Solar Energy Investing

Media Newswire reports Mesa Community College has opened a new science building and planetarium.  The 60,000 square foot building is LEED certified and the 2,100 ft planetarium that features solar panels that double as shade for the Astronomy plaza.

VentureBeat reports Ausra, a solar thermal power company, is looking to raise $50 million in funding from investors.  Their plant, currently operating in Las Vegas, is expected to produce 700MW of electricity.  The company also has a 177MW facility under construction at this time.

BusinessWire reports Future Lighting Solutions has donated LED light components to be used on a solar car.  The solar car is being built by students at the University of Minnesota to compete in the 2008 North American Solar Challenge.  The LUXEON Rebel is the smallest mountable LED available today.

TechFinance.ca reports $1.5 million will be invested by the Ontario, Canada government to 6N Silicon Inc.  The funding comes from the Innovation Demonstration Fund.  6N purifies silicon into 99.9999% for use in solar panels.  This process will reduce the material cost and encourage more solar power installation in Ontario.

Red Orbit reports Los Angeles students have received a solar electric system from FOX “American Idol” and Solar 4R Schools.  This donation will help FOX achieve its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2010.  The 2.3 kw solar system was previously used at the E-Village media arrivals area for the “American Idol” finale.  Solar 4R Schools is the educational program of the non-profit Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

Green Tech Blog reports Global Solar Energy is trying to raise $100 million to construct two new thin-film development plants in Arizona and Berlin.  These plants would expand the company into solar cells inbedded in roofing and siding for construction use.  Currently, Global Solar Energy sells their cells for military usage and to charge consumer electronics.  Other companies use the same CIGS technology, but Global Solar Energy is confident their cells will be 13-14% efficient.

Guampdn.com reports water stills will desalinate 3 gallons of water an hour to provide fresh water to the island of Chuuk.  The 60 stills will run off solar power and were donated by The Rotary Clubs of Guam.

Photonics Online reports the world’s largest developer in high performance fiber lasers and amplifiers has given funds to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to enhance the educational and research capabilities in their lab, named after IPG Photonics Corporation.  Four pieces of equipment were gifted to the institute to generate and harness light for use in laser technology and medical applications.

World Tribune.com reports Kyocera Corp of Japan will install 500 solar systems to generate electricity in Tunisia, Africa.  The use of energy batteries will provide electricity during night hours.  Tunisia currently has the smallest energy reserve in North Africa.

Cleantech reports Google will be putting $10 million into eSolar. eSolar is a Pasadena, Calif. developer of solar thermal technology.