and innovation leadership set us apart. By adding on the security of a standard module warranty we make the decision to partner with Canadian Solar an easy one," said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.

Morgan Solar Closes First Round of Funding

TORONTO, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Morgan Solar Inc. has closed USD $16.5 million in the first tranche of its Series B funding round to ramp up manufacturing and deployment of its Sun Simba concentrated photovoltaic module.

The Sun Simba, based on Morgan Solar's unique, patented Light-guide Solar Optic, is an ultra-thin, lightweight module that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.  This revolutionary module forms the building block of Morgan Solar's turnkey photovoltaic system, which offers significantly lower costs, and higher performance, than other photovoltaic systems on the market today.

The first tranche of funding represents the bulk of Morgan Solar's Series B round. Participants in the Round include existing investors Inversiones Financieras Perseo, of the Iberdrola Group, and Nypro Inc. Iberdrola is Spain's leading energy group and the world's largest renewable energy company; Nypro Inc. is a USD $1.1 billion global contract manufacturer specializing in precision injection moulding. New investors include The Frost Group, LLC, a private investment firm based in Miami, Florida. The Frost Group is led by Dr. Phillip Frost, and since its formation in October 2006 has invested in various companies and technologies in the United States and abroad. Morgan Solar is in discussions with strategic investors to close the remainder of the Round.

"The Morgan Solar approach to CPV provides, for the first time, an opportunity to deliver grid-competitive LCOEs without subsidies, across global markets," says Asif Ansari, CEO of Morgan Solar. "Now - not five years from now - the Sun Simba generates extremely compelling project rates of return."

This year, Morgan Solar will complete a number of significant demonstration sites in Ontario and the United States. With this funding and the company's USD $3.3 million loan from the California Energy Commission, Morgan Solar will establish a manufacturing facility in San Diego, California. The company will also ramp up its existing manufacturing and R&D footprint in Ontario to continue to develop and bring to market next generation, low cost solar technologies.

3.5-Megawatt SunPower System Dedicated at Macy's Arizona Fulfillment Center

GOODYEAR, Ariz., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Macy's, Inc., SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), and Arizona Public Service (APS) today dedicated a 3.5–megawatt solar power system at the Macy's online fulfillment center in Goodyear, Ariz.

"At Macy's, Inc., we believe that contributing to a more sustainable environment is good business practice and the right thing to do for future generations.  Our comprehensive approach involves everyone around us including our customers, associates and vendors.  We are pleased to begin achieving significant operational savings today in Goodyear, Ariz., while supporting Macy's overall environmental goals," said Peter Longo, president of Macy's Logistics and Operations.

"The city of Goodyear commends Macy's and APS for supporting renewable energy, and bringing this very significant SunPower solar power system to our community," said Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord. "As a source of emission-free electricity and economic development, solar power makes sense in Goodyear."

SunPower designed and installed the system and is providing on-going operations and maintenance services.  The system features the SunPower®T5 Solar Roof Tile, the solar industry's first non-penetrating rooftop product that combines a high-efficiency solar panel, frame and mounting system into a single pre-engineered unit.  Tilted at a five-degree angle, the T5 Roof Tile system approximately doubles the energy generated per square meter compared to other systems that are mounted flat onto commercial rooftops.

According to estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Goodyear system is expected to offset more than 3,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is equivalent to removing more than 600 cars from Arizona's highways each year.

"We applaud Macy's for its leadership in environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility," said Jim Pape, president of SunPower's residential and commercial business group. "As a SunPower customer since 2007, Macy's understands the guaranteed performance delivered by solar technology, and the bottom line benefits it reliably generates."

APS, Macy's local energy provider at Goodyear, helped make the system more affordable by providing financial rebates through the APS Renewable Energy Incentive Program. The program offers rebates to customers who add renewable energy systems to their homes or business. The rebates are the mechanism through which APS is purchasing the renewable energy credits associated with the system. 

ET Solar Introduces Zep Compatible Modules for Rooftop PV Systems

NANJING, China, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- ET Solar Group Corp. ("ET Solar"), a solar power one-stop solution provider, today introduces new Zero-RackTM series solar modules for residential and commercial rooftop systems.

Through a licensing agreement with Zep Solar, ET Solar developed the Zero-RackTM modules with patented Zep Groove aluminum frames - providing an auto-grounding, drop-in mounting solution. Zero-RackTM modules require no rails, making it easier to ship and store the system and reducing the installation time up to 50 percent.

The Zero-RackTM modules have been certified to meet UL1703 standard. They are already available in the North American market. Certification for other markets is scheduled to be completed by end of this year.

Dennis Shaw, President and Chief Executive Office of ET Solar, commented: "We are very excited with the introduction of this new Zero-RackTM module. It strengthens our ability to provide cost-effective solutions to the fast growing rooftop markets. The cost saving on both installation and logistics will benefit both our customers and system end users."

Mike Miskovsky, President of Zep Solar, said: "We are pleased to establish a collaborative relationship with ET Solar. We believe that our patented technology and ET Solar's strong global distribution capability will ensure a wider adoption of this cost-efficient solution. "

Grape Solar Releases Its High Performance 400W Solar Panels for the U.S. Market

EUGENE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grape Solar expands their already impressive portfolio of solar panels to include four new high powered modules in their Platinum series, ranging from 395W to 410W, all UL certified. These large panels are an excellent choice for reducing racking hardware and installation labor costs on large commercial solar projects.

The Grape Solar Platinum series panels use 96 pieces of 6” high efficiency monocrystalline solar cells to boost power production by more than 70% over conventional 230W modules. Higher powered modules mean that installations will require 44% less panels. This translates to a cost savings that directly affects the bottom line of successful projects.

Each Platinum series panel weighs 78.2lbs and its size is 77.2” by 51.5” and 1.57” thick. These panels work well with most standard inverters and are ideally suited to roof mount and ground mount applications.

Grape Solar is a leading solar panel manufacturer and solar kit integrator with direct relationships with independent installers and consumers through leading big box chain stores and online retailers such as Amazon.com. Grape Solar has solar panels ranging from 100w to 400w panels and various solar kits for residential and commercial installations. By purchasing directly from Grape Solar, consumers can take advantage of Grape Solar’s network of certified installers who can assist consumers in design, installation of solar projects and assist in applying for solar related government and utility incentives.

GSLO Collaborates with Houston City Councilman on Potential Solar Solutions for Municipal Properties

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GoSolarUSA (Stock Ticker: GSLO) announced today that an agent for the company recently met with Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson regarding possible green energy solutions for municipal properties in his district.

GSLO has targeted Houston for new business opportunities due to the city’s potential for large-scale solar energy developments. Johnson’s District B includes several large municipal properties well-suited for renewable energy projects such as solar panel installations. Solar installations and other green energy projects carry the potential to create jobs and put vacant properties to productive use.

“As anyone who has visited knows, The City of Houston’s warm and sunny climate is ripe with potential for solar energy projects,” said GSLO President and CEO Tyson Rohde. “Our company has identified what we feel is a fantastic opportunity for implementation of solar energy in District B, and we look forward to exploring potential new development there together with Councilman Johnson.”

GoSolarUSA aggressively acquires, develops and markets the most promising and potentially profitable green technology available. The GoSolarUSA mission is to manifest cutting-edge solar technology and manufacturing advances to successfully compete in a global marketplace, which includes First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), JA Solar (NASDAQ: JASO) and Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ).

About GoSolarUSA, Inc.

GoSolarUSA primarily identifies and develops new solar energy technologies in the United States. We believe this not only creates high-quality jobs in America, but also ensures the quality and availability of our products. GSLO is endeavoring to advance clean American solar technology to compete in the global energy industry. GoSolarUSA is a U.S. registered and reporting OTCQB market tier company.

GE Employees Join Conn. Governor Dannel Malloy to Unveil One of the Largest Solar-Powered Electric-Vehicle (EV) Carport Projects in North America

PLAINVILLE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Luis Ramírez, CEO of GE Energy Industrial Solutions today joins Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and GE employees to unveil the GE Electric Vehicle (EV) Solar Carport in Plainville, Conn. The GE EV Solar Carport Project, one of the most expansive undertakings of its type in North America, uses GE’s new smart EV Charging Stations to charge the electric vehicles hitting the streets of America.
   
“We see anywhere you park your electric vehicle as a great opportunity for charging infrastructure,” says Ramírez. “Now we also lead the future of electrification for electric vehicles with supplied power from the sun. The GE EV Solar Carport provides clean energy alternatives to oil and biofuels, expands our ability to capture the sun’s energy and helps us deliver a viable EV ecosystem. This is a bright day for EV infrastructure development in Connecticut and the nation.”

“This is innovative technology and it’s right in our backyard,” says Governor Malloy. “This exciting project will be a blueprint for people all around the country who are interested in developing this type of green solar charging technology, linking renewable energy with electric vehicles and making our lives cleaner and greener. I’m excited to witness the future of this project, and I’m energized about the innovative projects GE is undertaking in our state.”

The GE EV Solar Carport, a demonstration of the expansive horizon GE envisions for renewable energy within the EV ecosystem, produces the energy equivalent to power 20 homes per year. The average freestanding home uses approximately 7,000 to 10,000 kW hours per year. With greater than a 25-year lifespan, the EV Solar Carport will annually deliver 125 MW hours via 100 kW DC power. According to the Electric Drive Transportation Association, more than half of American drivers today travel less than 30 miles in a typical day and more than 75 percent travel less than 60 miles. EVs with a range of 50-100 miles could easily meet the daily needs of most customers.

“Consumers want the convenience and peace of mind knowing they can get from point A to point B without running out of energy,” adds Ramírez. “GE is working with a number of utilities and municipalities, in the U.S. and abroad, to address this issue of creating a widely distributed network of electric vehicle charging stations. The presence of ubiquitous, Level 2 charging will make consumers far less worried about their car running out of power.”

GE Energy Industrial Solutions combined forces with Inovateus Solar LLC, a national solar power distributor and integrator, to install the carport. The companies use solar energy and smart grid technology to fully charge up to 13 electric vehicles per day via six Level 2 GE EV Charging Stations and to power the overhead lighting in the parking lot.

“Our objective with this project is to utilize a mix of installation formats to create a practical on-site ‘lab’ to illustrate a range of design options when creating a solar system,” says T.J. Kanczuzewski, executive vice president of Inovateus Solar LLC. “We are excited to collaborate with GE on this important alternative energy development and education project and look forward to other future projects.”

The carport incorporates GE’s infrastructure technology, utilizing GE EverGold* Safety Switches and GE Combiner Boxes along with the GE EV Charging Stations. GE’s core AC equipment safely distributes the power generated from the solar panels. The GE EV Solar Carport connects to the grid, where it deposits extra energy and withdraws that energy when needed.

Innovation is a tradition at GE. For more than 100 years GE has built and serviced infrastructure to optimize energy generation and use. The development of this next-generation technology with GE reliability is a natural progression as the company offers a network of EV chargers and software support that are all part of the end-to-end EV infrastructure solution.

SunWater Solar and Chinatown Community Development Center Announce 40-Collector Solar Hot Water System

SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SunWater Solar and the Chinatown Community Development Center (CDC) today announced the completion of a new solar water-heating system at Larkin Pine Senior Housing, a San Francisco affordable housing development home to 90 seniors. The system's 40 Schuco Performance solar thermal collectors will meet up to 70% of the building's hot water load and offset approximately 3,700 therms of natural gas annually, equivalent to removing 3.6 passenger vehicles from the road for a year. 

Designed and installed by SunWater Solar, the system garnered a $42,627 California Solar Initiative-Thermal (CSI-Thermal) rebate that covers a sizable portion of the system cost. The collector area is 1,160 square feet, making the system one of the largest yet installed on a multifamily building in San Francisco under the CSI-Thermal program.

"After carefully reviewing the costs and financial benefits of solar thermal technology, Chinatown CDC determined it to be an excellent long-term investment," said Karen Gansen, Chinatown CDC's Chief Financial Officer. "Aside from reducing the building's carbon footprint, this system will also cut Larkin Pine's natural gas bills for decades to come." 

"Pacific Gas & Electric Company is pleased to see commercial organizations like Chinatown CDC lead the way in taking advantage of the CSI-Thermal incentive program," said Nick Stimmel, Sr. Project Manager, Solar and Customer Generation at PG&E. "With CSI-Thermal incentives at their highest tier today [$12.82 per therm offset], now is a great time to invest in solar thermal." 

"This system has introduced an important San Francisco organization to the benefits of solar thermal technology," said Justin Weil, president of SunWater Solar. "We hope this will inspire other groups that own large multifamily buildings to consider solar thermal as a way to reduce water-heating costs for their own properties." 

Sustainable Energy Partners (SEP), a clean energy consulting firm working with Chinatown CDC to improve building energy efficiency, recommended solar water-heating for several Chinatown CDC buildings, including Larkin Pine Senior Housing. Firms that assisted with system installation include Haase Energy Tank and Architectural Fenestration & Restoration. A SunReports monitoring device makes system performance data available online for the system owner and installer.

SunRun Appoints Vice President of Engineering

SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SunRun, the nation's leading home solar company, today announced that Dr. Miguel Pinilla joined the company as Vice President of Engineering. One in eight homeowners who went solar in 2010 chose SunRun and the company installs over $1 million in solar systems every day. Dr. Pinilla and his team of engineers are developing the software infrastructure needed to deliver affordable residential solar power to millions of American homes as SunRun continues to expand.

"I was drawn to SunRun because we have the opportunity to shape the software operating system for home solar in the United States," said Pinilla. "This company has already pioneered a way to remove the high upfront costs from solar so more families can afford it. Making sure we can do that for millions of families is an inspiring task, and one that I appreciate every day. I'm looking forward to building out the team that will create the future of solar energy."

Prior to joining SunRun Pinilla led technology development and innovation efforts for SmartTurn (now RedPrairie) to develop and bring to market its on-demand inventory and warehousing applications. Before SmartTurn he was Senior Director of Engineering for Marine Systems at Navis, a global leader in logistics systems, and Vice President of Engineering for Informative (now Satmetrix). He also led the development of operations and maintenance software for the Alcatel/Lucent broadband switches in Europe. Originally from Zaragoza, Spain, Pinilla came to the United States as a Fulbright scholar, earning a Master of Engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a PhD from Stanford University in Manufacturing Information Systems. He holds several patents and has published multiple technical papers.

"Miguel combines tremendous attention to detail with a vision for scale and efficiency that has our entire engineering department excited," said SunRun Co-founder and President Lynn Jurich. "Since he started, the engineering department has attracted new talent to support our passion for giving customers and partners the highest quality service and technology in the industry."

Munro Distributing Forms Strategic Alliance with LG Solar

RAYNHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Munro Distributing Company, a leading supplier of clean energy solutions and electrical supplies, announced the launch of a new product line and the immediate availability of LG solar panels. Munro’s solar division, which facilitates the procurement of residential and commercial solar electric and thermal systems, has leveraged its expertise and market presence to form a strategic distribution alliance with LG Electronics, one of the most trusted names in the electronics’ industry.

LG Electronics, Inc. (LG) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. LG solar modules are ideally suited for residential and commercial grid-connected applications. Resulting from decades of innovation, special anodizing methods and best-in-class quality control measures, LG solar modules are uniquely positioned to produce electricity consistently even in harsh environmental conditions such as rain, wind and snow for a period of 25 years. LG’s easy-to-handle and reliable modules are an exciting addition to Munro’s product line and will provide their customers with cost-effective, efficient modules from a steadfast and reputable manufacture.

“Offering LG’s monocrystalline and multicrystalline modules speaks to our Company’s commitment to provide customers with reliable products from reliable partners. In partnering with LG, our goal is to offer customers the benefit of cutting edge technology coupled with the peace-of-mind that is inherent when dealing with one of the world’s leading producers of electronics equipment,” said Glenn Maltais, VP Market Development and Sustainability at Munro.

Munro’s renewable energy professionals are available to assist novice and experienced solar patrons through value-add services designed to meet a wide range of needs. Munro provides contractors with a host of services relating to system design, installation, product selection, federal grants, state rebates and energy efficiency. For more information, visit munrodistributing.com.

Munro Distributing Company Inc. is a forward-thinking distributor of clean energy solutions and electrical supplies. For 6 decades and 3 generations, Munro has leveraged its experience and buying power to deliver quality products and value-add services. They have locations throughout MA, RI, NY, NJ and CA. www.munrodistributing.com

SolarWorld Solar Panels Begin Shipping to Supply 33 MW Ground-Mount Plant in Southeast Ontario

HILLSBORO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SolarWorld’s high-performance solar panels have begun moving in rail containers from near the company’s U.S. headquarters plant in Hillsboro, Ore., on their way to supply a 33-megawatt installation on land totaling 300 acres in southeast Ontario, Canada.
   
Rail shipment is possible because SolarWorld, the largest U.S. solar technology manufacturer for more than 35 years, manufactures its crystalline silicon solar electric panels in the major market geographies where the company sells them. The practice minimizes shipping costs, fuel consumption and noxious emissions. Every week, an average of 30 trucks each laden with 540 SolarWorld panels – about 3.75 megawatts total – leave the Hillsboro plant for the Port of Portland’s nearby intermodal facility, where they transfer to rail for their trip to Ontario.

The solar power plant site is located in rural East-Hawkesbury, just south of both the Ottawa River and Trans Canada Highway and about 45 miles west of Montreal, Quebec. In all, 144,060 panels are expected to generate 39 gigawatt-hours annually, enough to power about 2,600 homes. The development is considered one of the most significant solar projects in one of the leading North American political jurisdictions in terms of policy to cultivate a market for solar energy.

“Low-impact shipping is just another upside of SolarWorld’s in-market manufacturing,” said Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas. “A truly green manufacturer not only produces clean products but also minimizes the impact of its production. Our manufacturing in North America reflects that commitment.”

The Stardale PV Solar Project represents the first solar electric power project of Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., a leading developer, owner and operator of hydroelectric facilities and energy projects in North America. Enfinity owned and developed the project prior to its sale to Innergex and currently is the project partner for engineering, procurement and construction as well as operations and maintenance.

Rafael Dobrzynski, Chief Executive Officer of Enfinity Americas, said, “In a major transaction like this, many different elements work together to deliver a successful outcome. SolarWorld’s innovative production and freight solutions played an important part in the deal. From our perspective, it is crucial that the product is manufactured in the USA, which enables the project to apply for support from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), improving the overall feasibility of the project.”

Work on the project began in November 2010; it is expected to conclude by the first quarter of 2012. The total project cost is estimated at $140 million Canadian.

GE Launches Power Plant with Breakthrough Flexibility and Efficiency to Enable Greater Use of Wind, Solar and Natural Gas on Power Grid

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE (NYSE: GE), whose technology helps to deliver a quarter of the world’s electricity, today announced a first-of-its-kind power plant engineered to deliver an unprecedented combination of flexibility and efficiency. By rapidly ramping up and down in response to fluctuations in wind and solar power, the technology will enable the integration of more renewable resources into the power grid. The FlexEfficiency* 50 Combined Cycle1 Power Plant is rated at 510 megawatts and offers fuel efficiency greater than 61 percent. The plant is the result of an investment of more than $500 million in research and development by GE and a key part of its ongoing work to create and manufacture technologies around the globe that deliver cleaner, more efficient energy.
   
While power plants today can provide flexibility or high efficiency, this power plant will deliver an unprecedented combination of both. GE calls this combination of flexibility and efficiency ‘FlexEfficiency,’ which is essential if renewable power is going to cost-effectively integrate into power grids around the world on a large scale.

GE drew from the company’s jet engine expertise to engineer a plant that will ramp up at a rate of more than 50 megawatts per minute, twice the rate of today’s industry benchmarks. Operational flexibility at these levels will enable utilities to deliver power quickly when it is needed and to ramp down when it is not, balancing the grid cost-effectively and helping to deploy additional renewable power resources like wind and solar. A typical FlexEfficiency 50 plant will deliver enough energy to power more than 600,000 E.U. homes.

Increasing Renewables with Natural Gas

“As our customers seek to increase their use of renewable energy, the challenge of grid stability sharpens. They are under added pressure to achieve higher levels of efficiency and lower emissions for natural gas power plants. The FlexEfficiency 50 plant creates an immense growth opportunity in a new segment for our gas turbine technology and is in lock-step with our commitment to build a cleaner energy future,” said Paul Browning, vice president—thermal products for GE Power & Water. “For years we have been working to develop technology that can, in the same breath, deliver breakthrough efficiency and deal head-on with the challenge of grid variability caused by wind and solar. The need for combined flexibility and efficiency is even more pressing today as countries around the world establish new emissions standards.”

The FlexEfficiency 50 plant is the first product in GE’s new FlexEfficiency portfolio and part of GE’s ecomagination commitment to drive clean energy technology through innovation and R&D investment. The launch follows GE’s recent announcements of the world’s most efficient wind turbine, the highest reported efficiency for thin film solar and $11 billion in acquisitions that strengthen a portfolio supporting natural gas and power transmission.

“Much of today’s power generation technology is serving yesterday’s power grid. Institutions and individuals everywhere are looking for cost-effective ways to use solar, wind and gas energy on a large scale. But they often assume that renewable energy can simply plug-in to the existing power grid,” said Steve Bolze, president and CEO of GE Power & Water. “Throughout GE, we have invested to strengthen our global portfolio with a view to delivering efficient power generation across clean energy technologies. We expect this FlexEfficiency breakthrough to help take advantage of abundant natural gas while we simultaneously carve a fresh path to accelerate wider adoption of renewable energy, all with less impact on natural resources.”

Sustainability by Design

GE engineers were able to avoid the typical tradeoffs between flexibility and efficiency by approaching the plant design from a total equipment and control systems perspective. The FlexEfficiency 50 plant is engineered for flexible operation by integrating a next-generation 9FB Gas Turbine that operates at 50 Hz, which is the power frequency that is most used in countries around the world; a 109D-14 Steam Turbine, which runs on the waste heat produced by the gas turbine; GE’s advanced W28 Generator; a Mark* VIe integrated control system that links all of the technologies; and a heat recovery steam generator.

“With global energy demand expected to double by 2030 and electricity generation accounting for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, utilities and government bodies are taking a hard look at how to produce power more efficiently,” said Ricardo Cordoba, president of GE Energy for Western Europe and North Africa. “This innovation can have a dramatic effect on CO₂ emissions and offers a nimble, efficient and cost-effective way for us to help E.U. countries in their pursuit of 20-20-20 energy goals2.”

The International Energy Agency concluded in a report issued yesterday that large shares of variable renewable energy are feasible as long as power systems and markets are properly configured so they can get the best use of their flexible resources. The FlexEfficiency 50 Combined Cycle Power Plant offers unprecedented levels of flexibility that will simplify this challenge without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Learn more at www.ge-flexibility.com and at www.ecomagination.com/technologies/flex-efficiency.

*Trademark of the General Electric Company.

IKEA to Install Solar Panels on Six More Locations in Eastern U.S.: 2 Stores in MD, 1 Store in OH, 2 Stores and 1 Office in PA

CONSHOHOCKEN, Penn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced plans to install solar PV systems on six more of its locations in the Eastern United States. Pending governmental permits, installation can begin in late spring, with completion expected this fall. Collectively, the six buildings will total 5.076 megawatts (MW) of solar generating capacity, more than 22,000 panels, and an annual output of 6.39 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually – the equivalent to reducing 4,860 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – equal to the emissions of 867 cars or providing electricity for 534 homes yearly (according to www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html for calculating clean energy equivalents). This effort by IKEA will contribute to the local utilities’ renewable portfolio goals and will lower the carbon intensity of the electrical grid.
   
IKEA will install panels at its Baltimore and College Park, MD stores as well as atop the Cincinnati-area store in West Chester, OH. Similarly, the two Philadelphia-area IKEA stores – in Conshohocken, PA and Philadelphia, PA – also will be receiving solar panels, as will be the IKEA North America Service Office – in Conshohocken. Specific information is below:

    -Baltimore, MD (store) – opened in 1988; store size: 205,000 SF on 12.3 acres
    SOLAR PROGRAM: 79,000 SF at 631 kW; 2,744 panels generating 840,400 kWh/year
    Equivalent to reducing 639 tons of CO2, 114 cars’ emissions or powering 70 homes

    -College Park, MD (store) – opened in 2003; store size: 371,000 SF on 29.8 acres
    SOLAR PROGRAM: 148,200 SF at 1,185 kW; 5,150 panels generating 1,556,600 kWh/year
    Equivalent to reducing 1,183 tons of CO2, 211 cars’ emissions or powering 130 homes

    -Conshohocken, PA (store) – opened in 2003; store size: 325,000 SF on 23 acres
    SOLAR PROGRAM: 150,100 SF at 1,201 kW; 5,220 panels generating 1,431,100 kWh/year
    Equivalent to reducing 1,088 tons of CO2, 194 cars’ emissions or powering 120 homes

    -Conshohocken, PA (U.S. Office) – opened in 2006; size: 75,000 SF on 7 acres
    SOLAR PROGRAM: 4,200 SF at 33 kW; 144 panels generating 39,500 kWh/year
    Equivalent to reducing 30 tons of CO2, 5 cars’ emissions or powering 3 homes

    -Philadelphia, PA (store) – opened in 2004; store size: 311,000 SF on 20 acres
    SOLAR PROGRAM: 125,300 SF at 1,002 kW; 4,356 panels generating 1,194,200 kWh/year
    Equivalent to reducing 908 tons of CO2, 162 cars’ emissions or powering 100 homes

    -West Chester, OH (store) – opened in 2008; 344,000 SF on 30 acres
    SOLAR PROGRAM: 128,000 SF at 1,024 kW; 4,452 panels generating 1,331,700 kWh/year
    Equivalent to reducing 1,012 tons of CO2, 181 cars’ emissions or powering 111 homes

“We are excited to continue investing in renewable energy projects, reducing our carbon footprint, and improving the lives of the many people,” said Mike Ward, IKEA U.S. president. “Adding solar energy to more U.S. locations is consistent with our commitment to sustainable building practices, so we are thrilled our evaluation determined these projects to be feasible for IKEA. We are open to considering other opportunities and technologies too.”

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business, and strives for its operations to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates all locations regularly for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); incorporating environmental measures into the construction of buildings in terms of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water conserving restrooms; and operationally, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs.

For the Maryland and Ohio stores, IKEA contracted with REC Solar, one of the largest U.S. solar electric providers, with more than 6,000 systems built nationwide including 16MW in the retail sector the past two years. For the three Philadelphia-area locations, IKEA has identified Gloria Solar – the U.S. Systems Integrator of the E-Ton Solar Group that recently completed the largest U.S. commercial project, a 5MW land mount in Arizona. Both firms already have implemented, and are implementing, other solar PV programs for IKEA.

In the United States, IKEA already has: solar energy systems operational in Brooklyn, NY; Burbank, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Tejon, CA (distribution center) and Tempe, AZ; solar water heating systems in Charlotte, NC; Draper, UT; Orlando, FL; and Tampa, FL. Other solar energy systems currently being installed include six more locations in California, and two on the East Coast. Also, both a solar energy system and a geothermal system have been incorporated into the Denver-area store opening this year in Centennial, CO.

IKEA strives to be ‘The Life Improvement Store,’ and since its 1943 founding in Sweden, has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 320 IKEA stores in 38 countries, including 37 in the U.S. IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings company, incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, go to IKEA-USA.com.

SANYO to Demonstrate HIT Solar Modules and Energy Storage at Intersolar 2011

MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SANYO Component Europe GmbH is very pleased to announce that it will be showcasing a variety of its energy creation and energy storage technology at Intersolar 2011, the world's largest solar technology trade show, to be held from June 8th to June 10th at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany (Stand 540 Hall A3). In keeping with SANYO's tradition for presenting a fun and interactive exhibition experience, this year also sees the introduction of a new host of attractions to be featured alongside these new products.

At Intersolar, SANYO will be displaying a number of models from its highly-acclaimed HIT®*1 solar module series. HIT® solar modules are based on thin mono crystalline silicon wafers surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers to deliver high conversion efficiency, outstanding temperature characteristics and higher output power on a given roof area compared to conventional crystalline modules, allowing users to maximize the benefits they receive from the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) subsidy schemes. On display will be the HIT® N240, SANYO's most efficient HIT® solar module to date with a conversion efficiency of 21.6%, the HIT® HD250, with a conversion efficiency of 20.8%, and the HIT® Double bifacial solar module series.

In addition, SANYO will also be exhibiting its pioneering "Smart Energy System" (SES), incorporating its technologies for energy creation (solar modules), energy storage (rechargeable batteries) and energy saving (efficient energy usage) to optimally control energy usage and maximize efficiency in the system. The SES is ideal for a wide variety of energy storage applications, from small scale residential systems to large scale storage systems, bringing a wide variety of benefits ranging from electricity cost reductions for individual consumers by increasing self-consumption of electricity and reducing the usage of electricity from the grid to grid stabilization for grid operators and utility companies. Samples of the battery management system and battery modules used in residential systems will be on display at the SANYO booth.

SANYO is committed to providing energy storage that meets the needs of the European market, one of the most important markets for its solar business. With its solar, lithium-ion battery and battery management technology, SANYO is pleased to pave the way for the future of local production and consumption of energy in the post-incentives era and is striving towards the realisation of a low carbon society.

SolarVision Funds Celina Renewable Energy Center

WESTERVILLE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar energy provider and developer, SolarVision, LLC, presented the City of Celina with a check for $600,000 on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 as solar licensing fees to erect a 3 megawatt solar energy field on the northern 20-acre tract within what will become the Celina Renewable Energy Center. This earmarks the official start of Phase I of the Celina Renewable Energy Center encompassing the purchase of a 60-acre tract zoned for industrial services along Meyer Road just south of State Route 29. The City closed on the purchase of the land on May 13, 2011. The Celina Renewable Energy Center will include the solar field, a biogas plant, lake sediment ponds and manmade wetlands. Under Phase II of the plan, which was signed into contract with SolarVision on April 12, 2011, the City will receive a licensing fee of $700,000 to build an additional 2 megawatts of solar power on an additional 10-acre tract.

This project is the sixth and largest solar power installation for SolarVision in the state of Ohio. The 3 megawatt solar system will encompass approximately 12,000 solar panels on 18 of the 25-acre tract which also houses an existing cell tower. The City of Celina signed a Solar Power Purchase agreement with SolarVision on December 7, 2010 to purchase all of the solar plant’s electrical output. The system will be owned, operated, insured and maintained by SolarVision. As a part of the transaction, SolarVision secured $17.7 million in new market tax credits and financing through First Merit Bank.

For the full release and corresponding images please go to - http://greencrest.com/pressroom/SolarVision2

Torresol Energy Commissions 19.9MW Gemasolar Power Plant in Spain

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Torresol Energy, a joint venture between Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s leading future energy company, and SENER, the leading Spanish engineering and construction firm, announced today the commissioning of its flagship 19.9MW Gemasolar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant in Seville, Spain.

The world’s first commercial-scale CSP plant featuring a central tower receiver with thermal storage capabilities has commenced supplying electricity to 25,000 homes in the Andalucía region of Spain. The plant is expected to save more than 30,000 tonnes of CO2 emission a year.

The innovative molten salt heat transfer technology deployed at the Gemasolar greenfield independent power project helps avoid fluctuations in power supply through a system that is capable of 15 hours of energy production without sunlight. This accordingly allows for generation of electricity 24 hours a day for many months of the year, even during the hours of darkness or poor daylight during winter.

The Gemasolar plant comprises 2,650 heliostats (mirrors) that stretch approximately 185 hectares. The system is capable of reaching temperatures exceeding 900-degrees Centigrade at the central receiver located at the top of the tower. The tower technology uses molten salt as a heat transfer medium that reaches temperatures above 500 degrees Centigrade and allows delivering hotter and more pressurized steam to the turbine than the parabolic trough technology, which significantly increases the performance of the overall plant.

SENER was responsible for providing the technology, the engineering detail design and part of the EPC and commissioning works of the plant. The technology developed by SENER includes state-of-the-art solutions such as the molten salt storage system and the receiver, which is able to absorb 95% of the radiation from the sun’s spectrum and transmit this energy to the molten salt compound that circulates within the receiver, which is then used to heat steam and operate the steam turbines.

Frank Wouters, Director of Masdar Power, said: “The commissioning of the CSP plant marks another key milestone in the development and deployment of solar energy in Europe. It also highlights Masdar’s commitment to partner with global industry leaders such as SENER and bring clean technology closer to the community.

“Masdar is currently working on other solar power projects within the UAE including Shams One and Noor One projects, each with 100MW capacity. We will continue to work closely with industry leaders in the development of projects and ensure they are commissioned and connected to local grids as part of our larger efforts to adopt clean and renewable energy.”

Miguel Domingo, Solar Business Director of SENER, added: “The on-schedule and on-budget completion of the construction and commissioning of the Gemasolar plant is a milestone for SENER. Currently, SENER is the only company in the world that has developed and built a commercial plant with central tower molten salt receiver technology that has already started operation.”

Enrique Sendagorta, Chairman of Torresol Energy, said: “Gemasolar is a revolution in the CSP sector, as the standardization of this new technology will mean a real reduction in the investment costs for solar plants. The commercial operation of this plant will lead the way for other central tower plants with molten salt receiver technology, an efficient system that improves the dispatchability of electric power from renewable sources.”

Founded in 2008, Torresol Energy is a 40:60 Masdar-SENER joint venture. The company that commercially develops, manages construction, owns and operates CSP plants globally has been awarded a 25-year regulated tariff by the Spanish Government.

Torresol Energy’s Gemasolar project received EUR171 million financing through a transaction that involved several leading European financial institutions including Banco Popular, Banesto, ICO and the European Investment Bank.

SENER has already been nominated to represent Spain in the prestigious 2011 European Business Awards in the ‘Innovation’ category for the Gemasolar project’s molten salt storage system technology, which is considered revolutionary in the concentrated solar power sector. The final category Award winners will be announced in Barcelona in November 2011.

Torresol Energy also owns the Valle 1 and Valle 2 plants – currently under construction - that will employ parabolic trough technology and have a power generation capacity of 50MW each. Valle 1 will have the capability to generate 3,950 hours of electricity a year – equivalent to the average consumption of 40,000 households, or in other words, the entire city of Cadiz. The two plants at Cadiz in Spain will together help avoid the emission of 90,000 tonnes of CO2 a year. Both plants will start operations on 31 December, 2011.

Torresol Energy’s focus areas for developing, building and operating additional CSP plans include the US, Southern Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In these areas, the company aims to promote tower plants with a central receiver tower system, or parabolic trough technology, based on the experience acquired in Spain and Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

Spain is one of the world’s most advanced renewable energy players. In 2009, renewable energy represented 12.5 percent of total energy generation in Spain, and this is expected to go up to 20 percent by 2020.

Masdar Power’s other projects include the 1GW London Array, the largest offshore wind farm in the world that will have 341 wind turbines, 30MW onshore wind farm project on Sir Bani Yas Island, 250km southwest of Abu Dhabi city, the Mahe onshore wind farm in Seychelles, and Masdar

PV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Masdar that produces amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic modules eight times larger and more powerful than the industry standard at its plant in Germany.