Solar Energy Investing

Colombo Page reports Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a solar project in Galgamuwa Village.  Their decision demanded suitable land, free of charge, to begin the project.

Inhabitat reports a new sculpture in Canada collects the sun’s energy during the day and puts on a light show at night.  The sculpture is created by Solar Collectors.

TradingMarkets.com reports China Sunergy will receive 156 millimeter solar wafers for seven years from Renewable Energy Corporation Wafer.  The cost for the life of the agreement will exceed $400 million.

istockAnalyst reports Evolution Solar Corp is bidding to be the first to deliver 34kw of solar energy for a municipal transit authority.  First Solar, SunPower, Applied Materials, and Solar World all have agressive expanision plans for the near future to increase the supply of solar energy.

Synfo.com reports Sunreef has released their newly designed catmaran, the 150 foot ONE FIFTY.  Flat surfaces on the hulls allow for solar panel installation for an alternative energy source.  The yacht sleeps 12 guests in 6 double staterooms.

EcoLocalizer reports Florida Power & Light Company are adding 110MW of solar power to their portfolio through three new projects.  These projects will make Florida number two in the nation for solar energy.  FPL’s CEO spoke against the US Senate at the Climate Summit because of their failure to pass a legislation that limits carbon dioxide emissions.

Scientific American reports IBM, Intel, and Hewlett-Packard are looking to revolutionize the solar cell industry as they brought PCs to peoples’ homes.  These large companies have previous experience, multi million dollar research budgets, tech equipment and worldwide facilities.  These companies are funding their own research without government incentive or assistance to lower the cost of solar cells.

Energy Current reports Florida Power & Light Company has three new solar projects that will make it number two in the nation for solar energy production.  The world’s largest photovoltaic solar facility in DeSoto County is expected to begin construction by the end of 2008.  The first “hybrid” energy center combines solar thermal technology with combined cycle generator unit, and the Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center are expected to create a combined 110 MW.

CIOL reports SVTC Technology has launched the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center.  The center will be dedicated to developing equipment, support and engineering, and commercialize solar products.   San Jose has invested in the center and corporate investment is estimated between $20-$30 million.  The center will allow for a customer to test, develop, and pilot their product at a lower cost.

Gizmodo reports Sharp and Kansai Electric Power are building two massive solar plants in Sakai, Japan by 2010.  Together, the plants will create a combined 38 MW of power and will contribute to Sakai’s goal of becoming a leading eco-friendly city.