Solar: News, Events & Developments
Renewable Energy

Applied Materials get more Solar Power

In the ever increasing world of competition, so far, one company stands apart. According to CNN, Applied Materials Inc. and SunPower Corp. say that they have installed the "nation's largest solar-power deployment on corporate grounds." This is very cool news. This could lead to lots of companies competing on who can create more solar power for their company. But it goes beyond that. Corporations have budgets, anytime you can take a burden off the electrical budget, it is only good. While initial costs for regular consumers may be out of their reach at the moment, for larger corporations, it may make sense to go solar.

More Solar to China

More solar is on its way to China, to be built. LDK Solar announced according to Forbes that they will install a facility in China. The Manufacturing plant will produce polysilicon CVD reactors. LDK joined with GT Solar International for the deal.

China to Supply more solar

The AP is reporting that Solarfun Power Holdings Co. pv cells to a German company for 3 years. They will also work on more efficient products as well

Another Big Solar Contract

This particlular story has a twist. Local CEO Jim Barkley recently purchased 336 PV solar panels to put on his roof. These panels will generate 75 kilowatts of energy. He is figuring on breaking even in about five year. This is one of the more interesting things happing with solar power. If more companies think like Mr. Barkley, we could become closer to the energy goals that we so loftly desire.

Solar Craze in California

Solar will be exploding in California very soon. Power companies are realizing that the state has a lot of sunlight that can be harvested. This push will help meet the demand of the local government to have 20% of its power generation from renewables.

Australia loves Solar

Australia continues to be one of the leaders in solar energy according to the Australian Business. They are planning to build the worlds largest solar power plant. The plant should be completed and running by 2011. It will products 250 megawatt's of electricity. How much is that? one megawatt = powering 1000 homes(Department of Energy). This new power plant will power 250,000 homes. To go along with this great news WorleyParsons wants to build 34 more plants by 2020.

General & Grupo at the Forefront

GE and Grupo Corporativo Landon announced today they will invest about US $350 million in Fotowatio, one of Spain's largest and most successful solar power project developers. As solar becomes more popular, we will see more companies vying for the top of the energy food chain. With this in mind, with this move GE may be at the forefront of solar energy.

Google "shines"

Last month Google made the news again. This time with its continuation of investments in solar power, along with Oak Investment Partners and Idealab, created eSolar. Recently eSolar has stated that a 245 megawatt solar power station in California and should be fully operational by 2011. We continue to be impressed with Google's continued support of alternative clean power.

Universities switch over

Are you struggling with the constant surge for the price of energy? Does thinking about the rising cost, give you some grey hairs that you really didn't want? Here are two interesting ways around both. UCSF, Mission Bay Campus has locked in the price of its energy for twenty years. The did this by linking up with a solar power company. The company installed the panels, and sells the energy to the school. The end result ended up in lower costs for the University.

If you live in New Jersey be proud of yourself. No, not because of all of the diners, because of all the solar panels. A while ago New Jersey started a rebate incentive to buy solar. It worked great and they now are second to California for solar panel installation. The one drawback to the program; A backlog of people waiting for their rebates.

Almost Cost Competative

According to a Reuters article, solar power could be cost competitive by 2015. The study conducted said the price of solar panels will continue to go down and become cost competitive with fossil fuels and natural gas. This is exciting news; because the cheaper and cleaner our energy becomes the closer we are to having clean running electric cars.

Fedex is "Clean"

The only way that gas free cars will reach the road is if large companies are willing to take the step as well. In the latest move towards clean energy, Fedex has anounced an expansion of hybrid electric trucks to their fleet. We are encouraged by this move to cleaner vehicles. For more information on this, the latest press release is available.

Solar Energy Developments

Solar Energy alternatives are well on their way. Private and public sectors are moving toward energy independence. The most effective way to broaden the green movement is to have a wide base of support.

One particular movement is underway to ensure that 25 percent of the United States energy consumption comes from America's farms, forests and ranches by 2025. This movement is called 25x25, 25% renewable by the year 2025. The proposal is looking to put 375 million dollars into solar research. This plan has garnered unbelievable support from the public as well Republicans and Democrats alike. Solar technology integration is integral in ensuring that the vision of 2025 takes place. This is great news all around because the more money spent on solar energy development now, means more dollars saved later.