Solar Energy Investing

Greentech Media reports that the First Solar CEO has sold 3.03 million shares of First Solar stocks, possibly in anticipation of setbacks from Europe.  Although this amount is significant, Wall Street analysts continue to support First Solar and see this move as a way to diversify his assets.

The Motley Fool reports that Canadian Solar Inc. has experienced a lot in a short time.  They have secured a solar cell supply deal with Neo Solar, partnered with Timminco to provide a high grade polysilicon, and was spared drastic cuts that were feared for German subsidiaries.

ABC.net.au reports Professor Stephen Lincoln of Adelaide University says solar panel installation will repay the energy it took to install within three years.  He is encouraging Australia to tap into their sun resources heavily as the sun can provide 10,000 times the amount of energy than can be used in a year.  The Australian Federal Government recently placed a $100,000 household income cap on solar energy rebates.

Reuters reports General Electric anticipates the solar industry to reach $1 billion in revenue within the next three years.  The company has currently reached $100 million in revenue for photovoltaic cells but the key to reaching the billion dollar mark is to make solar less costly.  Currently, wind power is seven times less expensive than solar.

Nano Werk reports Physicist Bram Hoex and his team at Eindhoven University of Technology have improved the efficiency of the solar cell by 6%.  The team used ultra-thin aluminium oxide layer at the front of the cell.  This technology will provide a significant cost reduction for solar electricity.

Street Insider reports Robert Bosch has purchased 50.45% stake in Ersol Solar Energy.  Ersol is said to be more capital intensive than JASO, but JASO has assests in the area of higher return on investment and superior growth.

EarthToys reports $35 million has been issued to Sopogy Inc. from the Governor of Hawaii.  These funds will allow Sopogy to develop renewable energy on the island of Oahu through clean solar power sources.

Red Orbit reports Canadian Solar Inc. has signed an agreement with long term partner, Neo Solar Power to provide high quality solar cells for five years.  This contract is valued above $500 million.

PR Inside.com reports Kyocera Solar Inc, Zacher Homes, and American Solar Electric will make solar systems a standard in Arizona homes.  Three new developments in Phoenix will feature the 2.0kw system to generate 3,500kw a year, translating to a savings of $400 for homeowners’ electric bills.

The Earth Times reports that United Solar Ovonic LLC expects to employ an additional 400 people with their planned expansion of 120MW at the Greenville, Michigan campus.  Applications are currently being accepted, primarily for production technicians.