Solar Energy Investing

North County Times reports the installation of a 10,000-square-foot solar system on the roof of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. The system was provided by San Diego Gas and Electric as part of it’s sustainable communities program. At peak production the system can generate enough electricity to power about 65 homes, according to the musuem. SDG&E seeks to have 20% of the region’s electricity generated by clean and renewable sources by 2010.

The Las Vegas Sun reports the construction of a solar power generation station began Monday. The station is designed to provide a quarter of the electricity needs of Nellis Air Force Base. MMA Renewable Ventures is leasing the 140 acres where the $100 million project will b e built by SunPower Corp. By next year 70,000 solar panels will be installed and generating more than 25 million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year. Nevada Power’s renewable energy executive, Thomas Fair, said once the Nellis project and a solar thermal plant in Boulder City are complete, Nevada could have the highest solar energy production in the country.

BBC News reports the Tory party disputes the low rankings given by WWF and Friends of the Earth. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Tory deputy leader, said Tory proposals at a UK level were not taken into account. The proposals include a consultation on taxation of aviation fuel as well as a proposed £12 million annual grant bonus scheme for households, small businesses and communities that could be used towards the installation of energy conservation systems such as solar and ground heating systems.

The Eagle Tribune reports Osgood Properties will be using solar energy to power their North Andover company. In a few weeks the company will be connecting their 608 solar panels to the building’s main electrical panel. At peak capacity the panels will be able to power an estimated 60-90 homes, but will used to supply 2 to 3 percent of the company’s energy consumption. the project is expected to pay for itself in just four years.

Technocrat reports a post on how to heat your pool with solar power. Before any work is started on your pool, it is advised to read over all the safety precautions to avoid any possible injury. There are also many factors to consider such as type of solar panels to use, as well as how big your pool is. The article also covers topics such as air-relief valves, solar pool covers, controllers, motors , drains, sanitation and plumbing.

Forbes reports Jeff Osborne, a CIBC World Market Corp. analyst, cut his ratings of both Solarfun Power Holdings C. Ltd. and JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. from “Sector Outperformer” to “Sector Performer”.

“Both companies are currently trading above our previous price targets at valuations that we do not see as defensible for commodity PV cell/module suppliers.” Wrote Osborne.

Osborne said he prefers shares of Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. in the solar sector.

Azom.com reports Evergreen Solar, Inc. will be building a new facility on the campus on the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in Westborough. The company manufactures solar power products with low-cost String Ribbon™ wafer technology.  Up to $23 million in grants, $17.5 million in low-interest loans and a low-cost 30-year lease of MTC land is expected to come from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts support program. Construction of the facility will begin in early fall of this year and is expected to be completed late 2008.

San Francisco Business Times reports the chief financial officer of SVB Financial Group is resigning to return to the energy sector. Jack Jenkins-Stark will be leaving to join solar energy company BrightSource Energy. Michael Descheneaux will replace Jenkins-Stark on April 30. Descheneaux was a Managing Director with Navigant Consulting and head or Arthur Anderson’s financial services practice for the Central and Eastern Europe region.

Reuters reports Evergreen Solar Inc. reported a narrower quarterly loss on Tuesday that beat analyst’s estimate. Evergreen has entered a multi-year agreement with DC Chemicals Co. to supply polysilicon to manufacture photovoltaic solar modules through 2014. DC Chemical will buy 3 million shares of Evergreen stock at $12.07 per share, according to the deal. Evergreen will also be constructing a $150 million facility in Westborough, Massachusetts.

East Bay Business Times reports Oakland, California made #1 on a list of U.S. cities using renewable energy. 17 percent of its power comes from solar, wind and geothermal sources. San Francisco tied with both Sacramento and San Jose for second place, each getting 12 percent of their power from renewable sources. 6 California cities made the top 10 out of a list of 50 cities thanks to the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard which requires a 20 percent renewable-energy total for the state’s utilities by 2020.