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Technology, rebates, and cost oh my! For homeowners, there's a lot to consider when installing a home solar power system and switching to solar electricity. That's why we made Sweet Solar Home: to address important questions, help clarify misconceptions, and provide the resources to make your solar experience affordable, smooth, and easy. We're in your corner in the fight against rising energy costs.
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The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.

CALIFORNIA NEWS
California Water District Deploys 1.1MW Solar Array
The system is for the Valley Center Municipal Water District (VCMWD) in Valley Center, CA was financed and will be owned, operated and maintained by Solar Power Partners Inc.

Sempra solar energy project makes advances in costs
An analyst says a Sempra Generation project powering California homes beats conventional sources on cost-effectiveness.

NATIONAL NEWS
Will Solar Save Chip Companies?
As the semiconductor industry prepares to post a rare drop in revenues, with another decline expected next year, it’s no wonder that many chip companies are shifting their hopes to solar power.

Evergreen Solar Shuts Pilot Factory, Takes $25M Write Off
The move should help the Marlboro, Mass.-based company save money, a much-needed move as it tries to weather the recession.

Evolution Solar Comments on Solar Stock Rally
Evolution Solar Corporation announced today that solar stocks rallied on news of what is expected to become the largest on-grid solar power station in China.

Arizona Manufactured Solar Panels Enter Market
The agreement initially calls for Solon to supply over 1.5 megawatts (MW) of its Tucson-manufactured solar panels to American Solar Electric, marking Solon’s entrance into the U.S. residential market segment.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS
Duke’s Solar Program Regulated By N.C. Utilities Commission
The N.C. Utilities Commission has attached conditions to their approval of Duke Energy Carolinas’ proposed $50M solar energy initiative. The main restriction is a limitation on the amount of money Duke can recover under the state’s renewable-energy law.

Nuclear Energy More Expensive than some Clean Power, Study Says
According to a new analysis from Climate Progress, existing nuclear power plant technology can generate electricity at no less than $0.25 to $0.30 per kilowatt-hour (including fuel and O&M, excluding distribution) for the first year of operation.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
What the Green Industry Wants from Obama
The incoming president is getting a long list of ideas from greentech companies that expect him to provide money and policies quickly to help them survive the recession and more.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Yingli & Goldbeck Sign 15MW PV Module Deal
Under the terms of the contract, Yingli is expected to supply a minimum of 15 megawatts (MW) of PV modules to Goldbeck Solar in 2009.

SPI & JA Solar Enter 60MW Solar Cell Deal
The cells will be used for the ongoing production of SPI’s solar modules and supply to SPI begins immediately.

LDK Solar Lowers Sales Outlook, Delays Factory Plan
The Chinese silicon wafer maker saw its fourth-quarter sales drop by 23 percent as customers delayed taking deliveries. Stock fell 15 percent.

Day4 Energy Decreases Work Force by 95 People
Day4 Energy Inc. has implemented a reduction in its overall head count affecting approximately 95 people primarily at its Burnaby production facility.

Sanyo to Cut 1,000 Workers
Sanyo is considering cutting up to 1,000 domestic workers in the next few months, as it scales back unprofitable businesses ahead of an expected buyout by Panasonic. The company will also continue reassigning workers to its solar and rechargeable battery divisions, which have stronger growth prospects.

Juwi Completes 40MW Waldpolenz Plant
The juwi group announced the completion of the Waldpolenz energy park in Brandis, in eastern Germany, ahead of schedule in December 2008.

Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.

The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Solar-Power Industry Remains Hot in California
“While we don’t have the final numbers yet, it appears we nearly doubled the amount of solar installed in 2008 versus 2007,” said Molly Tirpak Sterkel, director of the California Solar Initiative. “That’s a magnificent story.”

Solar Panel Heist Foiled
A tip from a watchful citizen led to the capture of two men believed to have stolen solar panels in Rutherford.

Eurus Energy America Launches Solar Initiative
Eurus will focus on the development of large-scale photovoltaic projects throughout the U.S., with a particular focus on the West.

With aid from the state, Californians Warm to Rooftop Solar Power
Some consumers are concluding that sunshine is their safest investment.

Encinitas: City Completes Residential Solar Power Program
Under a proposal that the City Council asked staff to review earlier this month, homeowners could pay off new solar installation expenses through 20-year loans. The loans would appear on their yearly property tax bills.

Getting Renewable Power to the People
Any electricity generated in the desert by solar plants or wind farms needs to travel via power lines to the cities, most of them clustered along the coast. And the state’s grid of transmission lines can’t do the job. It doesn’t have enough lines in the right places to carry all that power.

More Solar Panels Stolen
Forty solar panels were stolen from the City of Napa’s water treatment plant at Lake Hennessey, the Napa County Sheriff’s Department reported Dec. 19.

Milpitas Schools, Chevron & BOA Complete 3.4MW Solar Project
The 3.4-megawatt (MW) solar parking canopies and shade structures supply 100 percent of the district’s power during the summer months when California’s peak-demand electricity needs are greatest.

Pasadena Volunteer Committee Creating Energy Road Map
The committee’s plan for reducing emissions by 30 percent wouldn’t require reducing Pasadena’s coal intake. Instead, it calls for modest expansions in local green power sources - such as small solar panel projects - and a larger expansion in remote sources, like solar, wind, or other sources.

First Solar Home Project for City of Gridley
The energy contributed could generate more positive off what he pulls off the grid, depending on how much is used. Statewide, municipal utilities, such as Gridley Municipal Utilities, are committed to providing over $780.000 in rebates up to 2017 paid for by the utilities.

Waldorf School Unveils New Solar Installation
Waldorf School of the Peninsula, a K-8 school in Los Altos, partnered with SolarCity to commemorate the opening of the school’s new solar-energy system Dec. 6 at the school’s Holiday Faire.

Solar Firms Seek Land
NextLight Renewable Power, a new California company, had asked to lease 2,000 acres of Nevada-owned land west of U.S. 95 in the Eldorado Valley for a thermal solar plant.

Executives of the Year: SolarCity’’s Rive Brothers are Bright Lights of Silicon Valley
Siblings Lyndon and Pete Rive run their company SolarCity Corp. like coaches of a football team.

The Geyers Taps Solar Power
The Northern California Power Agency has completed a solar energy system to generate electricity for a pump station supplying water to one of its geothermal plants at The Geysers.

NATIONAL NEWS

Residents Powering Homes Face Problems
But the Missouri Public Service Commission, which oversees the utilities, is requiring homeowners to buy insurance before they install solar and start feeding electricity to the grid. And it appears that no Missouri insurance companies sell the insurance.

The Year in Solar: A Mix of Victories and Woes
More government incentives are becoming available to boost solar energy projects in 2008, while new solar technologies are making their market debuts. But the credit crunch has caused no small amount of heartaches.

Solar’s Future Luster
Forecasts for the solar industry’s immediate future are cloudy, but analysts are predicting a clearer picture in the longterm.

Solar Meets Polar as Winter Curbs Clean Energy
In regions where homeowners have long rolled their eyes at shoveling driveways, add another cold-weather chore: cleaning off the solar panels. “At least I can get to them with a long pole and a squeegee,” said Alan Stankevitz, a homeowner in southeast Minnesota.

Palm Bay Considers Solar Power Plant
The Palm Bay, FL city council recently approved a commitment to Southern Alternative Energy, based in Melbourne, to allow the fledgling company to build a solar power demonstration site at the city’s water plant on Osmosis Drive.

Homeowners Tapping Into Massachusetts Solar Panel Fund
In less than a year, the Commonwealth Solar program granted nearly $15 million in rebates out of an initial $17 million block of funding that was supposed to last until next April.

2009 Tax Creak Gives Solar Suppliers a Boost
If you’re considering energy-efficient improvements to your home, 2009 is the year to do it.

Economy Squeezes Out Solar
CEO Blake Jones hastily called a meeting last month to discuss Namaste Solar’s plunging sales of solar panels, its generous culture and uncertain future.

Lower Fuel and Home Prices Stall Green Building
Homebuilders slapped on solar panels and added other eco-friendly enhancements as energy prices soared earlier this year, hoping greener homes would lure reluctant buyers.

Boulder City’s Green Power Push
Boulder City, the community established for the builders of Hoover Dam, is securing its claim as a hot spot for renewable energy, including solar power.

Port Orange Wish List Includes Solar
Port Orange, FL has developed a list of projects, from cleanup of an environmental jewel, to road and sewer projects, to a solar power array.

Green Industry in Need of Trained Workers
One of the most promising fronts in the green economy is solar energy. What will the future solar workforce look like? And do the prospects look promising enough for people to make the leap?

Hoku Solar Arranges Financing for Solar Power Projects
Hoku Solar and and United Fund Advisors (UFA) have established an investment company intended to provide financing for photovoltaic power systems to be installed and operated in the State of Hawaii by the company.

PRC Approves Solar Incentives for NM Business
The state Public Regulation Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to require New Mexico’s largest utility, Public Service Company of New Mexico, to pay businesses 15 cents for each solar-produced kilowatt hour they use. The incentive for homes remains at 13 cents per kilowatt hour.

Mayor: Put Solar Panels on SL County Roofs
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon wants solar panels on top of more than 50 county buildings.

Solar Panels Can Energize Work Force
While other American cities are asking for bailouts to keep doing things the same way, Toledo changed from making car windows to making solar panels. This not only creates jobs for Toledo but helps all of America to get off the addiction of war for oil.

City Tries to Shed light
A Janesville, WI household wants to use solar panels to collect energy, but the City of Janesville needs to clarify the rules for that sort of construction.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS

PG&E to Trim Rates Slightly as of Jan. 1
PG&E called off its planned January increase as natural gas prices kept tumbling.

Gainesville to Launch Solar Feed-In Tariff
In March, the Florida city plans to launch incentives that would allow residents and businesses to profit from selling solar power to the city-owned utility. The program would make Gainesville the first city in the country to do so.

Smart Grid Takes Off
Analysts point to demand-side management as a way to take the pressure off the need for new energy generation while providing flexibility in the grid to accommodate new technologies. Former director of the CIA, R. James Woolsey,, points to demand-side management as a national security issue.

Positive Energy Raises $14M from NEA
Positive Energy, a startup that makes software and analytics systems used by utilities to provide better smart meter services, has raised a $14 million round from New Enterprise Associates.

Hawaiian Electric in Smart Meter Deal with Sensus
Sensus said that Hawaiian Electric, which provides electricity for 95 percent of Hawaii’s residents, plans to install Sensus FlexNet smart meters for 430,000 residential and commercial electric customers, subject to approval of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS

Solyndra Raises $219.2M
The money came from 23 investors including CMEA Ventures and Redpoint Ventures. The funds consist of $96.6 million in working capital and $122.2 million for the “conversion of convertible promissory notes into Series E preferred stock.”

Lending Woes Push Alternative Energy to Back Burner
Analysts say many capital-intensive new projects or expansions of established ones are pretty much on ice until access to money loosens up.

What a Dark Year for Solar Stocks
Of the six solar stocks valued at more than $500 million (a club that grew much smaller during 2008), none outperformed the S&P 500 index, which fell 38 percent last year.

SolarWorld CEO: Solar Module Prices to Slide More Than 10% By 2010
SolarWorld AG’s photovoltaic solar module prices will decline more than 10 percent during the next two years, tightening a squeeze on the German manufacturer’s profit margins.

Piper Jaffray Lowers View on Solar Power Co.’s
Piper Jaffray Friday lowered its view on the solar power sector, saying it had “zero visibility” in most markets and that the first quarter would be a trough for industry shipment.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Green Jobs Compete for Stimulus Aid
In one of the first internal struggles of the incoming Obama administration, environmentalists and smart-growth advocates are trying to shift the priorities of the economic stimulus plan that will be introduced in Congress next month away from allocating tens of billions of dollars to highways, bridges and other traditional infrastructure spending to more projects that create “green-collar” jobs.

TECHNOLOGY

Sono-Tek Launches New Selective Fluxing System for PV Manufacturing
Sono-Tek Corporation announced that the SelectaFlux SC ultrasonic selective fluxing system designed for fluxing solder bus lines in Silicon solar cell manufacturing has been released.

Carbone Lorraine Acquires Calcarb’s Rigid Graphite Felt
Carbone Lorraine announced the acquisition of Calcarb, the second largest manufacturer of rigid graphite felt for the solar industry. This venture compliments Carbone Lorraine’s position as the leader in graphite solutions for solar, industrial, semiconductor and high temperature furnace components.

Party Time!
Metallised balloons may be the best way to make solar electricity.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Toshiba Enters Photovoltaic Systems Integration Market
Toshiba Corporation has announced plans to enter the solar photovoltaics market as a large scale utility and industrial systems integrator and components supplier.

Big Solar Power Plant Planned for Northwest China
Two Chinese companies on Friday announced plans to build a solar power plant in northwestern China that could one day be the largest photovoltaic solar project in the world.

Japan to Bring Back Solar Power Subsidy for Homes
METI said the government would offer 9 billion yen ($99.6 million) in the first quarter of 2009 and possibly more in the fiscal year starting next April to foster use of solar panel equipment in homes.

China Plans World’s Largest Solar Power Plant
At 1 gigawatt, the solar power plant in northwest China would be the world’s biggest, but the timeline is a bit iffy at the moment. Construction starts next year.

Solar Stadium in Taiwan Close to Completion
The new sports arena is also Taiwan’s largest photovoltaic installation to date - fitted with solar modules manufactured by the Taiwanese company Lucky Power Technology Co. Ltd. using equipment provided by 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG.

China Sunergy Announces 22MW Deal with Solarwatt AG
China Sunergy will supply Solarwatt with high efficiency mono-crystalline solar cells at fixed prices, starting in January of 2009 and continuing at a consistent level throughout the year, for a total delivery volume of 22 MW.

China Sunergy Signs 12MW Deal with Ajit Solar
Under the terms of the agreement, China Sunergy will supply and deliver a total volume of 12 megawatts (MW) of multi-crystalline solar cells. It is expected that China Sunergy will deliver 5 MW to Ajit Solar in the first half of the year, and the remaining 7 MW in the latter half.

ACCIONA Puts 46MW PV Project in to Service
The Amareleja plant covers a total area of 250 hectares, located in the parish of Amareleja in the municipality of Moura, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, not far from the border with Spain.

Green Energy Technology to Start Thin Film Shipments in First Quarter
Taiwan-based, Green Energy Technology (GET) has started commercial production from its new Gen 8.5 thin film line, with plans to reach an annualized capacity of 30MW in the 1st quarter of 2009 and ramp to 50MW in 4th quarter of 2009.

S.A.G. Solarstrom Completes 1.1 MW Photovoltaic System
This brings the company’s installation total to 4 megawatt in 2008. The 4 megawatt total is made up of 80 individual PV systems.

Photovoltaic System Installed at Italian Vineyard
Canadian Solar (CSI) has announced that one of its Italian customers, Arco Energy, has completed its first project with CSI modules. The 700 kW project is located in the Barlo Vineyard in Asti, Italy.

Solfocus and Samaras Group to Develop First Commercial Solar Project in Greece Using CPV Technology
Pioneering agreement for 1.6MWp of high efficiency solar to meet demand of 2500 users while curbing carbon emissions from fossil fuel sources.

Kyocera Donates Solar Power Generating Systems to Schools in Nepal
600-watt systems with educational equipment to be installed in 15 schools of the Asian country.

EDF Energies Nouvelles Opens France’s Largest Solar Power Plant
EDF Energies Nouvelles has announced the commissioning and official opening of the La Narbonnaise photovoltaic solar power plant in the Aude region of France. With capacity of 7 MWp, this solar farm - built in 2008 - is the largest solar power plant currently in operation in mainland France.

Roth & Rau affirms 2008 Sales Target Despite Short-Term Trouble
Roth & Rau AG, maker of plant equipment for the production of crystalline solar cells and thin-film cells, said it is on track to meet its 2008 sales target after reporting that sales more than doubled in the third quarter.

Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.

We at SunRun would like to wish you a very prosperous and happy New Year! We’re looking forward to how we can serve you best in the upcoming year.

Just a reminder that our offices are currently closed until January 2nd and Rise & Shine will resume on January 5th, 2009.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanzaa and a very Happy New Year.

SunRun’s offices are closed from December 25th until January 2nd and Rise & Shine will resume on January 5th, 2009.

Have you made a resolution yet for the New Year?

According to FranklinCovey’s 4^th annual New Year’s resolutions survey, “get out of debt or save money” will be Americans’ top resolution this year. Actually, almost 90% of those surveyed plan to treat their bank accounts nicely in 2009, whether that’s sticking to a budget or saving for the future.

Here are 5 ways solar will help you achieve your financial goals for the New Year:

1. Save money on electricity

When you go solar, your monthly bill for electricity will drop right away. Even if you’re paying for solar over time with a solar service or by financing a system purchase, the total amount you’ll spend on solar will likely be less than what you’re paying for electricity today - especially if you’re in a state like California where electricity is expensive.

2. Protect yourself from future electricity rate increases

In California, electricity rates have increased almost 7% per year since 1970. PG&E is bumping up their rates 11% in January of ’09! Solar is the best way to fix your electricity costs for the future so you don’t ever have to see those nasty rate increases  again.

3. Make an investment than can only go up

In this economy, if you’re looking for a place to put your money besides your pillowcase, solar can’t be beat. Think about the upfront cost for solar as your “initial investment” – like a deposit in a savings account – and about your electricity savings as the interest you earn. You’ll be impressed that solar will beat out almost every other type of investment, even in a good economy.

4. Increase your home’s value

In a housing market where more homes foreclose every day, adding solar to your home is a great way to actually improve the worth of your home. Read more in Sweet Solar Home’s previous post about solar and home value.

5. Take advantage of Uncle Sam

In addition to the federal tax credit for solar, many of our 50 states have rebates for solar too. California’s solar rebates, in particular, are pretty generous. The bad news is that, as more solar power gets installed, the lower the rebates get. It’s a great reason to go solar sooner rather than later.

Happy saving and Happy New Year – and let us know if we can help you switch to solar!

Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.

The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.

NATIONAL NEWS

Sopogy, Inypsa & Omniwatt Announce 50MW MicroCSP Plant
Sopogy Inc. has entered into a solar power agreement with Spanish solar project developer Inypsa Informes y Proyectos S.A. and German solar project financer Omniwatt to develop a 50-megawatt (MW) MicroCSP solar power plant by December 1, 2010 in Toledo, Spain.

First Solar Completes 10MW Thin Film Solar Power Project
First Solar has completed its first 10 megawatt ground-mounted photovoltaic power plant for Sempra Generation near Boulder City, Nevada. This project is the largest thin film solar power plant in North America.

US $80B in Contracts Awarded by DOE
These contracts could result in up to US $80 billion in energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation projects at federally-owned buildings and facilities.

Mapping Renewable Energy, Rooftop by Rooftop
The engineering company CH2M Hill is now joining hands with the U.S. Department of Energy to provide Internet solar maps of 25 American cities, using Google Earth technology to chart the precise solar potential of neighborhoods, literally rooftop by rooftop.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS

PG&E & Sempra Sign 10 MW Thin Film PPA
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that it has entered into a long-term agreement with El Dorado Energy LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sempra Generation, to purchase 10 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic solar energy from Sempra Generation’s new El Dorado Energy Solar facility in Nevada.

FPL’s Efforts to conserve Power Usage Spark Battle
The simplest way to battle global warming is to use less electricity. But that basic idea has produced a bitter battle between environmentalists and Florida Power & Light.

Green Power Cuts Raise Questions
The Durango City Council approved the budget, which included the removal of the green power purchase, earlier this month.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH

PV Costs Set to Plunge for 2009/10
The cost of photovoltaic electricity is due to plummet in 2009, according to a new analysis by New Energy Finance. Its latest “Silicon and Wafer Price Index” shows average silicon contract prices falling by more than 30% in 2009, compared with 2008.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

BOC Lien Hwa Supplies Gases to Auria Solar Thin Film Plant
As part of its continuing success in the rapidly growing solar sector, BOC Lien Hwa (BOCLH), has been selected to supply Auria Solar in Tainan.

Juwi Finishes Waldpolenz and Koethen Photovoltaic Projects
Woerrstadt-based system integrator, juwi Group has connected to the grid the company’s largest solar projects to date at the Energy Park, “Waldpolenz” in Brandis near Leipzig as well as in Koethen.

Solar Sports Stadium Nears Completion
Construction on the new main stadium for the World Games 2009 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan will be complete by the end of this year. The new, architecturally impressive sports arena is also Taiwan’s largest photovoltaic installation to date.

Sharp Expands Thin-Film Production in Japan
Since October, Sharp has been operating its second production line for thin-film modules made from micromorphous silicon.

CCID Consulting: Review and Forecast on China’s Solar Cell Industry
China’s solar cell industry has been enjoying a period of stable and rapid growth in recent years, which is likely to be slowed under the current economic environment.

Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.

The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Marin Can Take Pride in Being Bay Area’s Solar Leader
Homeowners, businesses and governmental agencies have been busy installing solar panels - enough to lead the Bay Area in the number of solar-energy panels per capita.

New Options for Tapping into Solar Energy
More affordable options are being touted by the solar industry. In recent months new financing programs have been introduced for homeowners who prefer to lease a solar system or to buy the power produced by a solar system on their home that is owned and maintained by someone else.

Council Gets Secret Solar Panel Report
The analysis, given earlier to some officials, warns that the DWP underestimated the costs of Measure B.

First Solar Reaches Grid Parity
Bachman priced the Sempra First Solar plant in San Diego at 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour, which is below the U.S. grid parity price of 9 cents per kilowatt-hour.

NATIONAL NEWS

Connecticut Solar Power Rebate Program is “Victim” of its Own Success
Connecticut rebate program for home and business owners who purchase solar systems to generate electricity has become so popular, money has run out for some residential rebates, and rebate applications for commercial, government and nonprofit groups are being cut off next month.

Solar Power International Moves to Larger Digs
Solar Power International has announced that the event will be held in Anaheim, California, October 27-29, 2009 to accommodate the event’s rapid growth.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS

Utilities Seek Stimulus Money to Improve Energy Efficiency
A utility association that represents 70 percent of the U.S. power industry joined environmental and energy groups Friday in calling on Congress and the new administration to jump-start the economy by helping Americans save energy.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS

Bosch Invests 530M in Ersol
The Bosch Group has revealed plans to invest some €530 million [US $741.67 million] through to 2012 in expanding solar module production through its majority held subsidiary arm ersol Solar Energy AG.

SolarEdge Funding Confirmed: $23M Round B for Solar Balance of Plant
SolarEdge closed its $23 million Round B led by Vertex Venture Capital with the participation of all previous investors. Its previous round was $11.8 million in funding from Walden International, Opus Capital and Genesis Partners. We’ve also heard that EnPhase, another player in that field, is in the midst of raising their next round.

Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. Announces First Quarter Results
Greg Bakeman, COO and CFO said: “We are pleased to announce that we have made the transition from a development stage company to an operating business.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Siemens Installs Photovoltaic System at Healthcare Facility
Siemens Energy has installed a turnkey photovoltaic plant on the roof of the Siemens Healthcare x-ray systems manufacturing plant in Forchheim. After a planning and construction time of less than three months, the unit went into service on Friday. The solar power installation will generate more than 750 megawatt-hours of climate-friendly electricity per year.

More than 2MW of PV Module Contracts Signed for Europe in 2009, says aleo Solar
The company says it has deals with specialist dealers, installers, and solar technology specialists in core markets throughout the continent.

Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.

The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.

CALIFORNIA NEWS

Analysis Calls Ambitious L.A. Solar Plan Extremely Risky”
An outside consultant says Measure B, which easily made the March 3 ballot, is more costly than portrayed by the city’s Department of Water and Power.

Solar Energy Takes Off at Burbank Airport
As part of the construction of a new private aviation hangar at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California, Independence Power has completed a 268 kW solar power system which meets 100% of the requirements for the new hangar and attached office building.

BP Solar Completes Wal-Mart Project Program
BP Solar has completed construction of solar projects at three Wal-Mart sites in California. The new projects include the 493.7 kW solar power system at the Sam’s Club in La Habra, Calif., and systems at Wal-Mart Super Centers in Palm Springs (605.9 kW) and Beaumont (675.2 kW).

Can California get 70% of its Power from Renewables?
The grid can accommodate a lot more solar and wind power than many experts believe, according to a new study. If it’s correct, it could cut the cost of trying to deploy renewable power.

Solar Installers Get S.F. Tax Break
The Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved broadening an existing tax credit to include solar installers. Companies with fewer than 10 employees will also be eligible.

NATIONAL NEWS

Panasonic to Buy Sanyo in $9 Billion deal
Panasonic to take advantage of struggling Sanyo’s green businesses in solar panels and rechargeable batteries.

One Megawatt Solar System Brought Online at OVC Facility
Liberty Media’s QVC, working with SunPower Corporation today unveiled the installation of a 1-megawatt solar electric power farm at the QVC Rocky Mount, a distribution center in NC.

City OKs High buyback Rate in Solar Program
Gainesville Regional Utilities agreed with members of the solar industry Thursday and recommended a higher rate for the proposed feed-in tariff for their solar energy incentive program.

Mass. Awards $3.2M for Alternative Energy, $17m for Solar
The governing board of the agency authorized the second $17 million funding block for the Commonwealth Solar program, originally launched in January by Gov. Deval Patrick.

Nevada Positioned Well to be Renewable Energy Capital
A poll shows Nevadans of all political stripes favor renewable energy, which prompted a business and technology spokesman to say the state is in a good spot to become a green makeover mecca.

San Antonio Seeks $1 Billion in Stimulus Money
San Antonio officials have drawn up a preliminary wish list packed with projects worth $1.1 billion. If fully funded, the work would create 9,380 jobs, according to city estimates.

UTILITY INDUSTRY & REGULATORY NEWS

PUC Grants Bonuses to Electric Utilities
California regulators handed electric utilities $82.2 million in bonuses Thursday for improving energy efficiency, even though the state isn’t sure the companies saved as much power as they claim.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS

Ernst & Young: $4.6b in Greentech VC investment through Q308
A big push to commercialize solar and other green technologies has brought venture capital investment in the United States, Europe, China and Israel to a new record, the firm says. But the economic downturn is likely to slow the pace of funding.

SCHOTT Solar AG Presents Preliminary FY 2007/2008 Figures
During the company’s fiscal year 2007/2008 (1 October 2007 to 30 September 2008), SCHOTT Solar AG recorded an approximately 70 percent growth in sales to EUR 482 million.

Solar Cell Repower Raises $1.5M to Upgrade Subpar Solar Panels
Solar Cell Repower, a Norwegian startup working on technology to upgrade off-spec solar panels, has closed a Series A round of financing for $1.48 million from NorthZone Ventures.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH

2008 Edition of the Solar Photovoltaic Cell Market Report is Finally Available
The outlook of solar PV market in the next few years largely depends on availability and pricing of polysilicon.

Reshaping Solar: Growth Expected Despite Economy
Tax credits, new trends and independent companies are spurring a solar surge. Elisa Wood reports from San Diego, USA, on the growing consumer interest in solar energy, despite the financial crisis.

Clouds on the Horizon for Solar Power Industry
As oil prices have plunged, solar has become less cost-competitive. At the same time, the credit squeeze has made it harder to finance solar projects.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Schwarzenegger, Bloomberg Tackle Warming
California’s governor and New York’s mayor have agreed to collaborate on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emission, saying they can no longer wait for Washington to act on global warming.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Yingli Green Energy Signs Sales Agreements with Two Leading German PV System Integrators
Under the sales agreement with City Solar, Yingli Green Energy is expected to supply 20 MW of PV modules to City Solar in 2009.

EDF Commissions 7MW Photovoltaic System
EDF Energies Nouvelles has commissioned the La Narbonnaise photovoltaic solar power plant in the Aude region of France. With capacity of 7 MWp, this solar farm - built in 2008 - is the largest solar power plant currently in operation in mainland France.

Sunfilm Production Facility on Track
Sunfilm AG has completed construction of a new 20,000 m2 plant that is now due to begin operations in 2009.

Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.

a guest post by Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson

1. Green up your attitude. Even with the economy in the doldrums, this can be your family’s best Christmas ever. All it takes is looking at the situation as one brimming with potential to make wonderful memories, no matter your cash flow situation. Most people will admit that our focus on consuming has created tremendous problems. So why not give your family’s fixation on “stuff,” a makeover this Christmas and focus on doing instead of buying? That’s not as hard as it might seem. When you enthusiastically explain that “This year, we’re going to make all our gifts,” or “Every night during December leading up to Christmas, we’ll participate in one fun activity as a family,” or “On Christmas, we’re each going to receive one very, special gift,”

your family will be excited and look forward to the day just as they have in the past. Avoid focusing on deprivation and fear. Encourage fun, laughter and meaning.

2. Select a truly green tree. Millions of Christmas trees are purchased, then tossed into landfills each year. You can help by purchasing a living tree, then planting it. Or checking with your local municipality to see if they collect trees for composting. Or chopping up the tree and composting it yourself. If you decide on an artificial tree, avoid purchasing new if possible. Check out local thrift stores for gently used ones. And artificial trees should last at least 10 years. Don’t toss yours until it’s really shabby.

3. Let there be the right light. If you’re buying new, LED lights are the new gold standard. They are bright, but do not heat up and last much longer, at much less cost than incandescent. If you love candles, choose beeswax. They burn cleanly, last longer and fill your home with the fragrance of honey.

4. Create edible décor. Go for no-waste holiday décor. This might include gingerbread people for the tree or table. (If they are too stale to eat after the holiday, smear them with peanut butter, dip in bird seed and hang from trees outdoors). Old-fashioned strings of popcorn or cranberries are festive and can be eaten by birds as well. A pretty platter in the center of the table holding organic chocolates or other small desserts makes a nice centerpiece even when the goodies have been eaten.

5. Wrap it up right. The latest and greatest way to wrap gifts is using fabric. Get directions for fabulous, but simple wrapping techniques in our book, Celebrate Green! or online www.bobowrap.com where they sell gorgeous pieces of fabric just for this purpose. You can also make your own from any lightweight material you have available. Cut a square using pinking shears. Or cut two squares the same size, sew around the edges leaving an opening. Turn, sew the opening closed and iron. If you’re not the crafty type use a silk or cotton scarf or even a napkin for small gifts.

6. Give of yourself. Most of us would love to have someone else do things that we dislike or are not particularly good at. So if you love to cook, why not offer to make a meal once a month for your mom who does not. Car washing is a chore for most people. Make a coupon book with 12 hand washes and make a friend or relative very happy. Maybe you can walk someone’s dog, weed for them, give a great massage or put items on e-bay. Your talents are as valuable as any other gift.

7. Go paper free, not just when wrapping, but when greeting. Seven billion greeting cards are sold in the U.S. ever year. That’s a lot of trees. While not all are sold during the winter holidays, this year, consider going tree-free when it comes to greetings. There are some wonderful tree-free alternatives like those made from odorless elephant dung from The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company (This might be one way to get teenagers to write thank you notes!) Or what about cards from www.BotanicalPaperworks.com that have seeds embedded and when planted, sprout beautiful flowers. A great alternative for some people, are e-cards. You can create your own on dozens of sites like www.Buzzle.com or select from thousands of sites that offer everything from humorous to religious cards for every age.

8. Play games. One way to avoid generating a lot of waste when you’re hosting a crowd for Christmas is to do a white elephant exchange. You can find directions on line, but in the most simple terms, each person brings a gift. It can be a literal white elephant (something you no longer want) or something nice, but still pre-owned. Wrap the gifts in newspaper or cloth. Everyone picks a number and the person with number 1 can choose any of the unopened gifts she wants. Then number two chooses etc. Once everyone has a gift, everyone opens them. Then the fun really begins. Choose numbers again. Now the person with number one can take anyone else’s gift and so on. You can do as many rounds as you like.

9. Buy for others. Donating to causes your gift recipient believes in is terrific on so many levels, not the least of which is, it’s a no waste way of gifting. Take a look at www.TisBest.com where you can design your own gift card made of recycled plastic. Or you may choose to send an e-card explaining that the recipient can choose from among 250 non-profits to receive the donation. If you’re not sure if the organization you want to donate to is legitimate check out www.charitynavigator.org an independent charity evaluator, which works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of over 5,300 of America’s largest charities.

10. Do for others. To us, being green means thinking about more than ourselves. Whether we’re involved in programs to save the Earth or to support our fellow human beings, we see ourselves as part of a whole. This means having a giving heart, especially around holidays. If your family is making a gingerbread house, make an extra and take it to a children’s home. Bake extra cookies, decorations or gifts and deliver them to a police or fire station or retirement home. Offer to sing Christmas carols during dinner at a homeless shelter. Bring your children and help them discover that the greatest gift is giving.

Lynn and Corey Colwell are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.NET

Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.

The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.

CALIFORNIA NEWS

SCE Gets CPUC Approval for 245MW Solar Thermal Plants
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California Regulators to Vote on San Diego Power Line
San Diego Gas & Electric Co. says it must build a $1.9 billion, 123-mile transmission line to harness solar, wind and underground heat from a distant desert.

NATIONAL NEWS

Energy Plans Advance
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SAS Solar Farm Goes Live
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Northeast’s Largest Solar Energy Company Announces New Name: Alteris Renewables, Inc.
Solar Works, Inc. and SolarWrights, Inc, announced today the new name of their united enterprise - Alteris Renewables, Inc.

Community’s First CU to Build Net Zero Energy Commercial Building
The need to conserve our natural resources is a major part of our mission, which is why Community First Credit Union will be using solar energy to power our branch.”

The Fight to Survive, Writ Small
Hoss Boyd, owner of Premier CIRE Systems in New Braunfels, Tex., has turned to credit card lines of credit for fresh financing.

FINANCIAL NEWS & MARKETS

VC investments to Fall in ‘09
A National Venture Capital Association survey says U.S. investments could fall by 10% next year, but greentech companies could get more money instead. Other VCs disagree.

MEMC Revises Down Fourth Quarter Revenue Guidance
MEMC commented on market conditions impacting its business and provided an update to its fourth quarter financial targets.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Senator Reid Calls for Hyperspeed Tax credits for Clean Energy
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

8 MW of solar PV Inaugurated in Spain
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EU Leaders target 20% 2020 Renewable Energy Target
European Union leaders accorded recently to battle climate change by ordering that a fifth of Europe’s energy mix should come from renewable sources within 12 years.

Second Austrian Cell Factory Starts Production
The plant in Güssing, near the Hungarian border, belongs to Blue Chip Energy GmbH.

China Sunergy Puts Additional Lines into Commercial Production
China Sunergy, a specialized solar cell manufacturer based in Nanjing, held an opening ceremony today for the 3rd stage production lines of China Sunergy at its Nanjing production base.

Solar-Fabrik AG Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
The Supervisory Board of Solar-Fabrik AG has appointed Mr. Günter Weinberger as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solar-Fabrik AG.

Kyocera Donates Solar Power Generating Systems to Schools in Nepal
Kyocera has announced that it will donate solar power generating systems to middle schools in the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Are you in California and interested in solar for your home? Call us at 877.SUN.MOJO or visit our website to learn more.